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Transforming Fundraising: Insights from Tiltify's Michael Wasserman
Explore the evolving landscape of charity and digital fundraising.
In a recent conversation on the Whole Whale podcast, George sat down with Michael Wasserman, CEO of Tiltify, to discuss the future of fundraising and the innovative approaches Tiltify has taken to empower nonprofits and creators alike.
The Birth of Tiltify
Michael shared the origins of Tiltify, a platform he co-founded in 2014, aimed at connecting younger donors and fundraisers through live streaming. Originally focused on platforms like Twitch, Tiltify has evolved alongside the creator economy, adapting to the needs of millennials and Gen Z. "We’re trying to help create the next generation of fundraisers," Michael noted, emphasizing the importance of staying ahead of fundraising trends.
Bridging Communities and Charities
Tiltify functions as a hybrid platform, allowing both nonprofits and creators to engage in fundraising. As Michael explained, charities can sign up, connect their payment systems, and start fundraising, while creators can leverage their platforms to raise money for causes they care about. "We’ve built that trust where fundraisers will choose another charity on Tiltify if theirs isn’t listed," he remarked, highlighting the community’s reliance on the platform for transparency and credibility.
The Fundraising Landscape
As the discussion progressed, George and Michael tackled the challenges facing today’s small-dollar donations. Michael pointed out that the decline in donations isn’t due to a lack of interest, but rather a reflection of technology and charity decisions. "When we see record drops in small dollar donations, that’s a product of technology function and charity decisions," he explained. Many younger donors prefer less friction in the donation process, often opting out if too much personal information is required.
> "Do you want the money or do you want their life story?" — Michael Wasserman
Understanding Donor Behavior
Michael also shared insights from the American Giving Report, revealing a significant shift in the fundraising landscape. He posited that the real issue lies with fundraisers, not donors. "You don’t have a donor problem, you have a fundraiser problem," he stated. With participation in peer-to-peer fundraising declining, it’s crucial for nonprofits to reevaluate their strategies and focus on empowering fundraisers.
Moving Forward
As the conversation wrapped up, both George and Michael underscored the importance of adapting to the new realities of fundraising. Nonprofits must streamline their processes to engage fundraisers and meet the expectations of younger donors. As we move into a new era of giving, the lessons shared during this episode are imperative for anyone involved in charitable work.
