Not-for-Profit Navigator
With Nicole Aebi-Moyo - SalesFix For Purpose Practice Lead
It was 2015 and a for-purpose organisation had gone out to tender looking for a replacement to their legacy fundraising system. Their fundraising revenue had been falling year on year and they blamed two things: their aging (and dying) donor base; and their technology.
But in reality, neither was right.
What needed to change was their processes and their expectations around use of technology both internally and externally.
Still, 10 years later, one of the most common things I hear when talking to fundraisers, especially with the phasing out of cheques in 2030, goes something like this: “Our donors are older, they don’t use technology.”
I would argue that even ten years ago, that argument had little merit. And it holds even less today. Stop treating your older donors as if they’re your granny and start treating them as your peers.
Today’s 70-Year-Old Has Been Online for Decades
Let’s pause and think about who’s “old” today. Someone in their 70s in 2025 was in their 50s when Facebook launched. They were in their 40s when email became a workplace norm. Many of them owned one of the first home computers, learned how to use online banking, and now video call their grandkids on FaceTime or WhatsApp.
This generation has lived through the digital revolution with us. They didn’t watch from the sidelines, they adapted, learned, and integrated technology into their daily lives. Older donors are booking flights online, managing investments on apps, and streaming shows on Netflix. Why would donating online be any different?
I’ve lost count of the number of times my 80-year old mum has taught me something about how to use my phone better!
Let’s look at the statistics
Recent research reveals a dramatic shift in digital inclusion:
- Internet adoption among older Australians has soared. In 2019, just 71% of individuals aged 65–74 were online, but by 2022 that number had surged to 98%. Among those aged 75 and over, usage leapt from 52% to 94% in the same period (acma.gov.au).
- Home internet access for older Australians is near universal, up from 68% in 2017 to 93% by 2020 (acma.gov.au).
- Mobile usage is replacing desktop as the dominant mode of access: over 78% of older Australians used mobile phones for internet access by mid-2020, up from 51% in 2017 (acma.com.au). Just like the young kids!
Older Australians Are Actively Engaged Online
The numbers tell a powerful story:
- A March 2024 article noted that in 2022, 68% of Australians aged 65+ used the internet, marking them as one of the fastest-growing online demographics (indailysa.com.au).
- Benetas’ 2024 study found that among those aged 65+, virtually everyone uses email (98%) and text messaging (93%). Nearly half use video calls (48%), surpassing landline use (45%). Most (76% of women, 62% of men) are active on social media, half daily. Overall, 85% enjoy using the internet, while 55% express a desire to improve their skills further (agedcareonline.com.au).
- The National Seniors research (2022) shows that the proportion of older Australians (70+) using mobile phones to complete surveys doubled over a few years, while tablet usage among those 80+ rose from 11% to 19% (National Seniors Australia).
So if you think your donors aren’t online, aren’t going to have their phones in their pockets ready to respond to that text reminder about an appeal, then you’re wrong.
The Real Issue Isn’t Age, It’s Design
Despite this surge in engagement, many older Australians still report feeling overwhelmed:
- In 2020, 80% of older users said the pace of technological change was hard to keep up with (acma.com.au).
This isn’t a sign of incapacity, it’s a call for better design. When websites, donation forms, or apps are confusing, outdated, or inaccessible, the problem lies with usability, not the user.
If donors of any age struggle with your online forms, clunky donation platforms, or confusing websites, that’s not an age problem. It’s a user experience problem. We shouldn’t blame the donor when our technology is the barrier.
Good design, clear instructions, large fonts, mobile-friendly layouts, and simple processes, makes giving accessible to everyone, from a 25-year-old graduate to an 85-year-old retiree.
Why This Matters for Fundraising Organisations
When we cling to the idea that “older donors don’t use tech,” we let ourselves off the hook. It becomes an excuse not to invest in digital tools, not to modernise our donor experience, and not to meet people where they actually are.
The truth is, the donor population is ageing, but ageing with technology in hand. That’s a powerful opportunity. By making digital giving seamless, we make it easier for long-time supporters to keep engaging, keep giving, and keep building the future with us.
Holding onto the belief that older donors are “technophobic” risks your organisation’s relevance and reach. Instead:
- Recognise the reality: Australia’s older donor base is largely online and actively engaged.
- Focus on inclusivity: Ensure your digital tools, whether donation pages, newsletters, or event registrations, are intuitive, accessible, and mobile-friendly.
Meet donors where they are: Many long-time supporters now expect, and prefer, digital channels.
The Takeaway
It’s time to retire the myth. Your older donors are online. They’ve been there for years. The question is: will your organisation meet them there?
If you would like to have a chat with me about how to successfully reach a broader audience, feel free to reach out I am always happy to help: [email protected]
Until next time,
Nicole
Useful Resources
Join our Fundraising Community of Practice: meeting virtually once a month to discuss all things fundraising and tech. Email [email protected] to join.
Upcoming Events to Attend
- Attend one of F&P’s fundraising events to keep up to date with trends.
- If you’re in Melbourne, buy a ticket for True Blue Blazing Melbourne, 14 November, Marvel Stadium. This all day conference will bring together Salesforce users from all walks of life to share learnings, ideas and best practice guidelines.
Australian Salesforce user groups
If you use Salesforce and you’re not part of a user group, you’re missing out! There’s over 30 groups in Australia and New Zealand alone, and many now meet online so there’s no excuse for not joining in and finding out more.