--- title: Five Insights for Engaging Dads Effectively Through Digital Channels description: Learn about a recent report providing insights into the rapid rise in nonprofits’ use of digital channels to engage those they serve, particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. image: https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Images/Blog/NFI_Blog_engaging-dads-digital-channels.jpg --- [Skip to main content](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/five-insights-for-engaging-dads-effectively-through-digital-channels#main) - [![NFI mark](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI%20mark.svg)FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://www.fatherhood.org/) - [STORE.FATHERHOOD.ORG](https://store.fatherhood.org/) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=149&height=82&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=65&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=119&height=66&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png?width=89&height=49&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) Open main navigation Close main navigation - Show submenu for Get Informed Get Informed - [How To Build Strong Families](https://www.fatherhood.org/build-strong-families) - [Why Father Inclusion Matters](https://www.fatherhood.org/why-father-inclusion-matters) - [Father Stats & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - Show submenu for Get Involved Get Involved - [Fatherhood Programs](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/programs-and-resources) - [Train Your Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/staff-training) - [State, County, and City Agency Services](https://www.fatherhood.org/solutions/collaborative-services) - Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Find Your Stage of Father Inclusion](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-inclusion) - [How Father Friendly Is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) [Get In Touch](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) [Store](https://store.fatherhood.org/?hsLang=en) Show submenu for Get Started Get Started - [Fatherhood Data & Statistics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [How Father Friendly is Your Organization?](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-friendly) - [Other Free Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/nfi-free-resources) - [Talk With us to Get Started](https://www.fatherhood.org/get-started) National Fatherhood Initiative Blog / [Latest Articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) [General Fatherhood Program Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-program-resources) # Five Insights for Engaging Dads Effectively Through Digital Channels 2 min read ![Christopher A. Brown](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/chris_circle_icon.png?width=100&height=100&name=chris_circle_icon.png) [** Christopher A. Brown ** ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/author/christopher-a-brown) Chris serves as the President of National Fatherhood Initiative® (NFI), where he is responsible for overseeing the development and implementation of NFI's strategic plan and business model, as well as its operations and fundraising efforts. ![picture of a man on a couch using a laptop](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/Blog/NFI_Blog_engaging-dads-digital-channels.jpg?width=453&height=305&name=NFI_Blog_engaging-dads-digital-channels.jpg) If you’re like a lot of professionals serving dads, you’ve probably dabbled in or fully embraced the delivery of programs and services through digital engagement (e.g. virtual delivery of a fatherhood program). To further help your effort in this area, download and read the [*State of Nonprofit Digital Engagement Report 2022*](https://pages.twilio.com/rs/294-TKB-300/images/Twilio.org-State-of-Nonprofit-Digital-Engagement-Report-2022.pdf). Published by the nonprofit-serving [Twilio.org](https://twilio.org/), the report provides the following insights into the rapid rise in nonprofits’ use of digital channels to engage those they serve, particularly since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic: 1. **Nonprofits outpace the private sector in digital engagement.** Nonprofits use digital channels to tackle some of world’s largest problems. 2. **Digital communications are key to improving program outcomes.** Innovation in digital aspects of programming shows no signs of slowing. Program participants see numerous benefits from digital communication. 3. **Developers are the secret sauce for digital leaders.** Unfortunately, nonprofits lack these developers. More are needed to maximize program impact. 4. **Program participants feel the personalization gap.** Nonprofits can increase program impact by customizing digital communication to participants’ needs and preferences. 5. **Several segments pull ahead in digital maturity.** The human services segment is one of four in the nonprofit space taking a leadership position. Use these insights—gleaned from Twilio.org’s interviews with 800 nonprofit employees and 1,500 nonprofit program participants—to launch, maintain, and improve your digital engagement effort. (No doubt that Twilio.org would love to help![*](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/five-insights-for-engaging-dads-effectively-through-digital-channels#disclaimer)) I was particularly surprised and intrigued by the first insight. More nonprofits use digital channels to engage their program participants than business-to-consumer for profits use such channels to engage their customers (65 percent and 55 percent, respectively). Perhaps I shouldn’t be surprised, however. Since the start of the pandemic, many partners of [National Fatherhood Initiative®](https://fatherhood.org/) (NFI) have leapt with both feet into the waters of digital engagement. (For examples, read these [Championing Fatherhood blog articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/virtual-delivery).) How has NFI leveraged these insights? To help improve the outcomes of fatherhood programs, we’ve come alongside our human-service partners to build their capacity in digital engagement. To learn about effective digital engagement, we’ve researched our partners’ use of digital channels and gathered insights from the [research of others](https://aspe.hhs.gov/virtual-human-service-delivery-scan-implementation-lessons-learned) in human services. (For an example of this capacity building, download [*8 Steps to the Delivery of NFI Programs Virtually…and Successfully*](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/Miscellaneous%20Documents/Deliver_NFI_Programs_Virtually_tip_sheet-070220.pdf?__hstc=162717731.c129c69810f60f50d92d9ffa6b51b1f4.1661969159602.1669997058635.1670337021041.80&__hssc=162717731.3.1670337021041&__hsfp=717438484&hsCtaTracking=c0b94158-8e30-43b2-b2f0-11b52f36c746%7C904b1c0e-efac-4f34-ba73-eb2c9595fe7d).) We’ve also engaged [developers](https://aptitude8.com/) to improve our digital resources, such as our online, on-demand [Fathering in 15™](https://store.fatherhood.org/fathering-in-15-online-subscription/) program. (Read [these blog articles](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/fathering-in-15) to learn more about how some of our partners use this unique program to scale their impact.) We personalize digital communication for our partners and potential partners so that we send information and content that will best assist them. When someone fills out a form to access one or our [free ebooks](https://www.fatherhood.org/free-resources/topic/ebooks), for example, we ask for their organization type (e.g. corrections, school, pregnancy center, community action agency, etc.). This request allows us to customize follow-up emails with content that best meets the needs of their organization and the type(s) of dads they serve.  We're also working on a "[customer journey map](https://t.sidekickopen10.com/s3t/c/5/f18dQhb0S7lC8f6t_YW2tY8DW2B9nMJW7t5XZs3N1Dw8N3LyN8vfD0P2W2BFNn256dPZDf1sR4tP02?te=W3R5hFj4cm2zwW3CbHnh1JzCRvW4cNDSb1JxwY5W1LDK824kFk-9W1Lw3ZS4fLMH_W49hb514hLyJQn4r50Vh243&si=5676664180703232&pi=00db4e34-dfe8-4b49-be89-d761176e38ee)" to better understand the path people take to researching, selecting, and acquiring fatherhood programs and resources. The results will allow us to further personalize digital communication for our partners and potential partners.  It’s gratifying to know that NFI is leading in the use of digital channels to build capacity in father engagement and that many of our partners are doing the same to engage dads effectively. Has your organization leapt into the waters of digital engagement? If not, what’s stopped you? How can your organization use the insights in the report to engage dads more effectively? * NFI will not receive compensation in any form for highlighting this report. NFI does not partner with Twilio.org in any capacity. [![Learn more about the Father Engagement Academy by National Fatherhood Initiative](https://no-cache.hubspot.com/cta/default/135704/c81321f1-c981-43b7-aa34-e7e2228402a8.png)](https://cta-redirect.hubspot.com/cta/redirect/135704/c81321f1-c981-43b7-aa34-e7e2228402a8)   Date Published: 01/03/2023 Last Updated: 01/19/2023 ## Learn How to Build a Fatherhood Program That Works Download this free guide for a proven 7-step roadmap—from making the case and securing funding for your program, to launching and measuring real results! [Get The Guide Now!](https://www.fatherhood.org/starting-a-fatherhood-program) ![7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png?width=700&height=700&name=7-steps-starting-a-fatherhood_program.png) [ Previous ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/5-courses-help-staff-excel) [ Next ](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/one-on-one-delivery-of-nfi-programs-so-simple-so-effective) ## Related Articles ### [Limited Blog Series: Supporting My Co-Parent Image created with GPT Image 2. Quick Confidence Builds are brief activities that practitioners can use when working with dads in face-to-face or virtual group-based or one-on-one ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/supporting-my-co-parent) ### [Five Leadership Practices That Build Father-Inclusive Organizations Image created with GPT Image 2. Creating a father-inclusive organization doesn't happen through a new but isolated fatherhood program, staff training on how to include fathers, or ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/five-leadership-practices-that-build-father-inclusive-organizations) ### [Limited Blog Series: Fathering Stressors Image created with GPT Image 2. Quick Confidence Builds are brief activities that practitioners can use when working with dads in face-to-face or virtual group-based or one-on-one ... Read More](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/fathering-stressors) ### Explore Topics [NFI-Specific Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-specific-programs-resources) [Tips & Tricks](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/tips-tricks) [General Fatherhood Program Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-program-resources) [General Fatherhood Research & Studies](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/general-fatherhood-research-studies) [Success Stories](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/success-stories) [NFI News & Updates](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/nfi-news-updates) [Program Recruitment & Retention](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/program-recruitment-retention) [Research on NFI Programs & Resources](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/research-on-nfi-programs-resources) [Fundraising](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/topic/fundraising) [All Posts](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood/all) ### Subscribe to Championing Fatherhood ![Laptop with NFI store website opened](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png?width=279&height=167&name=Laptop%20with%20NFI%20store%20website%20opened.png) ### Get the Father Engagement Resources You Need [ Visit Online Store ](https://cta-service-cms2.hubspot.com/web-interactives/public/v1/track/click?encryptedPayload=AVxigLKw4WaOo8902iPmpW%2ByUsyBSKuq3qkzqNyXpzwPOccE0AXP2KES9oXgU9nIB8fuwW%2BqIn%2Fks1zUl4Xat3EfgSWc9L3SpStWlNlgOYxw5gMRlbHlSTv5NllcFgvU6lYkSZwB5VyC1gksPebRm5z%2FxU8k1Flp%2FIqV%2FKhmFjDSTcs%3D&portalId=135704) [![NFI_logo_blue_left (1) 1 (1)](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png?width=148&height=88&name=NFI_logo_blue_left%20(1)%201%20(1).png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) [![Facebook](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/Facebook.svg) ](https://www.facebook.com/nationalfatherhoodinitiative/) [![LinkedIn](https://www.fatherhood.org/hubfs/NFI-Assets/images/LinkedIn.svg) ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/national-fatherhood-initiative) [![candid-seal-platinum-main](https://www.fatherhood.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Images/email/candid-seal-platinum-main.png?width=100&height=100&name=candid-seal-platinum-main.png) ](https://www.fatherhood.org) About - [Our Mission](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-mission) - [Our Impact](https://www.fatherhood.org/our-impact) - [Our History](https://www.fatherhood.org/history) - [Our Board & Staff](https://www.fatherhood.org/leadership) - [Contact Us](https://www.fatherhood.org/contact-us) Train Your Staff - [Program Facilitator Training](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/core-programs) - [Earn Your Certificates](https://www.fatherhoodpractitioners.org/collections/certificates) - [Live Group Training](https://www.fatherhood.org/training-institute) Fatherhood Programs - [24:7 Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/shop-by-program/24-7-dad/) - [ProFathering15™](https://store.fatherhood.org/profathering15) - [24:7 Dad Key Behaviors™ Workshop](https://store.fatherhood.org/247-dad-key-behaviors-workshop-facilitators-kit/) - [InsideOut Dad®](https://store.fatherhood.org/insideout-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Understanding Dad™](https://store.fatherhood.org/understanding-dad-facilitators-kit/) - [Co-Parenting Program Bundle](https://store.fatherhood.org/co-parenting-group-based-facilitators-bundle/) Fatherhood Data - [Free Data & Infographics](https://www.fatherhood.org/father-absence-statistic) - [Father Facts™ 9 Publication](https://store.fatherhood.org/father-facts-ninth-edition/) - [Father Facts Poster Sets](https://store.fatherhood.org/posters) - [Father Involvement Brochures](https://store.fatherhood.org/brochures) Free Resources - [Father Friendly Check-Up™](https://www.fatherhood.org/ffcu) - [Fatherhood Program Selection Tool](https://www.fatherhood.org/program-selector) - [Championing Fatherhood Blog](https://www.fatherhood.org/championing-fatherhood) - [Help Center](https://help.fatherhood.org/) - [**FatherSource™ Store**](https://store.fatherhood.org/) --- © 2026 National Fatherhood Initiative®. All rights reserved. - [FAQs](https://www.fatherhood.org/faq) - [Privacy Policy](https://www.fatherhood.org/privacy-policy) - [Terms of Service](https://www.fatherhood.org/terms-of-service) - [Cookies Settings](https://www.fatherhood.org/privacy-policy)