As we continue to see the COVID-19 pandemic evolve, all industries are being forced to adapt their approach to social media for the time being – including nonprofits. An industry that relies heavily on fundraising events that have since been canceled or postponed, nonprofit organizations must find new and inventive ways to continue their mission and pivot their fundraising approach during this time. 

We’re all trying to find a way to stay connected right now, and many of us are turning to social media to stay in touch with friends, family, coworkers, and to get the vital information we all need during this challenging time. Since the beginning of the COVID-19, there has been a 40% increase in Facebook and Instagram usage, showing us how important it is to be present on these virtual platforms right now. That being said, the approach to posting on social media right now can be tricky for many businesses as we are all trying to navigate the appropriate way to share our message throughout these unprecedented times.

If you’re wondering how your nonprofit should be operating during this period, we’ve come up with a few different ways to help support your mission and your community on social media right now.

Keep Lines of Communication Open

Now, more than ever, it’s important for nonprofits to be a consistent source of support for their communities. Honest and authentic communication is key right now as we’re all a little unsure about how the next few days, weeks, and months will look. Try to answer any questions as best you can and remind your audience that you will continue to share updates as they become available. Responding to messages and comments during this time will help remind your community that you’re still here for them. 

Share Resources

Even though you may not have all the answers or resources readily available right now, you can still direct your followers to the best place to get the information they need. For example, if you’re a nonprofit organization supporting local youth education, consider sharing resources to free family meals, virtual tutoring and classes, and at home projects for kids. We’re all working together right now and sharing reliable resources is a great way to stay connected to your own community and provide support to those who need it most.

Host Virtual Webinars and Fundraisers

With many events canceled for the foreseeable future, many organizations have adapted their events to go virtual. This is a great way to connect with your audience and help fundraise for those in need at the same time. Some ideas include:

• • A Facebook Live concert from home
  • Create a virtual game night with proceeds being donated to a local relief fund
  • A webinar from your nonprofit leader sharing the importance of and how to give back to your community during this time
  • Host a Q&A session to answer questions and address your nonprofit’s response to COVID-19

Support Local Business

As we all know, many businesses across the country are experiencing effects of COVID-19 on a significant scale. To help support them during this time, consider organizing relief funds and promoting them locally using paid social to get the whole community involved in donating. You could also consider hosting a giveaway with gift card prizes to local restaurants or posting a feature on a great local artist. Some organizations are working with local fitness instructors or bartenders who can’t operate in person right now to host classes on Facebook or Instagram Live, and posting their Venmo names so people can donate to them virtually during this time. 

Share Messages of Positivity

With all the tragic news circulating social media right now, it’s important to try and remain a positive force on social media while still respecting the severity of the pandemic. Sharing messages of hope and sharing stories of communities coming together to support one another can help everyone find some relief as they scroll through their feeds.

Metter Media is a Boston-based social media agency that runs the social media for more than 50 businesses of all types. We are offering free consultations during COVID-19. You can reach us at info@mettermedia.com to set one up.

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