Hey. Charities. Time to innovate.
19 Jun 2025
Calling all Charities. It's time to innovate to secure your future
The charity sector is at a crossroads.
Yes, fewer people are giving, but those who do give are contributing more generously. While this sounds positive at first glance, it's not a sustainable path. We risk becoming reliant on a shrinking donor base, losing relevance with broader audiences, and missing critical opportunities to engage future supporters.
Innovation isn't a cool buzzword.
It's becoming an essential survival tool. At Big Strategy Box, we see a clear way forward.
Broaden your appeal
Step outside the echo chamber. Engage with diverse communities, not as token gestures, but with genuine co-creation. Charities that authentically reflect wider society attract broader support and remain culturally relevant.
Diversify committees and boards
Decisions made in boardrooms must mirror the diverse society charities aim to serve. Different perspectives spark fresh ideas, challenging the "this is how we've always done it" mindset.
Seed your brand for future generations
Waiting until today’s young adults have disposable income isn’t a viable strategy. Invest now in younger audiences, embedding your cause into their values and lifestyles early. Digital engagement, storytelling, and experiential interactions are powerful tools here.
Break the long-established formula
The world doesn’t always revolve around traditional case studies. Often, people will support your cause simply because they connect deeply with your passion and purpose. Clearly communicate why you do what you do, particularly when others can’t or won’t. Authenticity resonates far more powerfully than any case study.
Listen and Adapt
Actively engage with diverse committee groups to better understand their perspectives. Be prepared to listen genuinely, and readjust your messaging to represent a broader range of people and experiences authentically.
Be curious, not just metric-obsessed
Move beyond constantly obsessing over response rates. Look deeper into understanding who responds and, more crucially, focus on the majority who don't. Learn from them, ask why they remain disengaged, and adapt strategies to genuinely connect and motivate broader audiences.
The charities that innovate today will secure their relevance tomorrow.
Let’s embrace new ways of thinking and acting, ensuring we're not just relying on generosity, but actively fostering the supporters of the future.