ANNAPOLIS, MD — METAvivor Research and Support, a leading non-profit organization dedicated to funding critical research for stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC), has officially announced a significant transition in its digital infrastructure. The organization is migrating its Peer-to-Peer (P2P) fundraising operations from GoFundMe Pro (formerly known as Classy) to Bloomerang Fundraising.
This strategic shift, effective as of this fall, marks a new chapter in METAvivor’s efforts to streamline donor engagement and maximize the impact of every dollar raised. As the organization moves away from GoFundMe Pro, all existing fundraising pages have been transitioned to the Bloomerang platform to ensure continuity for the dedicated volunteers and advocates who drive the organization’s mission forward.
Main Facts: A Digital Evolution for a Critical Mission
The transition to Bloomerang Fundraising represents more than just a change in software; it is a calculated move to enhance the user experience for METAvivor’s global network of fundraisers. METAvivor has built its reputation on a unique promise: 100% of all donations and fundraiser proceeds go directly to funding research grants for metastatic breast cancer. To maintain this commitment while scaling their operations, the organization requires a robust, integrated system that minimizes administrative overhead and maximizes donor retention.
Key highlights of the transition include:
- Platform Change: Movement from GoFundMe Pro/Classy to Bloomerang Fundraising for all Peer-to-Peer activities.
- Deactivation Timeline: Legacy pages on GoFundMe Pro will cease to be active starting this fall.
- Data Migration: METAvivor has already completed the transfer of existing fundraising pages to the new platform to prevent any loss of momentum for ongoing campaigns.
- Support Systems: A dedicated support channel has been established via
[email protected]to assist users during the migration period.
Chronology of the Transition
The migration process was designed to be as seamless as possible for the METAvivor community, following a strict timeline to ensure data integrity and user readiness.
July 27: Initial Outreach and Migration Launch
On July 27, METAvivor initiated the first phase of the transition by sending comprehensive email notifications to all active fundraisers. This communication included specific instructions on how to access the new Bloomerang-hosted dashboard, update personal profiles, and continue tracking progress toward their fundraising goals. This date marked the formal beginning of the hand-off between the two platforms.
Late Summer: Training and Adaptation
Throughout August and early September, METAvivor’s internal team worked to monitor the migration of data. Fundraisers were encouraged to log into their new Bloomerang portals to familiarize themselves with the updated interface, which offers enhanced tools for social media integration and donor communication.
Fall Deadline: Deactivation of GoFundMe Pro
As of the current fall season, the GoFundMe Pro (Classy) pages are being phased out. Donors attempting to access legacy links will be redirected or informed of the platform change. This "sunset" period ensures that all new financial contributions are captured within the Bloomerang ecosystem, allowing for more accurate reporting and lower transaction friction.
Supporting Data: Why the Platform Shift Matters
To understand the significance of this move, one must look at the broader landscape of non-profit management and the specific needs of the metastatic breast cancer community.
The Power of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) Fundraising
Peer-to-Peer fundraising is the lifeblood of METAvivor. Unlike traditional top-down charity models, P2P empowers individuals—often patients living with MBC or their families—to create personalized campaigns. According to industry data, P2P fundraising accounts for nearly one-third of all online donations. For METAvivor, this model is essential because it turns personal stories of resilience into tangible research funding.
The Bloomerang Advantage
Bloomerang is widely recognized in the non-profit sector for its focus on donor retention. Industry studies suggest that the average donor retention rate in the non-profit world hovers around 40-45%. Bloomerang’s platform is specifically engineered to help organizations increase this percentage through better data visualization, automated engagement tools, and "constituent relationship management" (CRM) integration. By moving to Bloomerang, METAvivor can better track the journey of a donor from their first contribution to becoming a long-term advocate.
The Crisis of Metastatic Breast Cancer Funding
The urgency of this technological upgrade is underscored by a sobering reality: while breast cancer awareness is high, funding for metastatic research remains disproportionately low.
- The Statistic: Metastatic breast cancer accounts for nearly all of the 42,000+ breast cancer deaths in the U.S. each year.
- The Funding Gap: Historically, only 2-5% of all funds raised for breast cancer research are directed toward the metastatic (Stage IV) level.
- METAvivor’s Role: Since its inception, METAvivor has awarded over 200 research grants totaling more than $28 million. Every efficiency gained through the Bloomerang platform directly supports the organization’s ability to close this funding gap.
Official Responses and User Guidance
METAvivor leadership has emphasized that while the platform is changing, the mission remains steadfast. In a statement to the community, the organization expressed gratitude for the patience of its supporters during this technical transition.
"We understand that change can be challenging, especially when our fundraisers are so deeply invested in their personal campaigns," the organization stated. "Our move to Bloomerang is a strategic investment in our future. It provides our supporters with more intuitive tools to tell their stories and ensures that METAvivor remains at the forefront of efficient, transparent non-profit management."
Guidance for Active Fundraisers
For those who have not yet accessed their new accounts, METAvivor provides the following checklist:
- Check Your Inbox: Search for an email dated July 27 containing your unique login credentials and dashboard link.
- Verify Information: Ensure that your fundraising story, photos, and goal amounts have transferred correctly from the GoFundMe Pro platform.
- Update Links: If you have shared your fundraising link on social media or personal blogs, ensure you replace the old GoFundMe Pro/Classy URL with your new Bloomerang URL.
- Request Assistance: If you cannot find the July 27 email or encounter technical glitches, contact the support team at [email protected].
Implications for the Future of MBC Research
The transition to Bloomerang Fundraising has several long-term implications for METAvivor and the broader MBC community.
1. Enhanced Data Security and Reporting
In an era of increasing digital scrutiny, the move to a more integrated CRM and fundraising platform ensures higher standards of data security for donors. Furthermore, the enhanced reporting capabilities allow METAvivor to provide even greater transparency regarding how funds are raised and allocated, reinforcing the "100% to Research" promise that is the cornerstone of their brand.
2. Lowering the Barrier to Entry for New Fundraisers
The Bloomerang interface is designed for ease of use. By simplifying the process of creating a page, METAvivor can attract a younger, tech-savvy generation of advocates who expect seamless mobile experiences. This expansion of the "army of fundraisers" is vital for the continued growth of MBC research grants.
3. Strengthening the Community Bond
Peer-to-Peer fundraising is as much about community as it is about capital. The new platform offers better ways for fundraisers to communicate with their donors, sending personalized thank-you notes and updates on how their specific contributions are making a difference. This fosters a sense of shared purpose, which is critical for those navigating the emotional and physical toll of a metastatic diagnosis.
4. Scalability for National Campaigns
As METAvivor continues to grow its signature events, such as the "Stage IV Stampede" and various local "Metavivor Runs," having a unified platform like Bloomerang allows for better coordination across different geographic regions. This scalability ensures that a fundraiser in California and a donor in New York experience the same high-quality interaction with the organization.
Conclusion: A Commitment to Progress
The migration from GoFundMe Pro to Bloomerang Fundraising is a testament to METAvivor’s dedication to excellence. By prioritizing the user experience and administrative efficiency, the organization is ensuring that its focus remains where it belongs: on the scientists and researchers working tirelessly to turn metastatic breast cancer from a terminal disease into a manageable, chronic condition.
As the fall transition concludes, METAvivor invites all supporters to embrace the new platform. The fight against MBC is a marathon, not a sprint, and with the right tools in place, the path to a cure becomes clearer every day.
For more information on how to start a fundraiser or to donate to metastatic breast cancer research, please visit the new METAvivor fundraising portal or contact the organization directly.
About METAvivor:
METAvivor Research and Support is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to the specific fight against metastatic breast cancer. It is the only U.S. organization that dedicates 100% of its net personal and corporate donations to funded research for the transition of MBC from a terminal to a chronic, manageable disease. METAvivor was founded by a small group of patients who realized that while the "pink ribbon" movement was successful in raising general awareness, the needs of those already living with stage IV cancer were being largely ignored. Today, it stands as a beacon of hope for thousands of patients and families worldwide.
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