Case Study: How United Way of Comal County Transformed Fundraising with BetterWorld

"I think BetterWorld understands that we're a nonprofit and we are trying to do what's right for our community and I will definitely be using BetterWorld again because I can afford their price. It didn't hurt to pay that bill at all."

About United Way of Comal County

The United Way of Comal County plays a vital role in supporting 33 local nonprofits that address diverse community needs, from food distribution and healthcare to crisis assistance and promoting healthy lifestyles. Under the leadership of Executive Director Terry Robinson, they adopted BetterWorld’s fundraising software to enhance their operations. Their comprehensive approach includes funding initiatives for families with children with disabilities, mental health services, and food assistance, demonstrating a strong commitment to community support and stability.

Fundraising Efforts

"Well, I'll never say no to a donation or a gift", Terry explained. "The last half of each year, we are typically out there hitting the road, raising money. In the first half, we're working to give that money to nonprofits that meet the needs of the community and align with United Way’s mission to support health and human service organizations."

The United Way of Comal County organizes several events annually, aiming to streamline these efforts as much as possible.

"The more we can streamline our processes the better it is for our donors. Our donors want to give! If we have highly effective fundraising software at their fingertips, it makes it easier for them."

Auction Automation

"What BetterWorld did for us was allow us to close a silent auction within minutes."

The United Way of Comal County found a transformative solution in BetterWorld, which streamlined their auction process and enhanced the donor experience. Previously, wrapping up silent auctions was time-consuming and involved a lot of paperwork. With BetterWorld, they can now close auctions in minutes, automatically notifying winners and allowing for quick item retrieval. Donors benefit from instant notifications, the option to top bids automatically, and immediate payment processing with automatic receipts. This efficient system not only saved the organization significant time but also boosted revenue, with features like item QR codes improving accessibility and engagement during events.

Results Achieved by United Way of Comal County

In 2022, the United Way of Comal County successfully transitioned from a paper auction to an online format using BetterWorld, after evaluating several software providers. This change allowed for early sign-ups, item previews, and mobile bidding, significantly enhancing the attendee experience. The auction raised $13,000, more than doubling the previous year's $6,000 total. Features like outbid notifications and QR codes for easy bidding further engaged participants, leading the organization to decide that they would not host future events without BetterWorld’s support.

Improved Donor Engagement

• BetterWorld’s fundraising software significantly boosted donor engagement for the United Way of Comal County. The user-friendly mobile aspect and notifications made it easy for donors to get involved and give, leading to higher levels of engagement.

Streamlined Fundraising Processes

• "The software streamlined the organization’s fundraising processes, particularly in managing and closing silent auctions. This efficiency saved valuable time and resources, allowing the team to focus on other critical tasks."

Enhanced Donor Experiences

• "The enhanced donor experiences were a standout feature. BetterWorld's platform provided a seamless and enjoyable experience for donors, leading to increased participation and donations."

Client Experiences

"Colin, (Co-Founder of BetterWorld) who deserves a shout-out, was incredibly dedicated, even making phone calls on the night of the event while his wife was expecting a baby. We're an older generation still learning a lot of these tools, but having someone guide us through the evening because we weren't quite sure was invaluable. Colin held our hand throughout the whole thing from the days before the event up to the end and even checked in on us the next day."

"I have to say the biggest benefit of working with BetterWorld is its ease and their hands-on approach with us. They really took care of us"

Download the full case study here

About BetterWorld:

BetterWorld's Free Online Fundraising Platform revolutionizes how organizations manage donations and fundraising initiatives by offering an all-in-one solution for various fundraising needs, including peer-to-peer fundraising, events, raffles, crowdfunding, auctions and more.

This comprehensive platform simplifies the entire process, allowing users to streamline their efforts and focus on their mission. 

With no platform fees, organizations can save both time and money, enabling them to allocate more resources directly to their causes. The intuitive single-view dashboard provides a complete overview of all donor campaigns, making it easier than ever to track success and manage contributions in real-time.

The efficiency of BetterWorld extends to its user-friendly setup, allowing organizations to hit the ground running within just five minutes. This quick onboarding process ensures that users can immediately start leveraging the platform's tools to engage donors and maximize their fundraising potential.