USA for UNHCR

Strengthening Digital Foundations for USA for UNHCR

Overview

Scaling Digital Fundraising for USA for UNHCR: Overcoming System Strain Amid Rapid Growth

USA for UNHCR plays a critical role in raising funds and awareness to support displaced people around the world. As their digital engagement and fundraising efforts accelerated, they faced growing pressure on their systems and processes.

They needed a digital partner who could help stabilize their infrastructure, reduce friction for internal teams, and lay the groundwork for long-term growth.

The Challenge

Olivia Clemmons

We were at a point of extreme growth and we needed someone who could not just meet our current needs but help us grow and innovate.

Olivia Clemmons
Digital Marketing Manager, USA for UNHCR

From Data Gaps to Platform Limitations: Why USA for UNHCR Needed a Strategic Digital Partner

With an expanding donor base and an evolving set of fundraising goals, USA for UNHCR’s existing systems were under strain. Their previous platforms had served them well, but the organization had outgrown them. There were issues with data reliability, limited flexibility for campaigns, and challenges with integrating key tools like Salesforce and PayPal.

Their digital team needed more than technical fixes. They needed a collaborative partner who could help align strategy, systems, and storytelling.

As Olivia Clemmons, Digital Marketing Manager at USA for UNHCR, explained, “we were at a point of extreme growth, and we needed someone who could not just meet our current needs but help us grow and innovate.”

The Solution

Building a Scalable Digital Infrastructure

Scylla began the engagement with a detailed uncovery process, working closely with cross-functional teams to understand workflows, pain points, and future-state goals. From there, we delivered an optimized and scalable solution:

  • A restructured Umbraco website built for flexibility and ease of use A robust
  • Salesforce integration with dramatically improved data quality and payment stability 
  • Scalable campaign infrastructure, including emergency-ready donation flows
  • New microsite capabilities that give internal teams greater autonomy without sacrificing consistency or compliance

The Results

u4u-donation

Empowering Emergency Response: How USA for UNHCR Delivered Record-Breaking Campaigns Without Downtime

When Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 sparked an unprecedented wave of public support from families fleeing violence, USA for UNHCR’s systems held strong. Their team launched and scaled its largest emergency response campaign without disruptions, delays, or downtime.

A smooth donor experience under record-breaking traffic

Significantly reduced PayPal sync issues

Faster turnaround for campaign and microsite launches

Greater confidence across internal teams and leadership

Support

A Trusted, Ongoing Partnership

Today, our collaboration continues across teams and initiatives, from planned giving to community engagement, with a shared focus on removing technical barriers and enabling stronger connections with supporters.

 

Moving Forward Together

USA for UNHCR is doing important work on a global stage. Their ability to scale, adapt, and respond with speed is a testament to a smart, committed team and a clear sense of purpose. We are glad to support that work with the digital tools and systems they need to do it well. If your organization is facing similar challenges, whether growing campaigns, complex integrations, or aging infrastructure, let’s talk.

Olivia Clemmons

“It’s been a breath of fresh air. It’s rare to find a partner who genuinely cares, solves problems fast, and is just dependable.”

Olivia Clemmons, Digital Marketing Manager, USA for UNHCR

Build a Better System

If your organization is facing similar challenges, whether growing campaigns, complex integrations, or aging infrastructure, let’s talk.