How Technology Can Help You Connect with Supporters

A man uses a walkie-talkie to communicate at volunteer event

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Incorporating new technologies into your nonprofit’s operations can be daunting. At first, it might not seem worth it to spend the time and money necessary to get these programs up and running. However, using digital tools and online communication channels like social media, online fundraising platforms, and AI doesn’t have to be a hassle. For many leading nonprofits, these technologies are vital to their fundraising efforts and their ability to connect meaningfully with supporters.

Here are some ways technology helps your organization build stronger relationships with supporters:

Streamline logistics

It’s easy to get wrapped up in the details of running your nonprofit and miss out on creating valuable connections with supporters. Consider using one of these tools to streamline your organization’s duties and focus more time on your supporters and mission-critical activities:

CRM (constituent relationship management) platforms are invaluable tools for nonprofits, storing important information about your supporters and their past interactions with your nonprofit. Use your CRM to make data-driven decisions, strengthen relationships with supporters, and fine-tune your outreach and stewardship efforts.
Volunteer Management Software can help you streamline recruitment and organize events. By offering online registration, clear shift schedules, and automated volunteer hour tracking, you create a smoother experience for volunteers that inspires them to continue working for your organization.
Fundraising platforms help you track your campaign’s progress, create individual fundraising pages, and acquire donor data. 99Pledges’ guide to fundraising for schools explains that “this technology will help you streamline your campaigns, save time through automation, reach more supporters, and ultimately grow your revenue.”
Marketing platforms allow you to connect with your supporters via email, SMS messaging, and other channels, which offer more visibility and accessible engagement.

There is sometimes a misconception that online technologies take away the “human touch” of nonprofits’ operations. However, the reality is that online platforms simplify daily logistics and give your team more opportunities to provide meaningful touchpoints, whether that’s a phone call or a face-to-face meeting.

Expand your reach

Taking advantage of social media and creating your own online communities will spread the word about your mission and help you reach a wider audience.

Remember, your top supporters are passionate about your organization’s cause, and they want to tell their friends about it. Creating shareable content is particularly important for efforts like peer-to-peer fundraising events. Make it easy for them by creating visually appealing content that is tailored to individual platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook.

For example, if your school’s baseball team is hosting a peer-to-peer walk-a-thon event, you know you need to raise $5,000 for that new team gear. To hit this target, your fundraisers need to promote your event online to obtain more pledges. However, your goal should also be to make the experience as easy and rewarding as possible for your fundraisers. Offering shareable social media content is a great way to make your supporters feel like you’ve got their backs.

‍Having an active social media presence can also increase supporter engagement. Platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok help you reach new audiences (especially younger ones!) and reinforce your connection with existing supporters. Your social media can be a place for supporters to connect with each other, discuss your cause, and receive recognition for milestones, which can improve retention, reduce burnout, and increase attendance at revenue-generating events.

Personalize your communication

Supporters want to feel like your organization truly cares about them and their efforts on an individual level. Show you care by using technology that allows you to add a personal touch.

Tracking and analyzing donor data stored in your fundraising platforms can help you connect with your supporters on a deeper level. You’re more likely to retain donors if you can show them you care about their specific contributions.

Having access to donor data is helpful when it comes to personalizing communication, which simplifies and improves your approach to stewardship. For example, send donors a thoughtful thank-you note after they’ve contributed to your cause. Use donor data to include personalized elements like the supporter’s preferred name and their gift amount.

Similarly, keeping track of volunteer hours allows you to demonstrate impact more clearly, which makes volunteers feel appreciated. Recognize individual milestones to show supporters you care. For example, you might send this message to a longtime supporter:

‍Dylan, Congratulations on your 100th hour volunteering with School’s Out Lunches. Your efforts have provided 2,000 meals to kids experiencing food insecurity during school breaks.

‍Messages like these show volunteers the real-world impact they make, and they inspire supporters to push themselves to hit their next target.

Encourage supporters to engage

According to recent fundraising statistics from Double the Donation, 63% of donors prefer to donate online. Making your donation process easy means making it online-accessible and user-friendly. Supporters will appreciate the fact that you’re adjusting to their needs and preferences. Here are some quick tips to make it easier for supporters to contribute to your cause:

Create a mobile-friendly donation page. Most traffic on nonprofit websites actually comes from mobile devices. Make it easy for browsers to become donors by creating a page with legible fonts, clear navigation, and fast loading times.
Use clear calls to action. Incorporate links to relevant landing pages in your communications whenever you ask supporters to donate, sign up to volunteer, or get involved in another way. This will make it that much easier for supporters to take the next step in contributing to your cause.
Provide a prompt donation receipt. Donors want to know that you have processed their donations correctly and efficiently. Immediately after you receive a donation, you should assure the donor that you have received their contribution.Incorporating these features into your organization’s site will encourage donors to contribute to your cause and give them a positive impression of your organization.

Keep your relationship alive

Technology can help you build lasting relationships with supporters. Here are some ways you can use technology to increase your donor and volunteer retention:

Artificial intelligence can help you boost retention through its predictive modeling capabilities. AI will analyze donor data and volunteer activity to spot signs of disengagement, allowing you to reach out early and ensure none of your supporters fall through the cracks.
Multi-channel outreach can encourage supporters to remain engaged. If they’re going to continue donating time or money to your organization, supporters want to know that their support is making an impact. A great way to show your organization’s impact is to use graphics and videos that make your successes feel more visceral.
CRM solutions can help you analyze donor data, which will give you a clearer look at what matters to your supporters and what made them choose your mission. Using this data, you can hone in on these issues in your communications to better connect with supporters.

Understanding your supporters in order to better appeal to their convictions and desires. Using technology to gain insight into their beliefs and behaviors can make your supporters feel heard.

It is vital for nonprofits to put their best foot forward when it comes to using technology. Tools like CRM systems, AI, and fundraising platforms improve communication with supporters, create a better experience for donors, and allow you to reclaim valuable time that can be spent connecting face-to-face with the people who care most about your mission. Knowing how to harness these technologies will create better outcomes for your organization and help you forge new connections.