Social Impact Survey Finds 88% of Nonprofits Experimenting with Social Media

I wanted to have a photo of a newsboy shouting “Extra! Extra! Read all about it” to accompany this entry, because I’ve always like the idea of fusing old and new, but even more so, because we have big news to share.  In partnership with KRC Research, our team conducted a survey of 200 nonprofit and foundation executives to explore how their organizations are using social media and the value they derive from these efforts.   Today, we’re releasing the results.

Here’s the headline on the findings of our Weber Shandwick Social Impact survey: 88% percent of nonprofits are widely experimenting with social media, but only half (51%) are active users.  79% are uncertain of how to demonstrate social media’s value for their organizations. The survey also found that social media contributes to nonprofits’ success, with 92% of executives saying their online presence raises awareness of their organization, keeps external audiences engaged (86%) and reduces costs relative to traditional media (77%).  

To us, what’s exciting about these findings is how much they underscore that nonprofit organizations are exploring social media as a means to advance their work.   That’s a topic that we’re interested in discussing on these pages.  Download a two-page PDF of the survey findings and our perspective on their implications. You can also view a detailed PowerPoint.  

Let us know how these findings map with your own experiences.