Featured
Editor's picks
9 July 2026
The 2026 Charity Digital Skills Report: the sector is all in on AI, and still stuck on fundraising
79% of charities now use AI, yet digital fundraising remains the weakest skill in the sector. Here is what the 2026 Charity Digital Skills Report tells us, and what it means for fundraisers and for Hubbub.
6 March 2025
Where AI Can (and Can't) Deliver Great Results in Philanthropy
Which applications of AI genuinely benefit fundraising organisations, such as workflow automation and fundraiser training, and where the hype runs ahead of reality.
30 July 2020
30 online tools for effective remote working (and fundraising too)
A guide to 30 digital tools organised by category that help nonprofits work remotely while managing fundraising campaigns and team collaboration.
All articles
Ideas, guides and stories
9 February 2026
Year-Round Calling: A Better Way to Use the Telephone?
A shift from intensive campaign-based telephone fundraising to continuous, flexible year-round calling that responds to donor behavior and institutional moments.
3 January 2026
The Day After the Giving Day: Why Thanking Deserves Its Own Moment
Post-campaign gratitude deserves dedicated planning and execution as a strategic phase that strengthens donor relationships and sets the foundation for future giving.
9 October 2025
Rebuilding the Voice: Why Telephone Fundraising Still Works, Once We're Welcome
Telephone fundraising remains effective, but it works only once we earn the right to be heard, by making voice a consistent, welcome part of donor relationships rather than a once-a-year ask.
4 August 2025
Crowdfunding Strategy & Execution: A Blueprint for Powerful Campaigns
A comprehensive guide to planning, executing, and optimizing crowdfunding campaigns for institutions, covering strategy, team dynamics, momentum-building, and post-campaign stewardship.
4 August 2025
Maximising Giving Day Impact: Essential Insights & Strategy - Insights from a Decade of Giving Days
A comprehensive guide to planning and executing successful Giving Day campaigns, covering team structure, messaging, donor experience design, communications strategy, and data analysis.
6 March 2025
Where AI Can (and Can't) Deliver Great Results in Philanthropy
Which applications of AI genuinely benefit fundraising organisations, such as workflow automation and fundraiser training, and where the hype runs ahead of reality.
18 February 2025
Ways to pivot your crowdfunding programme
Higher education institutions can adapt crowdfunding strategies through research-focused projects, evergreen campaigns, community fundraising, and sustained student engagement.
12 May 2023
Tips for Increasing Online Donor Conversion
Organizations can boost online donation conversion rates by tracking metrics, removing friction from the donation journey, and crafting compelling email communications before donors reach the donation form.
13 April 2023
Hubbub's Top Six Ways to Ensure Giving Day Success
Six strategic recommendations for running successful fundraising giving days, based on experience with over 200 campaigns worldwide.
17 March 2023
Increasing Donor Engagement with Giving Day Ambassadors
The article provides strategies for organizations to expand their Giving Day reach by recruiting and managing ambassador communities that can mobilize new donor networks.
21 September 2020
Gaining more exposure for your virtual fundraising campaigns
Four key strategies for increasing visibility and engagement in online fundraising campaigns: influencers, major donors, content strategy and press engagement.
4 September 2020
Giving Day Webinar Preview - Email Q&A with host Kat Carter
Kat Carter, Head of Marketing at Hubbub, shares insights on leveraging email strategies to maximize donor engagement and fundraising success during Giving Days.
26 August 2020
Effective Lead Generation Strategies for Charities
A guide to using lead generation tactics to build engaged communities of supporters, volunteers, and donors for charitable organizations.
13 August 2020
7 ways to use Twitter during your #crowdfunding campaign
Practical strategies for leveraging Twitter to increase crowdfunding campaign success through urgency, engagement and influencer outreach.
30 July 2020
30 online tools for effective remote working (and fundraising too)
A guide to 30 digital tools organised by category that help nonprofits work remotely while managing fundraising campaigns and team collaboration.
23 June 2020
Motivating major donors to give to digital appeals
The article explores how major donors can be motivated to support digital fundraising appeals through match and challenge gifts, and how their involvement can inspire broader participation.
5 May 2020
How Universities Are Coming Together to Support Covid-19 Relief Efforts
Universities worldwide launched fundraising appeals during Giving Tuesday Now to support COVID-19 relief through student hardship funds, medical research, and PPE production.
27 March 2020
5 tips for embracing digital in the time of coronavirus
As institutions switch to digital as their main fundraising channel, five fundamentals to carry across: thank first, ask through impact, make giving easy, keep donors updated, and use paid social.
25 March 2020
5 Ideas For Keeping Alumni Engaged When In-Person Events Aren't Possible
Five practical virtual engagement strategies for alumni communities during periods when in-person gatherings are restricted.
24 March 2020
Doggos of Hubbub
As we all adjust to working from home, we may find ourselves with a few new four-legged co-workers. Meet some of Team Hubbub's canine colleagues.
18 March 2020
5 tips for working remotely
Remote working is standard at Hubbub. Five practical tips for staying productive and looking after your wellbeing: keep your routine, choose your workspace, plan your day, use the right tools, and keep being a team.
16 March 2020
Ways To Keep Your Charity's Supporters Engaged During Covid-19
A guide offering charities practical strategies to maintain donor and volunteer engagement during the COVID-19 pandemic through gratitude, digital events, and online giving options.
14 February 2020
Getting set for crowdfunding success
An eight-step guide for institutions launching or improving crowdfunding programmes, covering planning, recruitment, training, promotion and donor management.
13 February 2020
5 love songs that will leave you wanting more from your next digital campaign
Inspired by our favourite love songs, five ways to spread the love and increase donor engagement across your community this Valentine's Day.
13 February 2020
Common questions to ask when making a video
A guide addressing frequently asked questions about video production for digital fundraising campaigns, covering quantity, quality levels, and casting considerations.
5 December 2019
12 Days of Digital
A holiday countdown guide offering 12 days of digital fundraising strategies, tools and best practices for nonprofits looking to enhance their campaigns.
3 December 2019
The best way to make your Giving Day a success? Teamwork.
Worcester College, Oxford's first Giving Day succeeded by leveraging cross-functional teamwork across development, communications, and ambassador recruitment to raise £70,000 from 126 donors.
23 September 2019
Crowdfunding donors are looking younger these days
University of York leveraged a digital crowdfunding platform to attract young alumni donors, achieving the highest proportion of supporters under 30 among UK universities.
4 September 2018
What do your shareholders really think? How to apply NPS to an equity crowdfunded company
Hubbub founder Jonathan May on using the Net Promoter Score methodology to measure and improve engagement with the company's 200+ investors, and why it made an immediate difference.
17 May 2018
6 Fundraising Ideas You've Probably Not Thought Of
Six unconventional fundraising strategies ranging from social media quizzes to crowdfunding challenges that nonprofits can implement to engage donors creatively.
14 May 2018
4 New Giving Day Ideas
Four innovative strategies for running successful giving days, including non-monetary challenges, institutional rivalries, ambassador engagement and multiple smaller matched funds.
8 May 2018
Music for my Mind and their crowdfunding campaign story
How the charity Music for my Mind used crowdfunding to fund research into personalised music for people living with dementia, and to spread its message.
14 September 2017
Five creative examples of charities using digital fundraising
The article showcases five UK charities that successfully leveraged digital technologies and channels to increase donations, reach younger audiences, and improve donor engagement.
7 September 2017
7 tips to turn your social media followers into donors
A guide for nonprofits on converting social media followers into donors through strategic content, engagement, and clear calls-to-action.
24 August 2017
4 ways to increase donor acquisition in digital fundraising
Four strategies for nonprofits to expand donor acquisition through digital channels, including social media, combining online and offline efforts, website design and transparency.
10 August 2017
How to plan a major nonprofit crowdfunding campaign
A guide to organizing large-scale nonprofit crowdfunding campaigns (over £100k) covering team structure, messaging strategy, tools, goal-setting, and influencer engagement.
3 July 2017
3 ways to gamify your online fundraising
Three gamification techniques (matches and challenges, leaderboards and prizes) that organisations can use to increase donor participation in digital fundraising appeals.
19 June 2017
How Alumni Relations teams use Instagram, Youtube, and LinkedIn
How three major social platforms can help alumni relations professionals engage recent graduates through visual content, video storytelling, and professional networking.
19 June 2017
How to write a fundraising campaign press release
A comprehensive guide to creating and distributing effective press releases for fundraising campaigns, covering timing, content, distribution strategy, and follow-up tactics.
12 June 2017
Why Stanford decided to end their telephone appeal
Stanford University suspended its telephone fundraising campaign after data showed increasing donor frustration, pivoting instead to digital channels like email and social media.
30 May 2017
One year on: Celebrating the success of Bath Spa's crowdfunding platform
Bath Spa University shares how its Launch Pad crowdfunding platform successfully supported student creative projects during its first year of operation.
25 May 2017
Creative ways for Alumni Relations teams to use Facebook and Twitter
The article explores practical strategies for alumni relations teams to leverage Facebook and Twitter for engagement, featuring real-world examples from universities worldwide.
16 May 2017
What's the best way to plan an effective Giving Day?
Dan Frezza from William & Mary shares practical strategies for planning a successful Giving Day, covering planning timelines, team structure, resource management, and lessons from five years of implementation.
18 April 2017
Guide Your Project Teams to Crowdfunding Success
Ryan Lawrence, UC Berkeley's Crowdfunding Manager, shares best practices for organizing project teams and maximizing crowdfunding campaign success.
30 March 2017
How digital fundraising can improve donor retention
Digital fundraising experts discuss strategies for retaining donors acquired through online giving channels, emphasizing stewardship tailored to the medium of acquisition.
20 March 2017
How to increase fundraising engagement on a Giving Day with social ambassadors
Texas Christian University tripled its social ambassadors and significantly increased donations by leveraging engaged supporters with strong social networks to promote their Giving Day campaign.
17 March 2017
Keeping up with the noise behind Fundraising Data Protection Regulation
An overview of regulatory updates and sector resources following the Fundraising Regulation Consent Conference, designed to help charities navigate GDPR compliance and data protection requirements.
1 March 2017
What is Digital Fundraising?
Digital fundraising leverages social media and decentralized ambassador networks to create shareable, personal giving experiences that increase donor engagement through segmentation and gamification.
20 February 2017
Forming a Click - How we found our crowdfunding brand
The University of Essex developed the Click crowdfunding platform by aligning it with their institutional brand values and Essex Spirit, resulting in a student-driven fundraising model.
7 February 2017
How Elon University turned Giving Days into a success
Elon University tripled gift participation over three years through their #ElonDay campaign, raising nearly $1 million by engaging alumni, parents, and students.
20 January 2017
How to plan your first Facebook Live stream
A guide for universities and organizations on planning and executing Facebook Live streams to engage alumni and supporters with fresh, authentic content.
12 January 2017
How to redesign the donor pledge flow
Hubbub redesigned their donor pledge flow by analyzing user data, conducting field testing, and addressing specific usability issues to improve completion rates.
15 December 2016
How to use social media in a fundraising campaign by David Pearce
David Pearce shares strategic approaches for leveraging social media platforms to enhance fundraising effectiveness, illustrated through Dignity in Dying's successful digital transformation.
13 December 2016
How new regulations affect digital programs by Adrian Beney
Adrian Beney discusses how changing data protection regulations require organizations to ensure fair processing of personal information and obtain proper consent from supporters.
1 December 2016
What is it like working as a crowdfunding assistant?
A crowdfunding assistant at the University of Essex shares her experience building a student-focused crowdfunding platform, detailing daily responsibilities, campaign promotion strategies, and the personal fulfillment of helping students achieve their goals.
28 November 2016
How Berkeley conquered crowdfunding chaos
Ryan Lawrence, UC Berkeley's Crowdfunding Manager, shares strategies for successful university crowdfunding campaigns, including compelling stories, committed teams, and persistent donor outreach.
21 November 2016
What higher education can learn from the use of digital technology in politics
An interview with NC State's Adam Compton discussing how digital campaign strategies like testing, segmentation, and text messaging can be applied to higher education fundraising.
15 November 2016
Launching your first day of giving with a small shop
A practical guide for small nonprofit organizations planning their first 24-hour giving campaign, drawing from Massachusetts College of Art and Design's inaugural Day of Giving in 2016.
25 October 2016
13 Quickfire Tips on Successful Crowdfunding
A practical guide offering thirteen strategies to maximise crowdfunding campaign success, covering timing, rewards, influencer partnerships and community engagement.
25 October 2016
Matchfunding: how it affects universities' crowdfunding programs
Research shows that matchfunding in university crowdfunding programs doubles average donations and total funds raised by tripling overall campaign results.
20 September 2016
How much can your institution raise with a crowdfunding program in Y1?
Hubbub presents a crowdfunding calculator that predicts first-year fundraising potential based on institutional data and performance benchmarks from other universities.
13 September 2016
Crunching the numbers on university crowdfunding donors
Analysis of donor demographics and behavior patterns across university crowdfunding platforms, examining donor relationships, regular giving interest, and platform performance differences.
31 August 2016
5 ways to increase alumni engagement on social media
A guide to building meaningful social media connections with university alumni through nostalgia, questions and authentic engagement rather than corporate messaging.
19 August 2016
'WeChat'ted: Raising Funds on Chinese Social Media
A fundraiser shares practical strategies for using WeChat to build relationships with Chinese donors and secure international donations through social media messaging.
10 August 2016
How the University of Essex raised institutional buy-in for crowdfunding
The University of Essex showcased its Click crowdfunding platform at a Vice-Chancellor's Summer Reception by organizing an interactive event featuring nine student projects.
7 July 2016
10 Top Tips for Student Crowdfunding
A practical guide offering strategies for students to effectively organise and run crowdfunding campaigns, from building teams to promoting projects.
28 June 2016
How can charities & community groups make the most of crowdfunding?
Why UK charities and community groups underutilize crowdfunding despite its potential, examining barriers, opportunities, and strategic recommendations for successful campaigns.
24 June 2016
3 Key Steps to a Successful Giving Day
A guide to planning successful 24-hour fundraising campaigns through building partnerships, creating engaging activities and implementing effective technology.
14 June 2016
8 innovative university fundraising ideas from California
California universities share creative fundraising strategies including service-based giving, student competitions, crowdfunding support and donor cultivation techniques.
8 June 2016
Is crowdfunding the new direct mail?
The article argues that crowdfunding serves as a modern alternative to direct mail for engaging younger donors under 40 who are digitally native and less responsive to traditional fundraising methods.
1 June 2016
How the University of Essex use crowdfunding to help student employability
The University of Essex integrates crowdfunding into its employability award programme to teach students entrepreneurial skills while funding student-led projects.
25 May 2016
Are your donors jumping ship? Improve donor retention with these strategies
Nonprofit organizations face significant donor retention challenges, with strategies like personalized acknowledgments, relationship-building, and data measurement helping to improve donor loyalty.
20 May 2016
Why you should be investing in donor personas
A guide to creating data-driven donor personas to improve fundraising acquisition and retention rates through human-centered design.
5 May 2016
9 Tech Essentials for Running a University Crowdfunding Platform
Nine key technology features that university crowdfunding platforms should include to increase stakeholder engagement and campaign success.
27 April 2016
Periscope, Twitter & SnapChat, how are universities using social media?
This article examines how universities leverage Twitter, Periscope, and Snapchat to engage students and alumni through strategic content and features.
14 April 2016
Donor churn, how is it affecting your fundraising goals?
A blog post examining how donor churn rates impact long-term fundraising revenue and donor retention, with comparative scenarios showing the effects of different churn percentages over 10 years.
30 March 2016
Why dated technology is holding back fundraisers (& what to do about it)
A technology expert explains how nonprofits can successfully implement new fundraising systems by defining clear success metrics, getting team buy-in, and choosing adaptable solutions over custom-built ones.
24 March 2016
3 benefits of having a university branded crowdfunding platform
Why university-branded crowdfunding platforms outperform third-party sites through higher donor engagement, lower fees, better data control and improved stewardship.
14 March 2016
3 free web tools for managing fundraising campaigns with a team
Three free web-based tools (Slack, Appear.in and Trello) that help fundraising campaign teams coordinate and collaborate effectively.
10 March 2016
Is crowdfunding & peer-to-peer fundraising the same thing?
The article clarifies that crowdfunding and general peer-to-peer fundraising are distinct models, with crowdfunding focused on funding individual projects while peer-to-peer fundraising supports charitable causes through fundraising events.
8 March 2016
Why should universities represent their telethons online?
Universities should integrate their telephone fundraising campaigns with online giving platforms to overcome contact list limitations, improve donor experience, and expand participation beyond traditional call lists.
25 February 2016
9 tech essentials for your online giving day platform
A guide outlining nine critical technology features that organizations should implement in their online giving day platforms to maximize donations and engagement.
23 February 2016
Bringing the joy of reading to school children with crowdfunding
A school librarian in Croatia used crowdfunding to stock an empty library, transforming her students' access to books and demonstrating the power of community support.
16 February 2016
What 5 elements do great online campaigns have in common?
The piece outlines five key characteristics of successful online campaigns: tangible, targeted requests; emotional personal storytelling; connecting individual stories to larger issues; leveraging online momentum; and integrating offline strategies.
15 February 2016
What made these 3 education crowdfunding campaigns successful?
The article examines three successful education crowdfunding campaigns, analyzing the specific strategies and elements that enabled them to reach their funding goals.
8 February 2016
How University of Essex's crowdfunding involved students
The University of Essex launched a crowdfunding platform called "Click" that engaged students in fundraising while teaching them valuable professional skills.
2 February 2016
Will a large donor in a small team stifle growth?
The article argues that securing one major donor too early can paradoxically hinder organizational growth by consuming resources and diverting attention from pipeline development.
22 January 2016
5 reasons why enterprise departments need to use crowdfunding today
How universities can leverage crowdfunding programs to develop entrepreneurial skills in students while strengthening connections between enterprise, alumni and development teams.
19 January 2016
How to automate your social media for university fundraising
The article explores two tools (CoSchedule and Enrich) that help universities and nonprofits save time by automating social media scheduling and identifying influential prospects from their donor databases.
12 January 2016
Boost your digital fundraising results with these design elements
Design elements like progress bars, social counters, leaderboards, and timers can significantly increase donation rates on digital fundraising pages.
18 December 2015
How do you run a university crowdfunding platform?
Strategies for universities to successfully implement and manage student-focused crowdfunding platforms, using the University of York's award-winning model as a case study.
9 December 2015
This is how Middlesex University launched a crowdfunding platform
Michaela Hopkins on launching MDXBusinessCrowdfund at Middlesex University Business School: building students' skills, raising internal awareness, and advice for teams considering a platform of their own.
21 May 2015
Create a culture of giving at your university
Universities can build sustainable giving cultures by understanding donor relationships, inspiring students through peer-to-peer mechanisms, reciprocating support, and creating engaged community networks.