# Social media as a fundraising tool – some hard facts

- Link: https://fundraising.co.uk/2012/02/13/social-media-fundraising-tool-some-hard-facts/
- Published: 2012-02-13T11:55:53+00:00
- Author: Kevin Baughen

Whilst social media is still perceived as a cool set of communications tools, the
debate continues to rage regarding hard facts-based ROI for fundraisers. This [new article and infographic from the Care2 network](http://www.frogloop.com/care2blog/2012/2/11/infographic-measuring-the-impact-of-social-media.html)
shows a picture from the USA which suggests these channels are valued but that direct
mail is still the daddy when it comes to fundraising success.

I’ve seen better results from UK charities (the now infamous [NSPCC Facebook campaign](http://www.thirdsector.co.uk/news/1046377)
and [Comic Relief](http://www.redcmarketing.net/blog/online-marketing/how-comic-relief-has-benefited-from-social-media)
to name just two) so what do UK fundraisers think of this experience from the USA?
Does it mirror what we’re seeing here or are we ahead of the curve in terms of using
social media for fundraising as opposed to building awareness?

I have a suspicion, founded in experience and common sense, that charities effectively
using social media are doing so for fundraising and awareness raising, reputation
building and engagement with supporters COLLECTIVELY.  Unlike other communciations
media, I simply don’t think that these disciplines are separate in the way they 
have been historically.  Successful charities are using social media to inform and
engage – letting the target individual decide just how much they want to be engaged
but providing plenty of reasons for them to do so.

## Advertisement

Providing valued reasons to engage – even only very gently, say, for one campaign–
then gives the charity the ‘right to ask’ for donations.  In marketing theory this
is called a value equation and applies to the emotional and rational value that 
a charity’s work gives a donor in exchange for their money.  Social media makes 
it much easier to share our valuable stories by integrating our communications in
this way and consistnently providing our audiences with reminders of the reasons
they want to support or donate to us.

What do you think?  How is your charity earning the right to ask for donations using
social media?