1 PM
We went back into breakout rooms to talk more about technology, gender, and giving. I left feeling overall inspired by the work people are doing, even though we’re facing challenges to “move online.”
Want to learn more about these topics? Check out https://wpisymp.iupui.edu/.
12:50 PM
Back in the main room – Sager mentioned that “reach” (using social media platforms) for nonprofits can be even greater than before. In addition, if you’re hosting an event, consider who you speaker is. Having a good speaker is incredibly important when engaging audiences.
Also meet your donors where they are! “Don’t let technology overstep and get in front of stewardship,” Sager explained.
12:40 PM
Then, we were sent into breakout rooms to talk more closely with others. One of the participants mentioned that people are becoming more engaged (and donating more as well) on social media.
Another participant mentioned setting up an Emergency Fund for some of the organizations that her nonprofit supports. She also mentioned that donors are donating more online. With older donors, her organization has been calling in and checking on them.
She also mentioned how important unrestricted donations are for grantees during this time as well.
12:25 PM
How do people on the frontlines use technology to encourage giving? WPI Director Jeannie Sager explained that technology is allowing for greater access and efficiency when engaging donors online.
She also talked about specific examples: one organization has done a fashion show as a fundraiser, and they were able to send clothes for volunteers to model in their own homes. By going online, that organization doubled the number of people who normally attend!
Sager also mentioned that a university made a large major gift ask over Zoom. She encourages fundraisers to prepare just as much, if not more, for a virtual ask. People’s comfort levels with technology are increasing, and nonprofits can connect with their stakeholders through technology even more so now than before.
12:15 PM
Engagement – this Zoom session is all about engaging with others to discuss these research findings. How can we put research in action?
We first talked about the findings of Women Give 2020. Need a refresh? Check out this blog post!
Then, WPI polled us. We discovered that many of us have given online – approximately 50% of us gave online 1-5 times in the past year, and 35% of us gave 5-10 times. Nonprofits, your digital presence matters! In addition, most of us also gave when an organization we already support asks. So fundraisers, make sure you continue to ask online.
Today, we’re blogging live about a Zoom event with the Women’s Philanthropy Institute, featuring their recent report Women Give 2020.
Check back from 12-1 pm EST for updates, insights, and thoughts about this new report, which highlights the intersection of gender, technology, and giving.
