As we approach the final weeks of 2021, it’s important to reflect on how your fundraising went this past year and what you might do differently in the coming year.
You know the definition of insanity — doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result. Likewise, the expression, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Your job is to figure out what’s working and what’s not.
In other words, don’t get stuck in the same old rut and stick with what works!
You are Resilient
If I had to describe nonprofit leaders in 2021 in a single word, the word I would unquestionably choose is resilient.
- 2020 was defined by the crisis.
- 2021 was filled with resilience, as nonprofits did what needed to be done to bounce back.
- 2022 will be a new beginning with the understanding that COVID is here to stay.
6 Fundraising Trends to Watch in 2022
Here are six trends (some new and others continuing) to pay close attention to for your fundraising in 2022.
1. Hybrid is Here to Stay
The concept of hybrid means both in-person and virtual options. That doesn’t necessarily mean at the same time (not every event you do needs to be hybrid). What it does mean is that you will have some in-person and some virtual events.
Likewise, you’ll continue to meet with donors in-person and virtually whenever appropriate. Virtual meetings (over Zoom and other video chat technology) enable us to meet donors whenever and wherever they are, in a manner that’s most convenient for them.
2. Leverage Technology
When it comes to technology, many nonprofit leaders are laggards. With limited staff and resources, it can be challenging to be early adopters when you’re unsure how new technology will pan out. However, the newest technology, apps, programs, and services can make your lives and fundraising many times easier, and they are getting less and less expensive.
Pick at least one new software, program, service, or app to try each quarter of 2022. That’s a great way to sample the latest tech and discover what works best for your nonprofit.
3. Community Centric Fundraising
If you aren’t familiar with Community Centric Fundraising, you might be living under a rock. The idea is that fundraising should be “grounded in equity and social justice.”
The concepts supported by Community Centric Fundraising are evolving and aren’t universally accepted, but they are gaining momentum and you should be familiar with them and work toward implementing these concepts whenever possible. If you do, you’ll be part of a growing movement to make the world a more just and equitable place, starting within our own sector.
4. Cryptocurrency
If you don’t already accept cryptocurrency gifts, you’ll probably want to start in 2022. Cryptocurrency is becoming more and more mainstream, and it looks like it’s here to stay. Ten years ago, many nonprofits didn’t accept credit cards or online payments. Today, that’s unimaginable. The same thing will likely be true of crypto. Add it to your to-do list for this year.
5. Monthly Giving and Mobile Giving
This is nothing new, but if you haven’t focused on your monthly giving or mobile giving, it’s time to get on the bandwagon. Monthly giving should be an easily selectable option on your donation page. Encourage donors to give monthly to increase their giving and provide a reliable stream of income to your nonprofit all year long. Similarly, if it’s not easy for donors to give when they are on their phones, it’s time to optimize your site.
6. Podcasts are the New Blogs
There are dozens, if not hundreds, of podcasts focused on nonprofits and fundraising. You can listen in the car or on your morning jog. I listen while cooking. Try a few and see which one you like best.
Speaking of podcasts, I hope you’ll check out mine, All About Capital Campaigns, which I do with my co-founder of the Capital Campaign Toolkit, Andrea Kihlstedt. You don’t have to be doing a Capital Campaign to learn from some valuable lessons. Each week we discuss a variety of fundraising best practices — I hope you’ll join us!
Pick One or Two to Start
Those are just a few of the trends and bandwagons to jump on as we head into 2022. If the list feels overwhelming, pick one or two to start with.
If you’re already on board with as many as five or six, I’d love to hear from you. What trends do you have your eyes on as we head into the New Year? Leave a comment below.
This comes as a ray of hope at this point of time. Yes, resilience only keeps us motivated. Looking forward to explore the relevant links.
Thank you🙂