We are so lucky in today’s world that we’re able to connect with anyone around the globe at a click of a mouse. We have the opportunity first hand to see what’s going on at any given time and not just through news sources but through social media. We can see directly from the source what’s happening, and how people are feeling about it.
How does social media help non-profits?
This ability to connect benefits grassroots charity initiatives immensely. They’re able to show people directly, at next to no cost, what they’re doing and how donations are making a difference.
When it comes to donations, many people don’t act because they don’t feel connected to the cause. Maybe the initiative for disaster relief, or malaria medication or education has never been a concern to them or the people their money would help feel too far away to spark an urgent need to help. However, connecting through social media allows people to share stories and see the impact of these issues. It makes our world closer together and the issues in it closer to us.
Why is social media important for charities?
The reason I was drawn into Urunji’s mission was because of this social connection. They’re transparent with their projects on social media through videos, photos, and blog posts. They also allow you to donate directly to a particular need such as: sponsor a child (where all money goes directly to the child every month), donate a meal, buy a mosquito net, etc… All of these are specific and clear to the donor what it is their actually contributing to. Transparency as to what is happening right now and how you can be a part of it is very powerful.
Social media can help spread social good
Non-profit organizations play a crucial role in shaping positive social change across the globe. By addressing issues like poverty, education, healthcare, and environmental conservation, they fill gaps often left by governments and businesses.
For example, elderly care services in Malawi are not widely available. This prompted a young woman by the name Deborah Mbale to start Mai Mbambande charity for the elderly, helping senior citizens who would have otherwise been falsely accused of witchcraft had they lived in their communities. The Mai Mbambande Tiktok page has loads of videos that bring hope and inspiration.
The social impact of charity is immense. Although by distance you can be very far from something, connecting online through story, video, and photos, and knowing what’s happening in real time removes that distance.
Charity initiatives can help people feel closer to their mission through social means, hopefully encouraging more people to become a part of it and make the world a better place.
Examples of social impact
✅ Volunteer impact: According to the UN Volunteers program, 1 billion people worldwide engage in volunteering each year, contributing the equivalent of $1.348 trillion to the global economy — nearly the size of Spain’s GDP.
✅ Job creation: In the U.S. alone, the non-profit sector employs over 12 million people, making up about 10% of the workforce, according to the National Council of Nonprofits. This shows how vital non-profits are not just socially but economically.
✅ Improved access to education: In Malawi, for example, school feeding programmes have encouraged classroom attendance, boosted academic performance, promoted good nutrition, and helped prevent severe malnutrition.
About the Author
Ashley Dueck graduated from the University of Victoria with a Bachelor of Commerce specializing in International Business. She has a passion for event planning, fundraising, and online marketing strategy. Her experience allowed her the opportunity to be the Marketing Coordinator for the first ever World Elephant Day that gained worldwide support from elephant organizations and advocates around the globe.
