Even before the pandemic imposed a worldwide quarantine, technology had become an integral part of our daily lives. Technology is being used to keep in touch with loved ones as the scientific community and the general public adapt to a new normal in which less face-to-face time is the norm. From the Baby Boomers to the Millennials and the Z Generation, we all use technology for remote education, medical consultations, recreation, conferences, and interactions.
Nonprofits, too, need to use digital technology to connect with and motivate their supporters. When it comes to maintaining donor connections, NGOs must fulfill their goals, and virtual donor wall experiences are the way to go. Technology is more than just a quick fix for this crisis. It’s a chance to try something new and shake up our routines regarding events and physical spaces. Through technological advancements, we can break down barriers to involvement in charitable activities, increase efficiency, save money, and develop novel approaches to fostering a culture of giving in the twenty-first century.
Donors’ reluctance to embrace new tools is quickly being dispelled. We all agree that internet-based technologies are the best way to solve most of our communication problems, and we’ve had plenty of chances to get better at them. Our past experiences show us that we can form deep bonds even when separated by distance.
What is a Virtual Donor Wall?
The virtual donor wall displayed on electronic screens goes by a variety of names. Given that there is some overlap between the three definitions, we make the following distinctions:
Since the middle of the 1990s, NGOs have been able to use digital donor identification by putting lists and pictures of donors on screens inside their buildings. The donor recognition software may provide both static and moving images. Touchscreens can also be utilized to encourage audience participation.
In this piece, “online recognition” refers to a list of donors and/or their personal stories on an organization’s website. Typically, it takes the same form as a printed annual report.
Electronic displays on campus can show virtual donor thanks that are fully interactive and can be accessed from any device that can connect to the internet. It allows off-campus access to materials that are conceptually related to those found on the main campus, which might include guided tours, videos, and other online resources.
What a Virtual Donor Wall Does
You might be wondering, “What exactly does it mean to have a virtual donor wall?” The answer is that it not only does all that a digital donor wall can do, but it also has the potential to reach a far wider audience than a traditional donor wall can.
You can list the names of your donors on a virtual recognition wall, highlight major donors, share information about your fundraising campaigns, such as announcements and updates, and display impact stories from people whose lives your nonprofit has changed, among other things. These features can be interactive or non-interactive.
How to Make the Most of Your Virtual Donor Wall
Now that we know what a virtual donor wall is and what it can achieve, we can talk about how to best utilize it.
Integrate It Into Your Site
All visitors to your website will be able to witness your gratitude to your contributors by simply visiting the virtual donor wall that you have created and integrated into your site. When compared to a physical donor wall, a digital or virtual one gives you the flexibility to make design changes whenever you choose.
Combine It With Your Virtual Donor Wall
Combining your digital donor wall with a virtual donor wall is possible. Assume, for the sake of argument, that you choose to highlight capital campaign progress via an updated digital donor wall. If you link the two, the change will immediately appear on your digital bulletin board as well!
Make it Known on Social Media
A virtual donor wall, on the other hand, can be shared easily through social media. Donor spotlights on social media may be a great way to get people talking. You might also just acknowledge your donors according to their level of support.
Donor recognition on social media, together with an invitation to share with a donor’s own audience, is a simple method to spread the word about your cause, but only if you first have their consent.
Add It to Your Annual Report
For your annual report, you don’t have to worry about making a long list of donors. Instead, you can just give a link to your online donor appreciation wall. In addition to simplifying your work, this also improves the fluidity of the content you’re able to show your audience.
