Introduction
Fundraising is evolving rapidly, and nonprofits are embracing technology to make the process faster, smarter, and more efficient. For years, organizations relied on traditional methods such as direct mail campaigns, cold calls, and manual research to find sponsors. While these methods still have their place, modern tools like Shareway are revolutionizing how nonprofits connect with donors and businesses. But how does Shareway compare to traditional fundraising tools—and which one delivers the best results? Let’s explore the key differences, benefits, and outcomes of each approach to help you decide what works best for your organization.
The Traditional Approach to Fundraising
Traditional fundraising methods often include strategies like in-person networking, printed sponsorship packets, and hours of online research to find donation opportunities. While these approaches can be effective, they require significant time, effort, and staff involvement.
For example, nonprofits typically spend days compiling lists of potential sponsors, contacting them individually, and tracking responses through spreadsheets or emails. The process is slow, prone to errors, and difficult to scale.
Moreover, with traditional methods, information is scattered—making it hard to stay organized and follow up efficiently. This lack of structure can limit the number of opportunities your nonprofit can pursue.
The Modern Solution: Shareway
Shareway was created to simplify and modernize this process. Instead of manually searching for donation programs, fundraisers can access a centralized database of verified companies that regularly give to nonprofits.
The platform provides all the details fundraisers need, including:
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Donation categories (monetary, product, or gift card)
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Company contact links and submission forms
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Application deadlines and requirements
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Business type and geographic availability
With this information available in one place, Shareway eliminates guesswork and reduces the hours spent on research. It transforms fundraising into a strategic, data-driven process rather than a time-consuming guessing game.
Key Advantages of Shareway Over Traditional Methods
1. Speed and Efficiency
Traditional fundraising relies heavily on manual work, while Shareway automates research and outreach. With just a few clicks, you can identify hundreds of potential sponsors. This efficiency means your team can focus more on building relationships and less on repetitive administrative tasks.
2. Organization and Tracking
Traditional fundraising requires spreadsheets and notes to track requests. Shareway centralizes all this information within its platform, allowing teams to manage communication, record updates, and track approvals in real time.
3. Targeted Outreach
Instead of contacting random companies, Shareway connects you with businesses that already support charitable causes. This targeted approach improves your success rate and saves time wasted on unqualified leads.
4. Accessibility for Small Teams
Even small nonprofits with limited staff can use Shareway effectively. Traditional methods often require multiple people managing different tasks, but this platform allows even one person to handle research, outreach, and tracking all in one place.
5. Consistent Results
With Shareway, nonprofits can maintain a steady flow of donation opportunities throughout the year. The platform’s database is continuously updated, ensuring that you always have access to active corporate giving programs.
When Traditional Methods Still Work
While Shareway offers undeniable advantages, traditional methods still have value—especially for cultivating long-term relationships. Personal networking, community events, and one-on-one meetings remain powerful for building trust with local donors.
However, combining these methods with Shareway creates a balanced strategy. You can use Shareway to discover and manage opportunities while relying on traditional communication methods to deepen those relationships.
The Ideal Combination: Technology and Personal Touch
The best fundraising strategies blend the efficiency of digital tools like Shareway with the authenticity of personal outreach. For instance, your team can use Shareway to find corporate sponsors, submit requests, and then follow up with personalized thank-you calls or letters after receiving support.
This hybrid approach ensures maximum productivity without losing the human connection that keeps donors engaged.
Conclusion
While traditional fundraising methods have laid the foundation for nonprofit success, platforms like Shareway are redefining what’s possible. By centralizing donor information, automating research, and streamlining outreach, Shareway saves time and increases results for organizations of all sizes.
In the debate between Shareway and traditional tools, the smartest choice isn’t one or the other—it’s both. Use Shareway to handle the technical side of fundraising, and combine it with the personal effort that builds genuine connections. Together, they create a modern fundraising strategy that’s efficient, sustainable, and ready for the future.