We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. By continuing to use this site, you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our Privacy Policy.
Pokemon Go is a shiny object. A time waster for a fundraiser seeking serious results. It focuses on the lowest rung of the ladder. DO NOT chase it!
Instead, redirect the time you might invest in Pokemon Go and, instead, “go” see half a dozen very important major donors, “go” visit your wealthiest legacy society members, and “go” reshuffle your Major Gift Officers’ caseloads to optimize them for results.
Do just about anything else that will truly move the needle! But for heaven’s sake, do not run around chasing this fad!
Folks, if you want to build “awareness”, go ahead and play around with this fad. But if you want to build serious success, focus on the 80/20 rule… focus on your major and legacy donors. Make them feel good. Educate them. Inspire them. Collaborate with them. Advise them.
“GO” see them.
Let’s play “Fundraiser GO” instead of Pokemon Go. Tweet this!
Subscribe to our blog today and get actionable fundraising ideas delivered straight to your inbox!
Interesting article. It’s true you never want to rush into a fad too quickly or invest too much in it, especially when you have tried and true methods which you know work very well. It is always good to focus on your major and legacy donors, and dabble in fads and fun ideas on the side. For example, it might be fun if you have Pokemon Go to put a ‘lure’ on the game next to your booth at a town fair or summer event to bring people to your booth and start a conversation, yet this is a short-term creative idea, not really a long term plan, but it isn’t always an either or!
I would be worried if a fundraiser considered using Pokemon Go in their strategy. Then again, innovation is key. Maybe there would be a case for using it? If someone their mission aligned?
Thanks Brice. Yeah. I guess it might be good to generate traffic at a museum or something like that. But for fundraising?….. Nope!
What do you think about the Annual Giving team using Pokémon GO to cultivate young donors?