July 20th, 2009

Research from the Institute of Fundraising and Charity Finance Director’s Group indicates that 2009 will be worse for charity organisation incomes than predicted.  In the face of this, charities are being forced to diversify the dialogue they initiate with possible givers.  I’m sure the mention of Twitter will have the more cynical of you sighing “not again”, but some charitable organisations are proving that it works for them.  The more astute of you will have noticed the trending topics drop down, indicating the most popular subjects of the day.  Proving popular amongst these, with regular mentions is “Charity Tuesday”.  Designed to encourage people to list their favourite charities on a Tuesday so that people then follow them on Twitter, the initial results are proving favourable with Bullying UK stating that they have received 1000 additional followers from this source alone.  With the donation apps still to be fully tested as effective methods for giving, the power for direct asks remains to be seen, but as tool for awareness it is certainly proving effective.

Source: Third Sector, Bullying UK, Twitter