3 Fundraising Predictions for 2023

.As we kick off the New Year, our founder and chair, John Baguley gives his predictions for the world of fundraising in 2023…

Well, who could have predicted what would go down in 2022! For starters, a Russian invasion of Ukraine, then the cost of living went through the roof and we saw a dizzying number of conservative party leaders in just a few months.

So, let’s hope for some stability in 2023, though already the demand on charity services has escalated; shamefully food banks appear to have become part of our social security system and charity income has fallen especially in relation to the needs they seek to ameliorate. With that as a background let’s look at what it might mean for fundraising in 2023.

Prediction 1

Many of the income wins in 2022 came from a more professional approach to fundraising online, especially in the use of zoom. These gains may now be played out on any scale, in that there is little extra income to be squeezed via online means, though, of course, some charities have quite a way to go.

Which means that we will be desperate for new and improved sources of income and charities will be looking for information on how their rivals are performing. The best source of such advice are the established fundraising consultancies and bringing them on board to help set the future strategy for income generation is the surest way to maximise existing revenue streams and open up new ones. Yes, you would expect me to say that but it’s a logical conclusion and a very profitable one.

Prediction 2

As people want to be more involved, commercial events are becoming more immersive. These experiences have increased in popularity, especially when giving participants the chance to dress up and try out a new role! This shake up has been rolling through the arts with such organisations as Secret Cinema, experiences like the Kit Kat Club and the various art shows like Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience.

So, where can you learn how to rebuild your events as immersive experiences and double their income. Try: What is an immersive event and how to create one? – Rapiergroup or The Future of Events: Immersive Experiences – Eventbrite Blog.

Prediction 3

To be honest charities haven’t been very good at raising funds overseas. This is not so much a prediction as a plea. What we have are many of the finest services to beneficiaries in the world. I am often thrilled by the professionalism of our service delivery on the ground. However, I have often felt we underestimate our ability to attract potential donors around the world who want make a real difference with their funds. Indeed, worry over the effectiveness of charities may be the biggest obstacle to unlocking the floodgates of very wealthy people.

So, let’s be brave and suggest that 2023 will be the year we go boldly forth and tell the world how brilliant we are and how much we would like to increase our work to reach significantly more people in need.

In these hard times, my wish for you is that you can grasp all three of these ideas. , knowing that they will help to enrich your coffers and deliver the brilliant services that make me proud to be part of the fundraising community here in the UK and worldwide.