{"id":4752,"date":"2025-09-29T10:00:00","date_gmt":"2025-09-29T14:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cicp-pcpob\/?p=4752"},"modified":"2025-08-19T14:30:06","modified_gmt":"2025-08-19T18:30:06","slug":"gamification","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/carleton.ca\/cicp-pcpob\/2025\/gamification\/","title":{"rendered":"Beyond Buzzwords: How Gamification Can Reignite Community and Fundraising in Canadian Charities"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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\n Beyond Buzzwords: How Gamification Can Reignite Community and Fundraising in Canadian Charities\n <\/h1>\n \n \n <\/header>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n\n <\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n\n

Gamification in Charities: While Others Play, Canada Pauses<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gamification is no longer just a tech buzzword or a tool for video games. In several countries like the US or the UK, it\u2019s already part of the charity playbook. A 2023 report from Endsleigh Insurance <\/a>found that three in five charities<\/em><\/strong> in the UK had adopted gamification to boost their fundraising efforts such as using game mechanics like digital leaderboards and donation challenges. Here, charities are using a wide array of digital tools – from online games and augmented reality to immersive livestreaming events – to connect with new donors, especially younger generations. In contrast, our survey (CICP 2.11.43<\/a>, November 2024) reveals a different picture: over 70% of Canadian charities have not used gamification<\/strong>, and over 50% said they don\u2019t plan to<\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why the Hesitance?<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

A closer look at open-ended responses from our Canadian survey reveals some revealing patterns. Many organizations admitted, quite simply, that they \u201cnever heard of gamification<\/em>\u201d or see it as \u201cdetached from the realities of running an organization<\/em>.\u201d Others dismissed it as \u201cimmoral as it can lead to addictions<\/em>.\u201d Some saw it as purely a fundraising tactic that creates \u201ccompetitive environments<\/em>,\u201d or does not really resonate with their core values.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This tells us one thing: before we can talk about the potential of gamification, we need to dispel the common myths.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Dispelling Myths About Gamification in Charities<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

In a recent episode of the UK-based Third Sector podcast<\/a>, charity experts tackled common myths about gaming and gamification. Here are five worth addressing:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #1: It\u2019s all about fundraising.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Actually, gamification started from a deeper place: community-building.<\/strong> People have long joined fun social events- like trivia nights, marathons, or bingo game nights – and contributed to charitable causes along the way. At its heart, gamification is about connection<\/strong> first, and contribution<\/strong> follows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #2: It\u2019s just about playing competitive games.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gamification in charities is not about playing games – it\u2019s about applying game mechanics<\/strong> to non-gaming contexts. These mechanics include challenges, leaderboards, badges, interactive storytelling, and incentives to increase engagement. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #3: Only young people care.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gamification does not only target younger audiences. People of all ages enjoy interactive and engaging experiences. In the UK, livestream celebrity quizzes<\/strong> have drawn broad audiences<\/strong> and raised hundreds of thousands of pounds for charity within a couple of hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #4: It\u2019s expensive and only for large charities.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Not at all. Simple tactics like donation challenges, digital leaderboards, or volunteer-voted rewards can be launched with minimal costs and strong results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myth #5: It\u2019s the same as livestreaming.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are different but compatible tools. Streaming<\/strong> involves real-time interaction, while gamification<\/strong> uses game mechanics to encourage participation. Together, they can be powerful.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

How Gamification Can Help Charities, Especially Small Ones<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

While some high-tech gamification strategies can be costly, many effective gamification techniques require minimal investment<\/strong>. Small charities <\/strong>can:<\/p>\n\n\n\n