Some of the best charity social media campaigns of all time

Today, I want to talk to you about some of the best charity social media campaigns that have truly made a difference in the world.

I often hear nonprofit leaders (yes, even in 2023) challenge whether social media really makes a difference. Social media can be a powerful tool for change, and these campaigns are a testament to that.

Without further ado, let's dive in!

1. #ShareTheMeal

The #ShareTheMeal campaign was launched by the United Nations World Food Programme in 2015, and it has since become one of the most successful charity campaigns on social media. The campaign encourages people to donate as little as $0.50 to provide a meal for a child in need. Users can easily donate through the ShareTheMeal app or website, and then share their donation on social media with the hashtag #ShareTheMeal to encourage others to join in.

In 2021 the project reached its 100 million meal milestone with no signs of stopping. As of July 2022, they had served 150 million meals. 

2. #IceBucketChallenge

The #IceBucketChallenge was a viral sensation in 2014, with millions of people around the world participating in the challenge to raise awareness and funds for ALS research. The campaign involved pouring a bucket of ice water over your head, then challenging friends and family to do the same or donate to the ALS Association. The campaign raised over $220 million worldwide and helped fund important research to find a cure for ALS.

3. #Movember

The #Movember campaign is all about raising awareness for men's health issues, such as prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health. The campaign encourages men to grow a mustache throughout the month of November and share their progress on social media. Participants can also fundraise for the Movember Foundation, which supports research and programs to improve men's health.

Since 2006, the movement has funded the development of 54 inventions, 70 therapies and 107 diagnostic tests for prostate cancer as well as running 1,25+ men's health projects across 23 countries. 

4. #RedNoseDay

#RedNoseDay is a campaign that has been running in the UK since 1988, and it has since spread to other countries around the world. The campaign encourages people to donate and wear a red nose to raise money for charities that support children to be safe, healthy, educated and empowered. The campaign has raised over $2 billion globally. 

5. #TeamTrees

The #TeamTrees campaign was launched by YouTubers MrBeast and ex-NASA engineer Mark Rober in 2019 to raise awareness and funds for reforestation efforts around the world. The campaign encouraged people to donate to the Arbor Day Foundation, with the goal of planting 20 million trees by 2020. The campaign exceeded its goal, raising over $22 million and planting more than 22 million trees. This campaign has generated more than 1 billion organic video views. 

Final Thoughts

These charity campaigns are just a few examples of the incredible power of social media to create change and make a difference in the world. They have inspired millions of people to get involved and make a positive impact in their communities.

While not every social media challenge is going to become a multi-million dollar fundraiser, it can make a significant difference to reaching your community and getting them to take action around the things that matter to you.