As someone who has worked on behalf of a charity for several years when it comes to their social media, I know that using these platforms well serves as a powerful tool for charities to connect with supporters, raise awareness, and drive fundraising efforts. Leveraging the reach and engagement potential of various platforms successfully can make a significant impact on the success of your charitable organisation, whatever niche you might be operating in. However, thinking of creative social media ideas for charities, especially if you’re time-pressed with a potentially limited budget, can be tricky!
With this in mind, today I thought I’d share 10 creative social media ideas to help charities effectively spread their message, and inspire positive action…
Creative ideas for your charity’s social media
- Impactful Visual Storytelling: Share compelling visuals and stories that highlight the real impact of your charity’s work. Use images, infographics, and short videos to show the positive change brought about by your organisation. This personal touch can evoke emotions and encourage followers to get involved and back your cause.
- Behind-the-Scenes Tours: Take your audience behind the scenes to showcase the day-to-day operations of your charity. Feature interviews with staff, volunteers, and beneficiaries to provide a transparent and authentic view of your charity. This gives followers a day-to-day perspective of your charity, as well as fostering a sense of trust and connection among your supporters.
- User-Generated Content Campaigns: Encourage your followers to share their own experiences with your charity, or to participate in challenges or awareness days related to your cause. Many charities create branded hashtags to track and showcase user-generated content, or create hashtags for themed ‘days’, which in turn inspire supporters to become advocates for the charity, spreading awareness within their own networks.
- Live Q&A Sessions: Host live question-and-answer sessions on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, Facebook or X. This provides an opportunity for your audience to engage directly with key figures within your charity. This is a great opportunity to address common questions, discuss upcoming projects or charity initiatives, and share exciting news.
- Collaborate with Influencers and Ambassadors: Partnering with influencers or ambassadors who are passionate about your cause can be a worthwhile, if potentially spenny move. Their endorsement can significantly expand your charity’s social media reach and bring in new supporters, but clearly this comes at a monetary cost – always a gamble for a charity when it comes to ROI. Collaborations can include sponsored content, social channel takeovers or joint campaigns to maximise impact.
- Virtual Events and Challenges: Organise virtual events, such as online fundraisers, webinars, or virtual walks, to engage your audience and encourage participation from the comfort of their homes. Create challenges that tie into your charity’s cause, driving both awareness and donations.
- Interactive Polls and Surveys: Use polls and surveys on platforms like Twitter or Instagram to engage your audience, and it can also help when it comes to certain decision-making processes. As well as increasing engagement, it also helps your charity understand the preferences and opinions of your community.
- Themed Campaigns: Plan themed campaigns around significant dates, holidays, or awareness months that align with your cause. Tailor your content and messaging to leverage the momentum created by these events and capture the attention of a wider audience.
- Educational Content Series: Share informative content about the issues your charity addresses. Create a series of posts, infographics, or short videos to educate your followers about the root causes, challenges, and solutions related to your charity’s cause. Knowledgeable, informed supporters are more likely to become your charity’s key advocates.
- Express Gratitude and Celebrate Milestones: Regularly express gratitude to your supporters and update them on the milestones achieved through their contributions. Celebrate achievements, whether they are fundraising goals, successful projects, or community impact, to show the tangible results of their support.
By implementing these social media ideas, charities can build a strong online presence, and subsequently create and engage a supportive community, driving meaningful change. Remember, if you run a charity’s social media accounts, that consistency and authenticity are key to building trust and inspiring long-term commitment from your followers.
Read some more of my social media related posts here!
