On my first day at my new job as Global Impact’s marketing and communications manager, I didn’t expect to become a game designer! When I started at Global Impact this summer, one of my first projects was to help design a new digital platform to engage donors around global causes.

Before COVID-19, my Global Impact colleagues would attend in-person volunteer fairs and events across the country, connecting one-on-one with employees to discuss giving global in their workplace giving campaigns. In 2023, many of those events no longer exist or are online as workplaces shift to virtual and hybrid models.

To meet workplace donors where they’re at, we needed a new digital solution to connect about the importance of giving global.

We have plenty of beautiful content from our charity partners showcasing the impact of global giving and lots of online resources for campaign leaders – the challenge was reaching workplace donors with this message in a fun and engaging way. As we considered solutions, a few insights informed our decisions. Gamification – or the application of gameplay elements like rules and points to encourage engagement – has become increasingly popular outside of video games.

Gamification has been used to convince people to buy products and services – why couldn’t it be used to show the power of giving globally?

Our charity partner Hope for Haiti was one of many able to leverage gamification on streaming platforms to encourage fundraising. Inspired by this trend, we wanted to ensure we engaged with donors in a fun, memorable way.

And as younger generations enter the workforce, we know that following the same outreach methods used for older generations won’t work. Newcomers to the workforce grew up as digital natives. Sure, that might come with plenty of digital distractions, but it also has led to growing support for social movements, education around global causes and volunteerism. Younger generations are more likely to look for hands-on engagement with the organizations they support and may take a bit more time researching a charity’s impact before deciding to give.

All that information can lead to decision paralysis. Most people can probably tell you the causes they care about but might not be sure how to choose to support them. The way we give back is personal. What should inform your decision-making? How do you know what charities will make the biggest impact worldwide in the ways you care about?

We learned from these factors, and over the next few months, we developed a website page that we felt could address some of these needs. Thus, the Inner Global Champion Quiz was born!

After moving through a series of questions that help to identify a donor’s passions and behavioral characteristics, quiz takers learn their Inner Global Champion, matching them with organizations and causes that align with their personalities. For example…

  • The Classic, who gives back with tried-and-true methods. You’ll learn about charities with long histories of success leading responses to global causes.
  • The Explorer, who’s not afraid to embrace new technology. You’ll be matched with charities on the cutting edge of new financing tactics to stop global problems.
  • The Analyst, who looks for data-driven results. You’ll match with charities who prioritize letting supporters know exactly where their donations go to and what impact they have.
  • The Trendsetter, who follows the latest news and trends to give back. You’ll connect with organizations responding to disasters and social justice issues that hit fast and require quick responses.
  • The Passionate, who’s driven to support causes that pull on the heartstrings. You’ll learn about charities directly helping families impacted by some of the hardest global challenges we’re facing.

The best part comes when quiz takers unlock their full profile! The full profile connects donors with volunteer opportunities, stories and examples of the impacts certain organizations are making in the causes that align with their interests. You’ll also receive deeper insights into your giving profile, like the positives about how you prefer to give – as well as pitfalls you should keep in mind.
No matter where you work, global champions like you know that when we join together, we can have a greater impact for causes around the world.

  • Donors: Take the Inner Global Champion Quiz to guide how you’ll give back in your workplace. Then, share with your colleagues to learn more about them!
  • Campaign managers: Share the Inner Global Champion Quiz with your employees to keep them engaged with global causes during your workplace giving campaign.

While I didn’t expect to become a game designer at Global Impact, I’m used to finding the next up-and-coming thing – I am a Trendsetter, after all.

Discover your Inner Global Champion today at www.charity.org/give.