ANNAPOLIS, MD – In a significant move aimed at optimizing its digital infrastructure and enhancing donor engagement, METAvivor Research and Support, a leading non-profit dedicated to funding research for Stage IV metastatic breast cancer (MBC), has officially announced the transition of its peer-to-peer fundraising operations. The organization is migrating from GoFundMe Pro (formerly known as Classy) to Bloomerang Fundraising, a comprehensive donor management and engagement platform.
The transition, which began earlier this summer, marks a pivotal shift in how the organization manages its grassroots fundraising efforts. As of this fall, all legacy fundraising pages hosted on GoFundMe Pro will be deactivated, making the Bloomerang platform the exclusive hub for METAvivor’s community-led campaigns.
Main Facts: A Digital Evolution for a Critical Mission
The decision to migrate platforms comes at a time when non-profit organizations are increasingly seeking integrated solutions to manage donor data, streamline communication, and reduce administrative overhead. METAvivor’s move to Bloomerang is not merely a change of software but a strategic realignment to ensure that more resources are directed toward its core mission: funding the research that will one day transition metastatic breast cancer from a terminal disease to a chronic, manageable condition.
Key Highlights of the Transition:
- Platform Shift: METAvivor is moving its Peer-to-Peer (P2P) fundraising ecosystem from GoFundMe Pro to Bloomerang.
- Data Integrity: Existing fundraisers have had their pages and historical data automatically migrated to the new system to ensure continuity.
- Timeline: The transition was initiated in late July, with a final deactivation of GoFundMe Pro pages scheduled for the fall season.
- Support Channels: The organization has established dedicated support via
[email protected]to assist donors and fundraisers during the migration.
METAvivor is unique in the breast cancer landscape because it is the only national organization that dedicates 100% of every donation—unless otherwise specified by the donor—to research for metastatic breast cancer. This "100% model" makes operational efficiency paramount, as the organization relies on lean administrative costs and robust technology to maintain its promise to donors.
Chronology: The Roadmap to Migration
The transition process was meticulously planned to minimize disruption to ongoing fundraising campaigns, which are often launched by patients, family members, and advocates in memory of loved ones or in support of those currently living with the disease.
July 27: The Initial Launch
On July 27, METAvivor initiated the first phase of the transition by sending out comprehensive electronic communications to all active fundraisers on the GoFundMe Pro platform. This email contained personalized access links, instructions for setting up new dashboards, and a guide to the features available on the Bloomerang platform.
August – September: The Transition Period
Throughout the late summer months, METAvivor’s administrative team worked behind the scenes to sync data and provide technical support to users. This period allowed fundraisers to familiarize themselves with the new interface, which offers enhanced tools for social media integration and real-time donor tracking.
Fall: Final Deactivation
The organization has set a deadline for the current fall season, at which point the GoFundMe Pro (Classy) pages will no longer be active. This "sunset" phase is critical for consolidating all financial reporting and donor records into a single, unified system.
Supporting Data: The Impact of Efficient Fundraising
To understand the importance of this platform shift, one must look at the broader context of metastatic breast cancer research and the role of Peer-to-Peer (P2P) fundraising.
The Funding Gap in MBC
Metastatic breast cancer occurs when cancer spreads beyond the breast to vital organs such as the bones, liver, lungs, or brain. While awareness for early-stage breast cancer is high, statistics show that only an estimated 2% to 5% of all breast cancer research funding is dedicated to the metastatic stage—the stage responsible for nearly all breast cancer deaths.
METAvivor has awarded over $28 million in research grants since its inception. In an environment where every dollar is vital, the choice of a fundraising platform can impact the bottom line through:
- Transaction Fees: Competitive processing rates ensure more money reaches the lab.
- Donor Retention: Bloomerang is specifically designed with a focus on donor retention, which is statistically more cost-effective than acquiring new donors.
- Automation: By reducing manual data entry for the METAvivor staff, the organization can maintain its "100% to research" commitment even as it scales.
The Power of Peer-to-Peer
Peer-to-peer fundraising is the lifeblood of METAvivor. Unlike traditional galas, P2P allows individuals to create their own campaigns—such as "Sea to Shining Sea" bike rides, "Metavivor Metsquerade" events, or birthday Facebook fundraisers. According to industry data, P2P fundraisers raise, on average, 3.5 times more than traditional individual giving campaigns because they leverage personal networks and storytelling.
Official Responses: Commitment to the Community
In statements regarding the transition, METAvivor emphasized that the move was driven by a desire to provide a better user experience for their "METAvivor family."
"We are incredibly grateful for the continued support of our community," the organization stated in its official announcement. "The transition to Bloomerang Fundraising represents our commitment to using the best tools available to support those who work so tirelessly to fund metastatic breast cancer research."
The organization recognized that technology shifts can be challenging for users, particularly those who have used the previous platform for years. "If you did not receive the email, cannot locate it, or need assistance with your page, please reach out to us. We are happy to help!" the announcement continued, highlighting the hands-on approach the non-profit is taking to ensure no fundraiser is left behind.
The choice of Bloomerang was also a strategic one. Bloomerang is widely recognized in the non-profit sector for its "Donor-First" philosophy. By providing fundraisers with a more intuitive dashboard and better communication tools, METAvivor aims to empower its advocates to tell their stories more effectively.
Implications: What This Means for the Future of MBC Research
The implications of this move extend far beyond a simple software update. It signals a broader trend of "digital maturity" within the non-profit sector, specifically among organizations dedicated to rare or underfunded diseases.
1. Enhanced Data Security and Privacy
As cyber threats against non-profits increase, migrating to a modern, SOC 2-compliant platform like Bloomerang ensures that donor data is protected with the latest encryption and security protocols. This builds trust with high-net-worth donors and grassroots contributors alike.
2. Improved Donor Journeys
With Bloomerang’s integrated CRM (Customer Relationship Management) capabilities, METAvivor can now better track a donor’s journey from their first $10 gift to a potential legacy gift. This longitudinal view of the donor base allows for more personalized communication, ensuring that supporters feel valued and informed about how their contributions are being used in the lab.
3. Scaling Research Grants
By streamlining administrative tasks through Bloomerang’s automation, METAvivor can handle a higher volume of donations without a corresponding increase in overhead. This scalability is essential as the organization aims to increase its annual research grant awards. In recent years, METAvivor has funded breakthrough studies in immunotherapy, targeted molecular therapies, and liquid biopsies—all of which require consistent, reliable funding streams.
4. Community Empowerment
For the thousands of patients living with MBC, fundraising is often a way to reclaim agency in the face of a daunting diagnosis. A more user-friendly platform lowers the barrier to entry for new fundraisers, allowing more people to join the fight. The easier it is to set up a page and share it on social media, the more "viral" the awareness for MBC becomes.
Conclusion: A New Chapter in Advocacy
As METAvivor closes the door on its GoFundMe Pro era and opens a new chapter with Bloomerang, the focus remains steadfastly on the patients. The 685,000 people who die globally each year from breast cancer—the vast majority from metastatic disease—are the driving force behind this technical evolution.
The organization’s message to its supporters is clear: the platform may change, but the mission is immutable. By embracing more sophisticated fundraising technology, METAvivor is ensuring that it remains at the forefront of the fight for MBC research, providing hope to those who need it most.
Fundraisers and donors who have questions about the transition or who need to reactivate their migrated pages are encouraged to contact the METAvivor support team at [email protected]. As the fall deadline approaches, the organization urges all active campaigners to verify their new Bloomerang dashboards to ensure a seamless continuation of their vital work.
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 organization in the United States that exclusively funds MBC research through a unique model where 100% of every donation goes directly to research grants. Founded by patients, for patients, METAvivor remains a grassroots powerhouse in the oncology community.
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