What's worth getting up at 4am to catch a train from Newark, NJ to DC on a Thursday? Speaking at Multi-Channel Mini-Con (otherwise known as MC2)! If you are unfamiliar with MC2, it is a new conference that was established last year with a focus on multi-channel fundraising. Unlike sessions that focus on single channels, like how to optimize your mail programs or email marketing best practices, MC2 delves into creating or improving programs that utilize various approaches to engage donors. For my presentation, I was tasked with delivering a Gaming Fundraising 101 session. This session provided an overview of fundraising in the video game industry and demonstrated how to integrate mail, grants, and other donor cultivation methods into a predominantly digital audience.
Before I went on stage, someone asked if I was nervous. I said no—not about the topic—but I was a bit anxious about keeping it to 25 minutes because if you know me, I could talk about gaming and fundraising all day!
In truth, part of me wanted to do this simply because it gave me another chance to talk about video games, but another part of me wanted to do this because it was an opportunity to show that fundraising in this space has evolved since it started to get popular several years ago.
It's no longer just a digital peer to peer (i.e. charity streaming) space with passive corporate strategic partnerships. Companies and nonprofits have had to become more creative to stand out in an increasingly crowded space:
The emergence of grants such as Unity for Humanity highlights a growing trend towards collaboration between studios and nonprofits to create immersive in-game experiences that resonate with potential donors.
Organizing a live fundraising gaming event? You can apply for a government grant from the host city, which showcases a broader recognition of the importance of gaming as a platform for charitable initiatives.
Mobile game developers are increasingly influential as they capitalize on the "casual gaming" market, which incidentally overlaps with the traditional mail donor: female, 55+ years old.
Having a tough time engaging gaming companies? Think of non-endemic brands that gamers love: coffee, energy drinks, fast food, clothing, the list is endless!
As you can see, there are numerous angles to play here, so it's just a matter of seeing what's possible! By thinking outside the box and exploring unconventional collaborations, organizations can enhance their visibility and appeal to a broader range of supporters. In essence, the realm of gaming fundraising is a dynamic and evolving landscape that offers a multitude of possibilities for creative engagement. By embracing innovation and exploring diverse strategies, fundraisers can unlock new avenues for connecting with the gaming community and driving impactful charitable initiatives.
That's what I sought to demonstrate in my presentation...in 25 minutes.
As it turned out, I even had a few minutes left over. Thanks to everyone who joined my session; I hope I sparked some ideas for engaging the gaming community.
Congrats to all my fellow speakers as well! I learned so much and am eager to share with my clients and network.
Finally, a big thank you to the Direct Marketing Association Washington for having me as a speaker! Always a pleasure to be part of their events!
If you weren't able to attend, but are interested in my session, please feel free to send me an email.
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