No doubt you’ve heard of the Ice Bucket Challenge, the viral fundraiser that’s raised over $22 million in 30 days. This is a 12X increase over the previous period last year!
The ice bucket challenge has gotten so huge that even has its own Wikipedia page!
The most amazing thing about the #IceBucketChallenge is that arose from the community, not the organization!
This campaign is truly from the people, for the people!
Now, if you’re a fundraiser you’re probably wondering how you can take it advantage of spontaneous crowdfunding campaigns like the #IceBucketChallenge.
Unfortunately you can’t predict this phenomena. But you can be prepared!
Here are three lessons we can take from the ice bucket challenge for her own fundraising strategies.
1. Accept the Challenge
The ice bucket challenge for ALS started on July 15th. Only two weeks later the ALS Foundation had changed her Facebook cover and created this resource page and this playlist of YouTube videos.
2. Leverage Friend Networks
The most effective fundraising ask is between friends.
Getting your supporters to enlist their friends and family in your fundraiser is way more effective than asking total strangers on Twitter or Facebook.
3. It’s Not About You
The #IceBucketChallenge is all about ALS, challenging friends, and inspiring people with ALS. It’s not at all about the ALS Association.
Your job is to facilitate that passion in any way you can. Again, be a cheerleader and a resource.
What do you think?
I think all of these points are powerful. This is the untapped potential of social media to make a difference and that goes for any entrepreneur and not just not-for-profits. The big take away is “It’s Not About You!” and I think most forget that in marketing. If you shift to it being about the people it can become a powerful message that it inspires action. — and for ALS – Money for research.
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