The nonprofit industry has been evolving and booming in the past few years, and 2023 is looking to be no exception. The beginning of the new year offers opportunities for any charity, nonprofit organization, or local community group to launch fundraising efforts. And while it’s easy to stick to what you know when it comes to your nonprofit endeavors, you can be more successful in your campaigns if you are aware of the latest trends in the industry.
Trends the nonprofit sector should consider in the coming year
Achieve more this year by paying attention to the following trends that will shape the nonprofit landscape.
Continued support for digital wallets and online payments
Cash and check were once the most popular forms of donations, but they have lost traction in recent years. This shift is part of the larger trend across industries, where more and more customers are using debit or credit cards in their transactions. In fact, credit card use saw up to a 7% rise in 2022.
Digital wallets such as Apple Pay and Google Pay are also becoming increasingly favored donation options, driving many nonprofits to offer online forms with QR code scanning support to accept these payments. Some charities even allow cryptocurrency contributions.
In 2023, your nonprofit organization should be able to support digital payment channels, or you may risk missing out on contributions.
Heightened focus on social media
Social media has become a mainstay in the marketing strategies of both nonprofits and commercial businesses over the last decade, with no indication of waning anytime soon. Kepios reports 4.74 billion social media users as of October 2022, which is 59.3% of the world population. So if you can improve your presence in social media across all digital age demographics, you can reach a wider audience base and your next nonprofit campaign can be more successful.
Consider how you can make the most of TikTok as a marketing channel. While established social media networks like Instagram and Facebook are still popular, TikTok is the most engaging platform today, by far outperforming other channels.
More tailored donation journeys
Nonprofits are recognizing the significance of providing a customized experience to their donors, especially when targeting younger generations. Generation Z, in particular, anticipates that their digital experiences should be tailored around them, but is wary of anything that may seem contrived.
To strike the right balance between personalization and authenticity, you can customize forms for repeat donors, propose a donation amount based on prior donations, or send individualized thank-you emails. You can even look into incorporating artificial intelligence into your marketing strategy so you can better customize each donor’s experience.
Related reading: AI (Artificial Intelligence): Where It’s Going
Greater focus on security
Cyberattacks pose actual threats to the nonprofit sector. Not only can cybercriminals steal data from nonprofits, but they can also disrupt these organizations’ ability to carry out activities, which can be detrimental to the lives of people who depend on them.
This is why you should make cybersecurity and donor data safety your top priority. There are various initiatives you can undertake to strengthen your cybersecurity posture, such as introducing double opt-in options, captcha verification, multifactor authentication protocols, and single sign-on systems. You can also consider partnering with an outsourced technology expert so you can be on top of your cybersecurity needs without incurring steep expenses.
How can an MSP help you keep up with these trends in 2023 and beyond?
While nonprofits are increasingly becoming reliant on technology to reach a larger audience, run campaigns, and accept donations, most have limited resources to allocate toward IT. If this sounds like your situation, a managed IT services provider (MSP) can provide expertise and specialized tools at competitive prices so you can protect your data and systems.
For instance, MSPs can implement top-of-the-line cybersecurity solutions to ensure that your payment channels are as secure as can be. Some MSPs also develop custom apps or solutions, a service you can utilize to personalize your donors’ experience.
Overall, MSPs are essential for nonprofits seeking to remain relevant in a changing market. An MSP like Online Computers can help your nonprofit stay up to date with industry trends and keep your systems secure while doing so. Drop us a line today to learn more.