While it is still unclear what 2021 will hold for the nonprofit sector, there are some things we know now from 2020 that nonprofits should be prepared for. We’re here to help you navigate these uncharted waters to help you simplify fundraising.
In this article, we’ve rounded up the top trends that nonprofits organizations should prepare for 2021, and what you can start doing today to get ahead.
Trends that Nonprofits Organizations Should Prepare for 2021
Although we all remain hopeful for the day when we will combat the coronavirus, nonprofits should prepare for COVID-19 to not go away quickly. Practically, nonprofits should plan for 2021 as if nothing were to change right now.
This means that nonprofits should focus on digital fundraising. Including:
Online giving
Virtual auctions
Text-to-Give
Peer-to-Peer
Crowdfunding
Live stream fundraising events
QR Codes
Social media giving
Virtual donor meetings
And more
The good news is, digital fundraising options are, on average, cheaper than in-person fundraising endeavors. So whenever it is healthy and safe for your community to gather face-to-face - or do a hybrid of the two - you can utilize additional funds saved and raised online. But by and large, nonprofits should be prepared to incorporate digital fundraising for the foreseeable future.
How Nonprofits Can Prepare Today
The single most important thing nonprofits can do today to prepare for 2021 is start reviewing 2020 progress. Set aside a couple of hours with your fundraising team. Ask one another:
Where did we succeed in 2020?
What goals did we achieve in 2020?
What did our team do well in 2020?
What challenges did our team overcome in 2020?
What losses did we face in 2020?
What mistakes did we make in 2020?
What have we learned about virtual fundraising in 2020?
What messages did our supporters really get behind in 2020?
What giving opportunities resonated with our donors in 2020?
What did our team not try in virtual fundraising that we want to try or donors have asked us to try in 2020?
Looking back at where your organization has been will provide clarity on where you should be heading in 2021. Speaking of looking forward, it’s important to consider not just what you should do, but who you should reach.
Consider donor groups that your nonprofit may be able to cultivate stronger relationships online within 2021, such as:
Board of Directors
Alumni
Volunteers
Corporate partners
Other charities
In-kind donors
Non-monetary givers
Gen-Z and Millennial supporters
Foundations
Who could you be reaching out to now to start building relationships with? Brainstorm 2-3 ways that your organization could connect with 1-2 of these donor segments where they already are online.
For example, interact with Gen-Z followers on Instagram and Tik Tok, launch a Text-to-Engage campaign and host a live event for Millennial supporters.
Prepare For 2021 With ZGIVE
Start 2021 strong with ZGIVE, a top-of-the-line online fundraising platform that includes unlimited fundraising and marketing campaigns to maximize giving and improve donor engagement. ZGIVE has all the digital fundraising tools you need to make your 2021 plans a success.