Session: Are you fit for digital?

Jean O'Brien (Digital Charity Lab) and Tom Hickey (What if Consultancy) help your non-profit answer the question, are you fit for digital?

Digital fundraising is often seen as the solution to every problem - but you know it’s not that simple. Charities dive into digital without the right strategy (or often no strategy at all), skills, or technology. Fundraisers are struggling without the right direction, resources and training. This session takes a fresh, practical approach to digital fundraising, using the "Couch to 5k" mindset: understanding where you are now to build towards success.

Through short presentations, interactive polls, and live discussions, you’ll get your organisation’s “digital fitness” evaluated and learn how to improve. Jean and Tom will cover digital strategies, using the right channels, breaking down silos, and measuring success. Attendees will get to evaluate their own digital maturity via live voting, and see how they compare to peers.

This fun, interactive workshop is ideal for fundraisers seeking better results in acquisition, retention, and income generation, as well as directors looking to invest more in digital. Whether you’re just starting with digital or ready to scale your campaigns, you’ll leave with strong insights, a clear roadmap for growth, and the inspiration to tackle digital fundraising challenges head-on.

Tom Hickey

Tom Hickey is the founder of What if Consultancy, a leading expert in strategic fundraising with nearly 20 years of experience both in-house and as a consultant. Tom is a pioneer in the field, renowned for leading the team responsible for creating the very first Facebook Challenge, which revolutionised digital fundraising. His deep understanding of the challenges faced by fundraisers, paired with his innovative approach, has made him a trusted advisor for organisations looking to enhance their fundraising impact.

With expertise spanning digital strategy, individual giving, corporate partnerships, and campaign management, Tom has worked with a diverse range of clients such as the Irish Heart Foundation, Action Aid, Prostate Cancer Research, and Marie Curie. He has also collaborated with international agencies like GivePanel and NonProfit Megaphone, helping them unlock new opportunities for clients.

Tom provides invaluable insights into how to tackle the evolving challenges in fundraising today, with a focus on donor strategy, digital innovation, and campaign success to achieve your fundraising goals and drive real change.