It only takes a minute to find out how to reduce your community's digital divide

Getting your campaign off the ground

Once you’ve identified your recipients, worked out which devices will help them and identified how to connect them to the internet, you can start promoting your Reboot programme.

By the end of this step, you’ll be able to choose between these two options:

  • Appealing to a wide range of individuals and businesses
  • Taking a more targeted approach
step-2

Key insights

  • Making your message heard

    Clear messaging can increase donation rates. Once you have identified your potential donors, you can use relevant social media platforms (e.g. Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn) to raise awareness. 

  • Keeping it simple

    Make it easy for donors by reducing the number of steps they have to take to donate.

  • Quashing fears

    Reassure donors by telling them how you’ll manage their personal data. Data privacy is often in the news, so they are likely to have concerns about any data left on their devices.

    One of our partner schemes included information in their legal FAQs to reassure potential donors.

  • Giving guidance

    If you have the budget, creating a click-through online process will encourage donors to follow the right procedure. Don’t forget, your campaign needs to comply with UK data protection law. 

    A partner scheme's website has a map showing where devices have been donated so potential donors can see how donations have made an impact.

Targeting donors

Option 1. Taking a broad reach approach (quantity over quality)

Advertising to a broad group of individuals and businesses will encourage the maximum number of donations, especially if you don’t have strict restrictions as to the devices that you will accept.

Pros

  • Gives you access to the largest potential pool of devices
  • Allows you to help more recipients

Cons

  • One set of messaging may not appeal to everyone, you may have to spend time tweaking your message for each donor group
  • Without restrictions, donations may be poor in quality and need to be responsibly recycled as E-waste

Option 2. Narrowing your search (quality over quantity)

Targeting smaller groups made up of individuals or businesses who are most likely to have suitable devices will allow you to create compelling messaging. Imposing stricter restrictions will reduce the effort needed to restore devices.  

For example, a school Reboot scheme could be targeted at parents, individuals and businesses who are already linked to the school in some way.

Pros

  • You can tailor your message, so it really resonates
  • Devices will be of a better quality which makes the Reboot process easier and reduces E-waste

Cons

  • You’ll risk a low donation rate if you don’t get the message right or your target group doesn’t engage

Things to think about

  • Reach

    How many devices do you need to collect to help your pool of potential recipients?

  • Keeping personal data secure

    It is a legal requirement to ensure that laws in relation to the collection and use of personal data are followed. We suggest you take legal advice if you have any questions or concerns in relation to the legal requirements. We’ll include some sample Terms of Engagement in your playbook.

    Recipients may be unable to access the Terms of Engagement online. Providing them with a physical copy before they agree to participate is advisable, as this will allow you to secure their agreement before transferring ownership of any devices.

  • The power of local networks

    Spreading the word through well connected local individuals, such as headteachers, and volunteers will drive a sense of common purpose and community. People are more likely to give if they feel a close connection to improving lives in their area. Local papers and local radio can help your appeal feel relevant and compelling.

  • Storytelling

    How will donations make a difference? How can you share these stories without breaking any safeguarding or data privacy rules?

  • Using the power of the internet

    Social sharing is a great way to drive interest. Encourage donors to post about their donations.

Next Step

Helping donors help you

Before making a donation, you need your donors to ensure that their devices can be successfully restored and rehomed. For example, unless a smartphone, tablet or Macbook donor factory resets their device, you won’t be able to use it for anything other than recycling!

Blobs

Ready to get started?

If you’re interested in setting up a Reboot project, why not download the full Reboot playbook? Regardless of your budget and IT skills, it will help you develop a well-structured Reboot process and maximise your donations!