The generosity landscape is changing—and fast.
Active donor counts are declining even as overall giving dollars hold steady. That means fewer people are giving, but those who do are giving more frequently and with greater intent.
For nonprofits, that’s both a challenge and a call to action.
Data shows that connection—not just communication—is what drives generosity. People want to feel part of something larger than themselves. They’re craving belonging, authenticity and trust in the organizations they choose to support.
That’s where organic social comes in.
Social media is no longer just a marketing tool. It’s a community builder. It’s where belief becomes behavior. It’s where values are shared, stories are told, and generosity grows.
When you use your organic channels to connect authentically, you’re turning connection into inspiration.
At RKD Group, we’ve seen this dynamic play out across our work with nonprofit partners. Whether you run an animal shelter, a food bank, a hospital or a global humanitarian program, your organic social strategy can inspire lasting generosity.
So, as we head into GivingTuesday and look ahead to 2026, here’s how to strategically use your organic social channels to spark charitable giving:
People give because they believe in something bigger than themselves. Supporters want to see their own values reflected in your mission.
Start by showing the heart behind your work—a staff member’s story, a day-in-the-life post from the field or a short clip of your team in action. These moments humanize your organization and make your values tangible.
Transparency builds trust. Instead of saying, “We helped 5,000 families this year,” say, “Meet Maria, whose family found safety because of your support.”
For Children International, we conducted an in-depth analysis of their social media content and identified three key themes around their mission. Using these themes as our foundation, we developed targeted social media series, complete with branded hashtags.
By consistently sharing these stories around their values, we saw triple-digit lifts in engagement. You can read all about it here.
Turning statistics into stories transforms belief into emotion―and emotion into action.
People are far more likely to give when they feel part of a movement. Social media is your stage to build that movement.
Encourage user-generated content. Invite followers to share their own stories, tag your organization and use your branded hashtag. Reposting and engaging with their content not only expands your reach but also reinforces that giving is a shared experience.
Then, go deeper.
Micro-communities—like private Facebook groups, TikTok challenges or Instagram Lives—help foster belonging. Use built-in tools like polls, question stickers and Q&As to keep the conversation flowing.
And don’t overlook nano- and micro-influencers. Their authenticity often sparks the most meaningful engagement.
Stories bridge belief and behavior.
On social, short-form video dominates, and attention spans are shorter than ever. Focus on bite-sized, emotional, people-centered stories that fit each platform.
Remember: Authentic beats polished. A 20-second behind-the-scenes clip filmed on a phone can outperform a high-budget production. Repurpose longer videos into short reels or carousel posts that deliver quick, emotional impact.
Organizations like SPCA of Texas do this beautifully—blending humor, trending sounds and heartfelt adoption stories to make giving approachable and deeply human.
Here’s how to make your organic social count when the world rallies for good:
When donors see transparency, impact and inclusion, they’re more likely to give—and to give again.
GivingTuesday is a launchpad, not a finish line. The same principles that drive success in November can sustain generosity all year long.
Share updates. Celebrate small wins. Keep your community engaged all year long, not just at year end.
By using content that reflects your values, celebrates your supporters and tells authentic stories, you grow support for your mission.