For well over a year community-centric charities, like Cystic Fibrosis Queensland, have been balancing the impact of lock downs and covid-19 restrictions on our fundraising with the increasing need for our support and service programs. Operationally, charities are like any other sector and have behaved like commercial businesses facing disruption to their normal revenue practices.
Social media, which has always been one of Cystic Fibrosis Queensland strongest advocacy tools, when supported by virtual volunteers is now our primary fundraising channel. This pivot in the way we fundraise has not only allowed us to remain financial during the pandemic, but it has also delivered many other benefits which will hold us in good stead well beyond the pandemic. Technology has allowed us to work smarter and has reduced the need for human capital; resulting in a higher proportion of our revenue being returned to our members.
Technology has also allowed us to expand our reach and educate the public more broadly about the plight of those living with cystic fibrosis. Awareness raising is the first step when engaging with future donors and our database is now full of first-time donors – people who prior to the pandemic, where not aware of our cause. Like everyone else, the team at Cystic Fibrosis Queensland is looking forward to the ending of lockdowns and restrictions, but we are also thankful for the lessons in resilience which we have learnt. We are proud of our achievements during this tumultuous time and look forward to our continued support of our community.
