Mobile fundraising — often done through apps or texting — matters not just because it’s successful, but because of what it represents for younger generations. Good digital experiences and mobile app design will be key in driving mobile donations.
2. Virtual Events Will Rise and Evolve
When the history books are written, it’s quite likely that the story of 2020 will include an entire chapter on the growth of virtual communication and events. At the start of 2020, apps such as Zoom and Microsoft Teams were relatively niche business tools. Now, they dominate online communication.
That story will likely continue in 2021, but tactics might need to adapt. A recent study from the Goodman Center found that 65 percent of respondents have raised concerns about videoconferences taking up too much of the work week, and some fear that fatigue will also apply to virtual fundraising events, which some say aren’t engaging enough for remote attendees. For nonprofits that offer educational services, such as associations, there are worries that videoconferencing isn't fit for some learning styles.
For nonprofits looking to offer services digitally, as well as those looking to fundraise, this may require shifts in tactics as the virtual event market matures and evolves. A strong cloud infrastructure for storing on-demand content, as well as an investment in business communication or collaboration tools, may be necessary to support online events.
There is a lot of opportunity to excel in 2021 in terms of virtual events, but nonprofits must change with the times.
3. Data Analytics Will Grow in Importance
Data is the driving engine behind many nonprofits. Not only does it shape the way that nonprofits reach out to potential donors, it guides how they manage and distribute their services.
Data analytics tools offered by companies such as Tableau and Splunk can help uncover areas where organizations can improve while helping better analyze data nonprofits already have for potential business opportunities.