Tech Trends in Philanthropy: Transforming Fundraising Through Purposeful Spending

Issue 5 : Susan Langer, Founder/CEO, Spave

As I help nonprofits raise more money, I’m always on the lookout for innovative tools that can make an impact. When I come across something unique, I can’t help but get excited—and this time, I was so excited that I reached out cold to the CEO and founder of Spave, Susan Langer, through LinkedIn. Even though we had mutual connections that could have facilitated an easier introduction, I decided to go for it, and Susan responded! Maybe it was because I wasn’t selling anything, but either way, I’m thrilled to introduce a tool that has the potential to transform fundraising—without costing nonprofits a penny!

Susan combined her dynamic background in banking, marketing, and nonprofits to create a tool that can help people spend and donate smarter.

Spave, which stands for Spend, Save, and Give, is a financial technology company that empowers individuals to make meaningful impacts on their communities while managing their personal finances. The platform integrates giving into everyday spending.

A Marketer at Heart with a Passion for Purpose

Susan’s background is remarkably similar to mine—she’s a marketer through and through. Listening to her talk about A/B testing, data-driven decision-making, and how to evoke action was both validating and energizing.

In 1995 Susan went to Africa and the adventure was life changing. She witnessed countless stories of women receiving microloans, to start or grow a business. Despite making less than a $1 a day, they were paying these loans back at a 99% repayment rate! The eye-opening experience got her thinking, “How can I help prioritize budgeting and giving? Especially when no one likes talking about budgeting. Maybe there was a way to change behavior?”

Preparing the Next Generation of Philanthropists

Beyond its immediate impact on fundraising, Susan is excited that it can help younger donors, “Spave plays a crucial role in socializing and preparing the next generation—who will inherit the largest transfer of wealth in history—encouraging them to embrace generosity. As wealth shifts from Baby Boomers to Gen Xers and Millennials, it's more important than ever to instill the habit of giving in these younger generations.”

Spave integrates philanthropy into everyday spending, helping to foster a culture of generosity that will shape future charitable endeavors. The tool also meets this population where they are, on their phones. The mobile technology creates seamless giving.

Catalyzing Underutilized Corporate Giving Programs

Traditional workplace giving programs are often underutilized, Susan pointed out, “Most employees are unaware their company offers gift-matching programs. Even when companies do offer these programs, only 10% of eligible employees participate, leaving up to $10 billion in corporate-matched funds unclaimed each year.”

The issue isn’t a lack of generosity, it’s the complexity of these programs and the barriers to participation. Many employees, particularly those who are not desk-bound, struggle to engage with cumbersome intranet systems that manage workplace giving. Spave makes it simple with a user-centric interface that can be easily accessed on your phone!

Not only is Spave a giving tool, it also enhances employee engagement and retention. By integrating Spave into employee benefits, companies can offer a tangible way for employees to contribute to the causes they care about, which can boost morale and strengthen organizational culture.

Spave's platform supports over 1.5 million accredited nonprofits, ensuring that users can contribute to causes that align with their values. This accessibility is key to democratizing giving and making it a regular part of life, not just a one-time donation.

Why Nonprofits Should Pay Attention

Spave’s unique approach is particularly appealing to nonprofits for several reasons:

1. No Extra Cost: Nonprofits don’t need to invest in costly campaigns or new infrastructure to benefit from Spave. The platform works in the background, turning small, everyday actions into meaningful contributions.

2. Increased Donor Engagement: By integrating giving into daily life, Spave encourages consistent, recurring donations. This model of micro-philanthropy helps build a more engaged donor base, leading to stronger relationships and higher lifetime value.

3. Appeals to Younger Generations: As Millennials are projected to make up 75% of the workforce by 2025, it’s crucial for nonprofits to meet this generation’s desire for purpose-driven work environments. With 84% of Millennials donating to charity, Spave is perfectly positioned to capture this group’s interest by aligning their spending habits with their philanthropic values.

   
   

The Future of Giving

Spave represents the future of philanthropy, which is accessible, inclusive, and purpose-driven! By making it easy for people to give while they spend, Spave is removing the barriers that have traditionally hindered corporate and individual philanthropy. And with Susan’s visionary leadership, the company is poised to continue innovating in the space of corporate social responsibility and fundraising.

For nonprofits, the message is clear: integrating a tool like Spave into your fundraising strategy can unlock new streams of revenue without the need for large-scale campaigns or extra spending. It’s a win-win, both for your organization and for the communities you serve.

To learn more about Spave and how it can transform your fundraising efforts, visit spave.io, or connect with Susan Langer on LinkedIn.

If there is another company, leader or innovation you think we should highlight, contact me at: rkrit@ronkritconsulting.com. I would love your recommendations!