Fundraising is about relationship-building. Make sure you have your contact list in several places and regularly download your Constant Contact (or similar) list, to prevent problems. But technology doesn't determine our relationships. Its only a tool. Don't keep all tools in one box.

If a tech failure disrupts your critical fundraising activities, here’s a quick action plan to stay on track: 📞 Go Offline: Pivot to tried-and-true methods like phone calls or direct mail to keep donations flowing. 📢 Engage on Social Media: Share live updates, alternative donation options, and reassure supporters you're on it! 🛠️ Call for Backup: Contact tech support immediately and keep your stakeholders informed to show transparency and dedication. A quick response and clear communication can help turn a tech setback into an opportunity for deeper donor trust.

I don't depend on any technology that severs the relationship between me and the donor. Personal contact is always my preferred means of fundraising. Occasionally there's an issue with an email address, a donor unable to process an online transaction… but never such that they cannot communicate with me and other organizational leaders and we can find an alternate means to work with them.

When facing tech setbacks in fundraising, I quickly pivot to offline methods, like phone calls and direct mail, to keep momentum going. Social media becomes a vital tool for live updates and providing alternative donation options. I also seek immediate technical support and communicate transparently with stakeholders about the issue. This approach helps maintain trust and engagement while we resolve the problem.

By the time this question is asked, it's late! Plan now for your next event. I have had repeated technology glitches over the years. Two lessons I took away - 1. Have a tech person who has substantial skills. When the problem happens, you need someone with capacity to diagnose and workaround. Recruiting Aunt Ina to help out by learning which buttons to push won't get you out of the problem. (Sorry Aunt Ina) 2. Either hire tech staff with their own equipment or have access for your tech staff to thoroughly test. In one event, we had a video in stereo and the off-site equipment only recognized one channel. Even in writing this, I have Rode and Blackmagic tech on my desk and I have to fix a glitch monthly. AI is on the way. Not yet!

Para superar uma falha tecnológica em atividades críticas de arrecadação de fundos, aja rapidamente para minimizar os impactos. Primeiro, comunique-se de forma transparente com doadores e partes interessadas, informando sobre o problema e garantindo que ele está sendo resolvido. Ative um plano de contingência, como alternar para canais manuais ou plataformas alternativas, para manter as doações ativas. Mobilize a equipe para priorizar a correção técnica e restabelecer o sistema rapidamente. Considere extender a campanha de arrecadação para compensar o tempo perdido e oferecer incentivos para manter o engajamento dos doadores. Por fim, após a recuperação, analise o ocorrido e implemente medidas preventivas para evitar futuros contratempos.

We’ll pivot quickly by leveraging alternative channels—mobilizing our team on social media, sending targeted emails, and reaching out directly to key supporters. With strong communication and creativity, we'll keep the momentum going and ensure no opportunity is missed!