20 Successful Virtual Fundraising Ideas For Nonprofits In 2023
What Is A Virtual Fundraiser?
It is very uncommon for an entire society to be forced to think outside the box, but the current pandemic has caused just that. Companies of all shapes and sizes have had to adapt their business models, and this is especially true for the non-profit sector.
Most non-profit organisations rely on at least one annual event to keep their businesses running. During the corona pandemic, regardless of the organisation’s location, most events to raise money online were cancelled. These cancellations forced the boards of non-profit organisations and their staff to get creative and adopt new fundraising tools.
However, virtual fundraisers and events can require as much planning as live events to raise money online. The difference is in the tools you use. Technological advancements make hosting an online event easier than ever before. Social media, video conferencing technology and online donation pages combined with traditional fundraising tools such as donation request letters, emails and smaller in-person events.
Online fundraisers are not only popular but also a lifesaver for many non-profit organisations. Some organisations are adapting their traditional online fundraising events. Others have come up with new ways to promote their mission. Whether you’re looking for a way to continue your customary events or you’re looking to diversify and raise money online, here are 20 online fundraising ideas to try out. Let’s get started quickly!
20 Virtual Fundraising Ideas For Nonprofits
Keep Your Most Important Events
Non-profit organisations have been very successful in organising annual events such as galas, pub-crawls and concerts. Fortunately, technological advancements have made it possible to run these events virtually and raise money online.
1. Virtual Fundraising Gala
Your annual gala to raise money is probably incredibly important to your budget. The thought of not having this event is terrifying. Instead of cancelling their annual gala evenings, many organisations have opted for an online party that anyone can participate in. This necessary adjustment has made the event accessible to more supporters and has also opened up more fundraising opportunities than before.
The entrance fee to attend a non-profit gala is approximately one hundred dollars. However, these costs can deter many of your donors. Usually, you can make up for the entrance fee with auctions and large donations. But what if your main contributors don’t donate as much as you had hoped for?
Virtual galas are becoming popular out of necessity this year, but the difference in the cost is also worth noting. Galas can raise most of your budget, but the price for one of these events can be huge. On the other hand, virtual galas don’t have to cost a penny. At the same time, sponsors and attendees can enjoy more options with a virtual event, and they could spend more to be part of this new trend.
Competition for event sponsors is fierce, and the exchanges you offer for their support are a bit trite. By organising online fundraising galas, sponsors can reach a larger than the average audience, and you can offer them an opportunity to air a commercial during the event. In return, you can ask for higher sponsor amounts.
Event attendees have enjoyed a delicious meal at your gala in the past, but this year, the dinner will be held at their homes. This is a win-win situation for your organisation. Instead of spending money on dinner, you can offer your visitors the opportunity to order a meal from your caterer. Since the cost of the dinner usually takes up most of the entrance fee, the cost difference doesn’t matter in the long run. Guests at your online event will be able to enjoy a delicious meal, and your caterer will be delighted to be able to serve a wider clientele.
Pro tip: It doesn’t mean you can’t get attendees in the mood because your money-raising gala is being held online. Get your board members to sell virtual tables and add the option to form smaller groups for each table via Zoom. Ask your guests to dress up and share photos of the celebrations at home. Find an entertainer to perform online and include online auction and raffle options for all attendees.
2. Fundraising Telethon
Remember when almost every organisation tried this option? Telethons take time and effort, but with today’s technology and people’s screen time, it seems appropriate to reintroduce this option.
3. Online Auction
Auctions are a common addition to any other event. They are also one of the easiest fundraisers to run online and were popular before the pandemic. When you run an online auction, there are several auction sites to choose from. The steps to run an online auction are similar to your offline events, but social media makes it easier to reach more people to raise more money online.
4. Online Race/Running Competition
Virtual runs are another popular way to raise money online. Reach out to those who have attended your events before and ask them to find sponsors for their runs. Allow your participants to keep track of the distances they run, and their sponsors can contribute per kilometer. Participants can share their success online.
5. Virtual Talent Show
Talent shows are a tried and tested event for non-profit organisations. Regardless of age, it can be fun to share your talents with your community. There is no need to cancel the event because you can’t host the event in front of a live audience, and you can still raise money online.
You’ve probably seen the Zoom videos of choirs singing at home. Why not make your own? Virtual apps like YouTube make it easy for individuals and groups of people to perform together online.
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