It’s no secret that mobile is the new black. It’s the way more and more people communicate. It’s how we spend our time when we’re on the go. It’s even how we pay for purchases.
This isn’t news; many nonprofits are starting to dip their feet into the mobile pool: building mobile-optimized websites or incorporating text donations. But is this the most you can get from mobile? What about mobile apps? While it’s important to make sure your content can be displayed on a mobile device, offering a charity app takes your donor and volunteer connection to a whole new level. Yes, the construction of a mobile app needs to be purposeful, you’ll want to make sure you know the reason before you start heading down that route. But once you do, the opportunities are plentiful.
Whether you’re skeptical about the benefits of a charity app or you’re just starting to conduct research, consider these 5 ways that a charity app can help your nonprofit:
1. Reach the next generation of donors
Generation Y is projected to receive $41 trillion of inheritance wealth. There is no better time to reach Gen Y than now. I know you’re probably thinking that you have such a strong relationship with older generations now, so why bother? But let’s face it, matures won’t always be here. And just think: the age that you started connecting with matures is about the same age as Generation Y is now. So it’s time to start forming these relationships.
What’s the best way? Well mobile’s certainly a good start since they spend so much time on their mobile devices each day. Even further, mobile apps are particularly useful because 70% of Gen Y says that mobile apps are an important part of their daily lives.
2. Stay connected with and retain current donors
In a 2012 study, nonprofits with success in donor retention reported ongoing communication with donors as their most effective strategy. A charity app will help you to stay at donors’ fingertips, allowing them to stay constantly connected with your nonprofit and never have to search for or forget about your information again.
Whether it’s social media content or updates on a recently funded project, a charity app does an excellent job of compiling all of your information in one place.
3. Engage volunteers
You know those nights just before an event when you realize you’re short a few volunteers and not sure how to get a hold of them? A charity app can definitely help here! With push notifications, you can send all app holders a message to request their help. Whether they’re at home or on the go, they’ll be sure to receive the message!
4. Increase attendance at events
It’s difficult enough to spread the word about an upcoming event for your nonprofit; getting these groups to sign up or register for the event is even harder; and ensuring donors and volunteers remember AND show up to your event probably tops the list. At each stage you can lose potential event attendees.
Having a charity app at donor and volunteers’ fingertips will not only make spreading the word of events be easier, but will also help them to remember and show up! Just sync your event schedule with their calendar and away you go!
5. Increase donations
Last, but certainly not least! It should go without saying that the previous four benefits from a charity app will also help you to bring in more donations. But additionally, charity apps allow donors to contribute in just one click on their mobile device of choice. Whether a donor is using their phone on their train commute home, or using their tablet in front of the TV, they can donate. The simpler you can make the process, the more contributions you’ll see. Plus, less stuffing envelopes and postage fees for you!
As you can see, a charity app can have grand impacts on your nonprofit. And we’ve only just scratched the surface!
Has your nonprofit implemented or considered implementing a mobile app? Have you seen these or other benefits? Let us know @iNotForProfit.
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At iNotForProfit, we can help you reap the rewards of a charity app. Learn more about how a mobile app can help your nonprofit: call, email, or tweet us today!
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