How to Raise Funds with Hashtags

Take charge of your outreach by gaining direct access to donors to meet or exceed your fundraising goals.

Ah, the rainmakers!

Raising money is serious business. Whether working as a development officer or as a charitable individual, there are nearly as many kinds of fundraisers as there are worthy organizations in need. Don’t be fooled by the feel good “fun runs” or the silent auctions. The people who raise the cash are serious players, which is why nonprofit organizations depend on this critical role.

Unfortunately, too many nonprofits rely heavily on “hope” when it comes to reaching fiscal goals. They have plans in place but feel their strategies should yield more contributions. As Steve Reed wrote at the Bloomerang blog (emphasis added):

“A confidential study […] revealed that chief executive officers believe, on average, that they are raising half or less of the money they should be able to raise.”

Reed goes on to outline ten common problems fundraisers face. A majority of the contributing factors are either are a failure to evaluate progress critically or think strategically.

Technology’s Rainmaking Role

Several exciting technological trends are merging with fundraising efforts, such as:

Peer-to-Peer Fundraising

Sometimes called “P2P,” this fundraising method uses social media to harness a nonprofit’s existing user base. This can be very effective and low-cost because it expands the nonprofit’s social media base with minimal effort. As the user base grows, there are more potential funding contributors because they are now targeting a larger audience. The primary advantages of this method are the low cost and speed with which a P2P strategy can grow a user base.

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding continues to be a popular fundraising approach. Like P2P, exposure over social media and other platforms can be solid strategic play. As crowdfunding matures, the number of platforms such as IndieGoGo and Kickstarter continue to grow.

NonProfit-Specific Fundraising Software Platforms

There are several fundraising platforms developed specifically for nonprofits. These all-in-one solutions can assist with managing events, deploying crowdfunding campaigns and processing payments.

Regardless of technology used, successful fundraising — whether through galas, golf tournaments, or gift exchanges — depends on personal relationships. How can you take your fundraising efforts one step further? The answer could be a willu hashtag.

Introducing willu Hashtags

Our new messaging app, willu, helps fundraisers. It solves communication challenges. It also solidifies relationships with donors.

First, the communication challenge: willu can help you communicate with potential donors through text, which historically has a 95+% open rate.

Second, the relationship challenge: how do you build or enhance a donor’s support of your mission? That challenge is resolved with education and access. Education, in terms of how and why your organization operates. Access, in terms of special privileges and perks that only donors can unlock.

Here’s how a willu hashtag addresses both.

Use a willu hashtag to send text message updates, in real time, to all of your followers. It’s as simple as registering the hashtag that makes sense for your organization. For example, a birdwatching and preservation group might register the hashtag #BlueBirdAlliance.

A willu hashtag is different than social media hashtags because it creates a private communication channel on willu. Send updates prior, during, and after major fundraising events to maximize enthusiasm and, as a result, dollars raised.

Sending updates this way differs from “group text” options on your phone. Use willu to send messages to individuals or groups — without any exchange of phone numbers. The personal information of all your willu hashtag followers is kept private.

Don’t just rely on your current fundraising methods. Reach donors directly by requesting your willu hashtag now.

What will you do with it?