Can you believe 2024 is already here? Just yesterday, we were prepping for the New Year 2023. But there is no time to get nostalgic because there are mad new fundraising trends already kicking in that you have to get hip to! So, let's explore the top developments fundraisers need to know to smash their 2024 goals.
Personalize Or Get Ghosted
In 2024, generic fundraising approaches are so last year. We live in the era of hyper-personalization - our social media feeds are customized to our interests, Netflix suggests shows based on our watching history, and Spotify creates playlists for our unique music tastes.
Donors today expect the same level of personalization from nonprofits. Mass blasts with generic appeals end up in the trash folder. To connect with supporters in 2024, you must get personal and segment your outreach.
Send targeted emails talking about issues your different donor groups care about. They have supported feature-specific programs in the past. And lay off the donate button - build a relationship first! Donors give to people and causes, not organizations.
Go On A Digital Detox
2023 was the year most nonprofits finally went all in on digital engagement because they had to. With in-person events limited, digital was the only way to connect with donors.
But guess what? Even as the world opens up in 2024, digital engagement continues to grow. Online donations and mobile payments are here to stay because people find it convenient and easy.
So don't abandon your digital infrastructure just yet. Email newsletters, social campaigns, peer-to-peer fundraisers - keep them all going. And invest in improving your online donation portal - make giving seamless for supporters.
But balance it out with some old-school in-person love. We all crave human connections—host appreciation events or fundraising galas for your loyal donors. Send handwritten notes once in a while. Small personal touches go a long way.
Cultivate The Next Gen
Today's donors range from the Silent Generation to Gen Z, with very different preferences and habits. While older gens still dig direct mail appeals, the youth live their whole lives online - Instagram, Facebook, you name it.
To succeed in 2024, nonprofits need a multidimensional outreach strategy targeting donors across generations. Customize your messaging and channels to resonate with each group.
And start building loyalty early with Gen Z supporters in their 20s. They sincerely care about causes and are vocal on social media. Get them invested in your mission now so they remain supporters for life.
Get Hip To AI
ChatGPT took the world by storm, proving how advanced AI is getting. In 2024, smart nonprofits will tap into artificial intelligence to take fundraising to the next level.
AI tools can rapidly analyze donor data to predict likely supporters for campaigns. Machine learning lets you deliver hyper-targeted and personalized messages at scale.
AI can even write first drafts of those boring fundraising emails and appeal letters! But here's the tea - fundraisers must always pilot the AI ship. Automated tools should assist humans, not replace them.
So get smart on how AI can improve your impact rather than "steal" your job. You can take online courses to improve your skills if you have to. Trust us: AI is here to stay and can be a fundraiser's best friend!
Diversify Those Bills!
The economic downturn has nonprofits feeling anxious about hitting their revenue goals. But don't worry - there are always new streams to tap.
In 2024, explore monthly giving programs for reliable recurring donations rather than unreliable one-time gifts. Offer easy payroll deductions and employer matching to make it seamless for supporters.
Also, capitalize on the booming crowdfunding market. Set up online pages where donors can easily create parallel campaigns for your cause.
And remember the value of non-cash support! Collaborate with companies to get pro-bono services or in-kind donations. Explore planned giving programs, too, for future legacy gifts.
Wrap Up
So, these hot trends and topics should be on every forward-thinking fundraiser's radar in 2024. It's an exciting (if uncertain) time in the nonprofit sector. But with knowledge of the top trends, a bit of agility, and much hustle, fundraisers can ride this wave of uncertainty into calmer waters.
If you want to take your company to cloud nine but need some investments to make it pop off, contact Kick Advisory. We've got the inside line on scoring venture capital, growth funding, debt refinancing, etc. The financial experts at Kick Advisory will guide you through the whole fundraising shuffle - from perfecting your investment pitch to routing out potential investors.
Additionally, if you're looking for expert fundraising advisory services, our team can help you make smarter decisions and grow your capital efficiently. With our support, you'll navigate the fundraising process with confidence and clarity
