Pulse: Overcoming Social-Media Fears

Essentially, joining the conversation allows nonprofits to make their causes more real to donors.

"On Twitter, you can update and talk to people during the day or identify certain needs — like someone needs X number of blankets or water bottles — and get immediate response," Broward says. "This is critical because of that grassroots aspect to really deconstruct the smooth face of a charity. Suddenly it seems much more real, much more engaged, much more active in the space or area you're concerned about."