This year provided a welcome return to in-person fundraising, following nearly three years of the pandemic. However, the Charities Aid Foundation UK Giving Report 2022 also presents a “sombre reading” for the charity sector, with fewer people giving over the last year. Rising food and energy prices and cost-of-living considerations contributed to decreases in donations.
But fear not—the same report also suggests that in times of crises, people continue to be generous, and the value of charities remains steadfast. Given the recent decline in giving, it’s never been more important to plan creative and effective fundraising strategies that engage younger generations and remind people of the impact of their generosity. As we prepare for a new year ahead, we’re optimistic that an improved fundraising landscape is on the horizon. To make the most of your efforts, we share three trends to keep in mind for a successful 2023.
1) Pocket-Friendly Fundraising
Times are tough for people right now. Just as people face a cost-of-living crisis in the UK, charities face a cost-of-giving crisis. One in eight people are considering cutting back on donations over the next six months. Despite this, supporting critical causes remains a valued practice among supporters. The giving spirit is not gone!
Seize this moment—now is the time to adjust your fundraising strategy to find more accessible ways for supporters of all ages and incomes to get involved with your cause. Consider selling budget-friendly merchandise such as badges, keyrings, and wristbands or functional items like water bottles and bags for life. From our customers and colleagues, we know that these affordable little items go a long way to build awareness and boost fundraising efforts. Polished, high-quality pieces can be produced at a low cost to you, leading to coveted, meaningful merchandise with a high perceived value to your donors. In the year ahead, look for ways to add appealing, small donation options to your catalogue, which can be sold in-person or through your online charity shop.
2) In-person Events are Back, Baby!
Throughout the pandemic, charities got creative and transformed their fundraising activities into effective virtual events, from Facebook challenges to virtual running events. Since then, we’ve seen a welcome return of in-person fundraising activities, large and small. However, it will take time for face-to-face activities to fully return to pre-pandemic levels; in the first quarter of this year, 13% of people gave via face-to-face fundraising events compared to 23% the year prior.
Again, now is the time to take stock of your in-person fundraising events and plan activities that are engaging, inclusive, and memorable. In-person fundraising events build trust and transparency with your supporters. Face-to-face activities help you forge deeper, long-lasting relationships with donors—they’re also a perfect venue in which to thank your donors, sponsors, and volunteers.
In the year ahead, be sure to incorporate charitable merchandise into all your in-person fundraising activities, from giveaways and raffles to keepsakes and thank you gifts. Consider custom running kits, personalised bracelets, and medals—they’re all tried-and-true fan favourites! For more, see this article on seven steps to plan a stress-free fundraising event.
3) Spotlight on Eco-Friendly Fundraising
Our last trend to tap into in 2023 is to seek more sustainable fundraising choices. More people are looking to reduce their impact on the planet, and charities can play a role by offering eco-friendly activities and options. In the year ahead, consider hosting a positive-impact fundraising event, like a second-hand clothing drive, clean-up party, or a fundraising gala with a special vegan meal. For more ideas and tips, see this article on five planet-friendly fundraising ideas.
Another way to support our planet is to swap out your existing charitable merchandise with eco-friendly options. According to the latest Consumer Insights Pulse Survey, more than half of respondents say that environmental, social, and governance (ESG) factors influence their purchasing behaviours. There’s no shortage of options, including: recycled plastic badges made right here in the UK, bioplastic badges, bespoke eco keyrings, eco-friendly trolley coin keyrings, rPET bracelets or rPET shirts made from recycled water bottles, recycled shoppers, jute bags, and biodegradable sports bottles. Chances are, if you have a treasured product, we have an eco-friendly version of it!
We hope this post helps you tap into the top fundraising trends for a successful year ahead! The giving spirit will remain strong, and it’s never been a better time to refine your fundraising tactics to engage more supporters and forge deeper relationships with donors. What other trends do you anticipate for the year ahead? We’d love to hear more about what you’re focusing on. Please get in touch with us today!