As the mother of a 5 year old, I know how easy it is to get children that age excited. I also know how easy it can be to motivate them and get results. As great as it would be to get the very little ones involved, most 5 year olds lack the computer (and spelling, reading and typing) skills needed for actual fundraising either on or offline. They can lend a hand, for sure, but to really make a positive impact on your thermometer the next age group may prove to be an untapped channel for your organization. Tweens and teens spend more time online than any other age demographic and are the earliest adopters at the forefront of new technology especially social media.
Why does it seem as though this group is so often disregarded when it comes to fundraising? Perhaps it is because of their limited personal spending power. Despite this, they do have ability to exert some power over the wallets of their parents and relatives. Having friends and an active social life in and outside of the classroom is the biggest motivator for this group. By mobilizing this new audience you can find yourself a creative way to reach new heights in fundraising and develop new followers for your cause. In order for this approach to work, you need to apply online peer to peer tools, also known as crowdfunding tools, to make it work. Tools like a personal page that each tween, teen and adult can share on behalf of your cause are a great way to start generating more outreach.
Take the lead of the Just Like Me Project. The Just Like Me Project is a joint initiative with the Center for Creative Development and The Long Island Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (LICADD). This interactive, peer-to-peer program empowers students to make healthy decisions about drug use and other vital issues. Utilizing art as a compelling tool for self-discovery and self-expression, Just Like Me brings kids together through community art projects to address issues of substance abuse and other social concerns. They have partnered with Chris Gates Tae Kwon Do to host a Kick-A-Thon and are using Karma411’s tools to enable each Tae Kwon Do student to have a sharable page and participate in the fundraising. Don’t forget the kids; they can become the strongest advocates for your cause and start paving the way as your future leaders.
Good Luck to all of the Kick-a-thon participants!
