Relationships 2.0
So what can we look forward to in 2009?
Who knows what technology, not to mention the economy, will bring in 2009? But given the developments of 2008, it’s clear that nonprofits will, increasingly, leverage the power of relationships (through social media, e-mail, in-person requests, text messaging and more) to spark action around issues using new technologies. What will make these projects succeed or fail will be the creativity of their concepts, the urgency and content of their appeals, the commitment of their audiences, and the worthiness (from the donor’s point of view) of the ask. This is tried-and-true fundraising, really — just using newer, cooler gadgets.
Sarah Durham is president of Big Duck, a New York City-based branding, marketing and fundraising firm for nonprofits. She serves on the boards of the National Brain Tumor Society and the New York Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP).
