The Best Nonprofit Hashtags To Grow Your Online Following

Social media has become vital for nonprofits to spread awareness and rally supporters. One key social media tool you might not be using to its fullest potential is nonprofit hashtags.

These digital signposts are essential in the digital landscape, offering your nonprofit a way to organize its posts, find user-generated content about your cause, and guide potential supporters to your profile.

Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you can still harness the power of these small-yet-mighty tools. To strengthen your digital strategy, we’ll share trending hashtags and tips for choosing the best ones for your cause:

Why Should You Use Nonprofit Hashtags?
How Do Different Platforms Use Hashtags for Nonprofits?
How To Choose The Best Nonprofit Hashtags
Best Nonprofit Hashtags To Try
Google Ads + Social Media = Stronger Online Presence

From Facebook to Instagram, mastering the use of nonprofit hashtags can significantly enhance your digital strategy. But why are they so important? Let’s start by exploring the benefits of using nonprofit hashtags to amplify your online presence and connect with your audience.

Why Should You Use Nonprofit Hashtags?

Hashtagging is one of the most powerful organic social media strategies. Incorporating effective hashtags into your nonprofit’s social media content offers these key benefits:

Organize Content: Think of hashtags as a way to categorize your posts, making it easier for users to discover your cause. This also helps your nonprofit track user-generated content related to your cause, so you can interact with or share it to foster a sense of community.
Enhance Visibility and Expand Reach: Hashtags help your nonprofit’s content appear in relevant searches, so you can reach a wider audience beyond your immediate followers.
Tap into Trends: By using relevant and popular hashtags, your nonprofit can join ongoing conversations and marketing trends. This increases the likelihood that your content will be seen, shared, and engaged with by a larger audience. Engaging in trending discussions can position your organization as a thought leader, helping to build credibility and attract attention.
Facilitate Cross-Platform Consistency: Using the same nonprofit hashtags across different social media platforms can establish a consistent brand presence. Consistent hashtags will reinforce your messaging and help users find all your social media pages, including your nonprofit’s Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn.

As all these benefits show, hashtags are more than just a trending feature. They’re a strategic tool for enhancing your nonprofit’s social media efforts.

How Do Different Platforms Use Hashtags for Nonprofits?

Each social media platform uses hashtags slightly different to accommodate its unique audience, user behavior, and content discovery methods. Let’s explore some of the key differences and commonalities between how different platforms use this feature.

How Instagram Uses Hashtags

As a visual platform, Instagram uses hashtags to categorize content and expand its reach beyond your nonprofit’s followers. Instagram users often follow specific hashtags, allowing them to discover new content that aligns with their interests.

The platform supports the use of multiple hashtags per post, making it a powerful tool for visibility. You can use up to 30 hashtags on a post, and when using a public account, your posts will be visible on any corresponding hashtag pages.

After you publish a post, users can click the hashtag to see a page that displays all photos and videos people have uploaded with that hashtag.

How X Uses Hashtags

Formerly known as Twitter, X pioneered the hashtag. Primarily used for real-time conversations and news updates, hashtags on X help users join and follow trending topics.

The platform’s character limit encourages concise communication, making your nonprofit’s hashtags a critical tool for summarizing or joining broader conversations. Popular hashtags often turn into trending topics on the platform.

X recommends using no more than two hashtags per tweet. However, you can use as many as you want. Users can type hashtags into the search bar, click a hashtag in a post, or explore the Trending section of the Explore tab.

How Facebook Uses Hashtags

While you can use hashtags on Facebook, this feature is less central to the platform’s content discovery process. Facebook users tend to engage more with content from friends, groups, and pages they follow rather than exploring content through hashtags.

However, you can still use relevant nonprofit hashtags in your posts. They just won’t necessarily increase your content’s visibility.

In your posts, hashtags turn topics and phrases into clickable links. Similar to other platforms, you’ll see a feed of posts that include that hashtag when you click the link. You can also adjust your privacy settings to adjust who can see your posts with hashtags.

How LinkedIn Uses Hashtags

On this professional networking site, LinkedIn uses hashtags to categorize content by industry-specific topics, helping professionals discover relevant posts and connect with like-minded individuals.

By using nonprofit hashtags, your content can reach a broader audience beyond your direct connections. Hashtags also support brand building by positioning you as a thought leader and amplifying events and campaigns through centralized discussions.

Users can search hashtags, or click a hashtag to see related content and follow users who create discussions surrounding the topic. Similar to Instagram and X, users can follow hashtags on this platform. Users on LinkedIn recommend using two broad hashtags and one niche hashtag per post. You can also add hashtags directly to your nonprofit’s page so that it pops up in relevant search results.

How TikTok Uses Hashtags

Hashtags on TikTok play a vital role in the platform’s algorithm, influencing what content is recommended to users based on their interests and viewing history. By using trending or popular hashtags in captions, creators can enhance the visibility of their videos.

For example, if someone searches for #BookTok, they’ll find posts related to that particular subculture. TikTok also recommends trends and popular hashtags to users when they use the search function.

While TikTok allows multiple hashtags, captions are limited to 100 characters, meaning creators need to choose their hashtags strategically to make the most of the limited space. You can learn more about the power of TikTok and best practices for the platform with our ultimate guide to TikTok for nonprofits.

How YouTube Uses Hashtags

If you leverage video marketing, knowing how to use relevant nonprofit hashtags on YouTube can be pretty helpful.

When uploading a video or creating a Short on YouTube, you can add hashtags to your video title and description. Out of all the hashtags you add to your video’s description, up to three that the platform deems as the most engaging will appear by your video title.

Each hashtag will link to a results page that features other videos with the same hashtag. All hashtags will still appear in your video description, though. If a video or playlist has more than 60 hashtags, YouTube will ignore all hashtags on that content. Over-tagging may even result in your videos being removed from your uploads or from search results.

How To Choose The Best Nonprofit Hashtags

Choosing the right hashtags for your nonprofit’s social media posts is crucial for increasing visibility. With so many options to choose from, it can be challenging to know where to start.

To navigate this, try these key strategies to find and use hashtags effectively, so your content reaches the right audience:

Don’t use too many hashtags. Stick to a few relevant and impactful fundraising and volunteer hashtags that align with your content and cause. Otherwise, you risk overwhelming users with a big wall of hashtags. Remember, some platforms will remove your content or flag it for over-tagging.
Research popular and relevant hashtags. Look at the hashtags that other organizations in your field are using. Some social media platforms offer tools to research hashtag analytics. For example, you can use Instagram’s search bar to explore specific hashtags and see how many posts use that hashtag. You can also use social listening tools like Sprout Social and Keyhole to research hashtags related to your cause.
Test different hashtags. Experiment with different fundraising and volunteer hashtags to see which ones drive engagement. Don’t be afraid to try new ones and adjust based on what works best.
Incorporate trending hashtags. Stay current by incorporating trending hashtags when relevant to your content. This can help your posts gain additional visibility and tap into broader conversations.
Leverage cause-specific hashtags. Identify hashtags that are closely tied to your nonprofit’s cause. These can help you reach audiences who are already interested in your area of work.

By thoughtfully selecting and utilizing hashtags, your nonprofit can enhance its social media presence. Remember, the key to success is continual experimentation and refinement based on what resonates with your audience.

Best Nonprofit Hashtags To Try

To start your research, we’ve pulled statistics for various hashtags on Instagram. The stats you see are the number of posts using each specific hashtag, pulled directly from Instagram. While some of these recommendations are general, others are specific to causes, fundraising, and volunteering.

Remember, these are only suggestions. Each platform’s results will vary, and different hashtags will connect you with your unique audience.

Examples of General Hashtags for Nonprofits

#Charity (16.2M) – Ideal for connecting with a broad audience interested in giving back and supporting various causes
#Nonprofit (9.5M) – Best for showcasing your nonprofit’s work, events, and achievements and connecting with a broad audience of philanthropic people
#Compassion (9.3M) – Great for sharing stories that highlight empathy and care in your nonprofit’s work and for emphasizing the human impact of your initiatives
#MakeADifference (5.2M) – Good for inspiring action and rallying support for your cause, whether you want to encourage people to volunteer or contribute
#DoGood (3.4M) – Perfect for promoting acts of kindness and community service
#Activism (2.3M) – Great for advocating for social change or raising awareness about critical issues, helping you connect with activists
#PayItForward (2.3M) – Best for encouraging small acts of kindness and promoting initiatives where people can help others
#SocialGood (1.6M) – Ideal for highlighting initiatives that benefit society at large and demonstrating your nonprofit’s broader impact
#Changemakers (1.2M) – Effective for storytelling and recognizing the efforts of your supporters and staff
#GivingBackToTheCommunity (359K) – Perfect for posts that highlight community service and local engagement

Examples of The Best Fundraising Hashtags

#GiveBack (5.7M) – Best for encouraging generosity and promoting donation drives and community service initiatives
#Fundraising (4.6M) – Effective for promoting your campaigns and events focused on raising funds, so you can connect with a wide audience interested in supporting various causes financially
#GivingTuesday (2.6M) – Essential for posts around the annual global day of giving (called GivingTuesday) to mobilize support, encourage donations, and engage with a global community focused on philanthropy
#JoinTheMovement (1.6M) – Great for inspiring people to become part of your community of change-makers, rallying support, and promoting advocacy campaigns
#CharityEvent (1.4M) – Perfect for promoting events that benefit your nonprofit, helping you increase attendance, attract sponsors, and generate buzz
#FundraiserEvent (138K) – Effective at driving awareness and participation in your upcoming events
#GivingSeason (150K) – Best for holiday campaigns, encouraging year-end donations, and promoting seasonal giving initiatives during the end-of-year period when people are most inclined to give
#FundraisingFriday (27.1K) – Great for promoting recurring fundraising efforts and engaging your audience with regular updates and calls to action for donations
#YearEndGiving (22.3K) – Similar to #GivingSeason and is best used during the final months of the year to encourage last-minute donations and remind supporters of the tax benefits of giving

Examples of Cause-Specific Hashtags

#MentalHealthAwareness (25.1M) – Best for promoting mental health initiatives, sharing resources, and raising mental health issues and is highly effective during Mental Health Awareness Month
#MentalHealthMatters (14.1M) – Great for highlighting the importance of mental health support and works well for advocacy posts, resources, and personal stories
#EarthDay (7.5M) – Perfect for environmental nonprofits and their campaigns for Earth Day to promote sustainability efforts and encourage eco-friendly actions
#HumanRights (5.2M) – Good for advocacy posts that highlight human rights issues and efforts to combat injustice
#AnimalRescue (3M) – Best for promoting efforts in saving and rehabilitating animals, which is particularly effective for sharing rescue stories and adoption events
#WomensRights (2.3M) – Good for advocating for gender equality and promoting campaigns that focus on advancing the rights and status of women
#ClimateAction (2.1M) – Effective for mobilizing support for environmental policies and sustainable practices
#SocialJustice (1.9M) – Great for advocacy posts and awareness campaigns related to social justice issues and fighting inequality
#CleanEnergy (1.7M) – Effective for promoting renewable energy initiatives by environmental nonprofits
#DisabilityAwareness (1.5M) – Good for advocating for inclusivity and accessibility for individuals with disabilities
#AnimalWelfare (1.3M) – Best for promoting the ethical treatment of animals with campaigns that focus on animal rights, welfare laws, and cruelty prevention
#JoinTheMovement (1.6M) – Effective for rallying support and inspiring people to join your community of changemakers
#CleanWater (1.1M) – Best for campaigns and organizations focused on water sustainability and promoting access to clean drinking water
#YouthEmpowerment (1.1M) – Great for highlighting programs that support and inspire young people, such as those related to education and mentorship
#StopAnimalAbuse (491K) – Good for raising awareness about animal cruelty and advocating for stronger animal protection laws
#ProtectOurPlanet (459K) – Effective for campaigns focused on environmental conservation and rallying support for eco-friendly initiatives
#EndHunger (361K) – Ideal for promoting initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity and hunger relief
#EndPoverty (323K) – Best for raising awareness about poverty and advocating for social and economic justice
#ChangeClimateChange (196K) – Good for advocating for raising awareness about climate issues and promoting sustainable solutions
#AnimalActivism (159K) – Great for engaging individuals passionate about animal rights and promoting animal rights advocacy campaigns, protests, and educational content
#ProtectOurParks (43.3K) – Ideal for promoting conservation efforts and the protection of public lands

Examples of The Best Volunteer Hashtags

#Volunteer (9.8M) – Best for promoting volunteer opportunities and highlighting the impact of volunteer work. However, avoid using it during the fall due to its association with the Tennessee Volunteers football program, which can flood the hashtag with unrelated posts.
#TogetherWeCan (1.7M) – Effective for fostering a sense of collective effort and rallying supporters around a common cause
#CommunityService (1.4M) – Ideal for highlighting local volunteer efforts and service projects
#GetInvolved (1.1M) – Good for encouraging people to participate in your nonprofit’s activities, whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness
#CommunityImpact (303K) – Great for showcasing the positive effects of your nonprofit’s work within the community by sharing success stories, project outcomes, and testimonials
#ServiceAboveSelf (303K) – Good for emphasizing the altruistic nature of volunteerism and highlighting the selflessness of your volunteers
#PeopleHelpingPeople (351K) – Best for sharing stories of compassion and community support
#ActOfKindness (223K) – Effective in promoting small, everyday acts that make a difference, encouraging generosity, and sharing uplifting stories
#HopeForTomorrow (50K) – Good for inspiring optimism and forward-looking initiatives, such as campaigns focused on building a better future
#HelpUsHelpOthers (38K) – Effective for recruiting volunteers by emphasizing the collective effort needed to achieve your nonprofit’s goals
#ServeYourCommunity (23K) – Ideal for promoting local service opportunities and engaging with people who are passionate about giving back to their own communities

Google Ads + Social Media = Stronger Online Presence

Just as hashtags increase your visibility on social media, Google Ads can ensure your nonprofit appears at the top of search results, reaching people who are actively looking for causes like yours.

Using both social media and Google Ads creates a cohesive digital marketing strategy, driving site traffic from social media and search engines.

Best of all, eligible nonprofits can tap into this channel for free by applying to the Google Ad Grants program. You’ll receive up to $10,000 each month to spend on Google Ads that place your website at the top of Google search results for mission-related keywords. Here’s a rundown of the program:

How To Amplify Your Digital Presence With Google Ads

Experiment with these tips to align your nonprofit hashtag and Google Ads strategies:

Keyword Integration: Choose keywords that align with your most effective fundraising and volunteer hashtags. This ensures consistency in your messaging and helps reinforce your campaign themes across platforms.
Compelling Ad Copy: Craft ad copy that mirrors the messages in your social media posts. Include a call to action that encourages users to engage with your nonprofit.
Optimized Landing Pages: Ensure that the landing pages for your ads are optimized and continue the narrative from your social media posts. This provides a seamless experience for your audience.

For example, let’s say your environmental nonprofit is running a campaign focused on elephant conservation. Your organization strategically uses hashtags like #SaveElephants and #ProtectOurPlanet across social media platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook to raise awareness.

Simultaneously, you run Google Ads targeting keywords such as “save elephants” and “protect endangered species.” These ads direct users to a landing page designed to encourage donations to that initiative and volunteer sign-ups, seamlessly echoing the call to action presented in your social media posts. This integrated approach helps to reinforce the campaign’s message across multiple channels, increasing your overall impact.

If you’re struggling to refine your Google Ads strategy, turn to an expert agency. At Getting Attention, we know how to pinpoint the right keywords and craft compelling ads that drive action, boost your digital presence, and comply with Google’s rules.

It’s Time To Pick Your Nonprofit Hashtags

By strategically selecting the right nonprofit hashtags, your organization can significantly amplify its reach, engage with new and existing supporters, and drive meaningful action toward your cause.

As you continue refining your hashtag strategy, remember to monitor performance, stay attuned to trends, and adapt your approach. By doing so, you’ll ensure that your nonprofit’s message resonates across platforms, creating lasting connections and advancing your mission in the digital age.

While you work on your social media strategy, check out these free resources about strengthening your digital presence:

Nonprofit Marketing: A Guide for Amplifying Your Mission: Discover everything you need to know about developing a strong nonprofit marketing strategy, including social media, direct mail, and paid ads.
SEO for Nonprofits: A Complete Playbook for Better Marketing: Search engine optimization is another effective organic marketing strategy, just like nonprofit hashtags. Learn the ins and outs of nonprofit SEO.
How to Optimize Your Facebook Ads for Nonprofits: 7 Tips: Strengthening your social media strategy may involve paid ads. Explore how to advertise your mission on Facebook.