'WeChat'ted: Raising Funds on Chinese Social Media

When I started learning through trial and error about fundraising from Chinese nationals, I had no idea about the power of WeChat. WeChat operates as the Chinese equivalent of Facebook. Since Facebook is banned by the Chinese government, WeChat serves as the predominant online social communication platform in mainland China.

I have successfully navigated WeChat communication with individuals who don’t share a common language with me.

Easy international communication with WeChat’s ‘translate’ button

As a professional fundraiser whose job depends on supporting the bottom line, I am grateful to accomplish my work using numerous emojis and the crucial translation feature. Through a few straightforward techniques and conversations, I have raised hundreds of thousands of dollars through WeChat messaging.

After months organizing events in major Chinese cities via email, I discovered WeChat’s widespread use when attending these events in person. Our attendees began networking individually, exchanging their smartphones in a way I initially found puzzling. Our Mandarin translator immediately recognized this Chinese social phenomenon.

Recognizing an opportunity to maintain connections upon returning to America, my colleagues and I created accounts and learned how to scan user barcode profiles.

The Chinese eagerly connected with me. When communicating with non-English speakers, I could introduce myself in basic Mandarin, then use WeChat to share friendly animations and simple messages like birthday greetings or donation reminders. The translation tool easily overcame cultural and language barriers through straightforward friendraising and fundraising.

Securing international donations

After establishing connections, we created WeChat Groups to communicate collectively. Their active messaging became understandable using the translate feature. I stayed informed about concerns, celebrations, and news in China while sharing positive emojis with new contacts. My most successful interaction involved requesting a $30,000 donation from a limited-English speaking woman, who wholeheartedly agreed and received international wire transfer instructions via our website.

If you conduct fundraising in China or plan to begin, WeChat represents one of your most valuable tools for building relationships, soliciting funds, and stewardship. With 700 million monthly users, upcoming expansion into Japan, and services including direct payments, flight check-ins, and WiFi authentication, joining WeChat is essential for your fundraising efforts.