Maximizing Fundraising Performance Through Mobile and Omnichannel Engagement

Breakthrough T1D runs all of its peer-to-peer programs—including walks, rides, runs, and DIY campaigns using TeamRaiser, processing an estimated $80–85 million annually through the platform. To guide participants toward success, the team leverages built-in tools like fundraising milestones and automated coaching messages, deploying approximately 10 milestones and 8–10 triggered responses per program.

When it came to mobile, speed-to-value was critical. Breakthrough T1D launched its integration with Nuclavis in 8-12 weeks—compared to nearly eight months with a previous third-party solution—allowing the team to pivot midstream and go live within the same fiscal year.

“From start to end, the integration of Nuclavis and TeamRaiser was just under 12 weeks, and we were live,” said Kelly Fleming, national director, DIY. “Our previous fundraising mobile app launches were eight months in the making. The ramp-up was minimal and very easy on our end.”

With the platform and fundraising mobile app tools working in tandem, the impact on individual fundraising performance is clear. “When people embrace the tools—the social sharing, email templates, suggested messages—they do really, really well,” Fleming noted. “When using TeamRaiser together with Nuclavis tools, it would almost be impossible for a fundraiser not to raise $2,000.”

The introduction of fundraising mobile app functionality and text messaging has driven immediate, measurable gains. Mobile check deposit streamlined donations, while omnichannel outreach expanded engagement beyond email. “Being able to text individuals and communicate outside of email has been a major benefit,” Fleming said. “Fundraisers who receive a text message raise $141 more on average, and reactivation of previous participants increased by seven percent.”

Reimagining Engagement and Doubling Participation

Breakthrough T1D’s peer-to-peer programs serve a uniquely diverse participant base. Roughly half of registrants are children under 13, creating ongoing challenges with duplicate records, email addresses, and account setup. At the same time, the organization must engage both passive participants who register to show support and highly motivated fundraisers—all within the same system.

These challenges intensified after COVID-19. During the virtual-event years, Breakthrough T1D saw an influx of new participants who had never attended an in-person event. When live programming returned, retaining those newer supporters proved difficult.

“Coming out of COVID, our retention of newer participants was really low. Only being able to email them at that time really hindered our ability to meet them where they were,” said Fleming. “We wanted to reach this audience through other channels and once we implemented Nuclavis and created an omnichannel approach with better internal communication, we doubled our participation levels in one year.”

By shifting to mobile-first engagement, the organization established a critical connection point—especially for younger participants and newly acquired supporters.

Meeting Every Generation Where They Are

Because type 1 Diabetes is a lifelong condition, Breakthrough T1D’s community spans multiple generations—from children to lifelong advocates. A one-size-fits-all approach to engagement simply doesn’t work.

Instead, the organization meets participants where they are. The combination of TeamRaiser’s participant center, fundraising mobile app, and text messaging allows each fundraiser to engage in the way that suits them best— whether sharing their story on desktop or running a campaign entirely from their phone.

This flexibility extends to coaching. Breakthrough T1D has expanded milestones and automated messaging into its DIY program, a more complex model without a fixed event date. Even so, the team views consistency in engagement as essential to driving reliable fundraising outcomes.

TeamRaiser’s customization capabilities further support this multigenerational strategy. “What TeamRaiser offers is complete autonomy with a blank canvas to truly brand the experience in a way that matches your voice,” Fleming said. “The outcome has been wonderful for the majority of our programs.”

Breakthrough T1D is not just optimizing its programs—it’s redefining participant engagement. By investing in mobile, data-driven personalization, and flexible experiences, the organization is building a model designed to grow alongside its community.

“We’re always thinking about how to make the experience better for every type of participant,” said Fleming. “And with tools like Blackbaud supporting that experience, when people feel supported, they stay engaged—and that drives everything.”