Social media changes game for charities

Social media is changing the global landscape for charities by providing new ways to reach strategic objectives. Many charities consider social media to be an important channel to deliver on their communications and fundraising goals. Some use social media to deliver services. Only a few incorporate social media as a core strategy to capitalise on its interactive opportunity to engage with new communities. These pioneers will reap the benefits.

A new report from Grant Thornton, 'Growing communities: How charity leaders govern social media globally to thrive online', interviews charity chief executives from around the world and reveals how they are using this tool to deliver to their beneficiaries. The report features interviews with charities from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, the UK and US, revealing that there is a real need for board-level understanding of social media. 

Carol Rudge, Global leader – Not for Profit at Grant Thornton said, “Social media is a game changer. Charities looking to engage with a more technology literate audience need to harness the power of this rapidly evolving environment. Without an informed social media strategy – and the internal governance and operations to support it – funding may  erode.”

While some charities have made great progress, there is currently a social media knowledge gap at senior levels in charities worldwide – the very people expected to govern the opportunities and risks to achieve their charity’s goals. To fill the gap, Grant Thornton Not for Profit and social media specialists asked senior executives a range of questions covering five key areas: strategy, governance, education, risk and measurement. 

Their responses are brought together with insights from Grant Thornton experts to draw tangible lessons that every charity type can use. From documenting policy to informal training and measurement tools, the report places emphasis on practical advice and shared learning.

This report also equips charity leaders with key questions to ask their operational teams, to ensure the charity’s resources invested in social media deliver greatest value to their beneficiaries.

The 'Growing communities' report features embedded links to relevant sources and aids for charities, as well as specific calls to action that can help senior management embrace social media. 

Find out more by using the twitter hashtag #NFPSocialMedia.

Notes to editors 

'Growing communities: How charity leaders govern social media globally to thrive online' is a report produced by Grant Thornton. Compiled using interviews between 17 charity chief executives and Grant Thornton Not for Profit specialists, it provides clear advice for board members and senior management of charities. The interviews took place in Q1 and Q2 2014 and are backed up by commentary and analysis from Grant Thornton. 

“Grant Thornton” refers to the brand under which the Grant Thornton member firms provide assurance, tax and advisory services to their clients and/or refers to one or more member firms, as the context requires. Grant Thornton International Ltd (GTIL) and the member firms are not a worldwide partnership. GTIL and each member firm is a separate legal entity. Services are delivered by the member firms. GTIL does not provide services to clients. GTIL and its member firms are not agents of, and do not obligate, one another and are not liable for one another’s acts or omissions.

Carol Briggs, International marketing manager, carol.briggs@gti.gt.com, +44 (0)20 7391 9511 

John Vita 

Director of Public Relations and External Affairs

T +1 312 602 8955