Donations form the backbone of most nonprofit organizations. They make it easier for nonprofits to sustain operations and fulfill their mission. That’s where virtual fundraising events can help. By providing interested donors with virtual event options, nonprofits can solicit donations from businesses and consumers anytime and anywhere.
Virtual fundraising has several benefits, such as reduced overhead costs, expanded audience reach, and high flexibility. However, you will only see the results you’re looking for if you plan an exciting virtual event that people want to join. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to do a virtual fundraising event, complete with a ton of ideas to get you started.
Introduction to virtual fundraising
Virtual fundraising involves soliciting online donations from community supporters. The money raised can support various organizations, such as nonprofits.
Hosting a virtual fundraising event for your nonprofit organization can be relatively easy. Start by brainstorming unique ideas that will attract supporters. Plan out the logistics of your event and promote it in your community. Then, ensure you have the appropriate tools to collect donations and manage participant information. You can also solicit sponsorship for your event for a little extra fundraising boost. Learn more on all of this below.
Top virtual fundraising event ideas
You want to plan something memorable to make the most of your next virtual fundraising event. Use these ideas for inspiration, and watch engagement escalate to new heights!
1. Giving Days
A Giving Day is designated for volunteers and followers to donate time or money to their favorite nonprofit. On Giving Day, you reiterate your nonprofit’s mission and how it helps support a cause. You can highlight your organization’s recent achievements and how you hope to use donations you receive for future goals.
Make sure to spread the word through all your marketing channels. People need to know about your Giving Day to support it!
2. Virtual challenges
A virtual challenge encourages your followers to complete an activity over a set timeframe. Ideally, you’ll tie the challenge into your nonprofit’s mission. For instance, if you run a nonprofit focused on environmental sustainability, you might challenge people to generate zero plastic waste for a day and reward participants with a unique gift.
Virtual challenges are a great way to showcase your nonprofit’s objective. Plus, they’re lots of fun to participate in! You can even tailor them for the season when you’re holding them.
3. Awareness campaigns
Only some events have to revolve around soliciting donations. Sometimes, you will want to build awareness in your community and attract new supporters. An awareness campaign can help you reach your goals. Consider leveraging social media or video platforms to showcase your nonprofit volunteers in action. When people understand what you’re working toward, they may join in to help you achieve it!
4. Virtual galas
Traditional galas are typically held at night and include entertainment and activities for nonprofit supporters. However, you can increase engagement by offering a virtual option to people who can’t attend in person or save money by holding the gala entirely online. To do so, use streaming software to record and transmit the event, including presentations, entertainment, and raffles. You can solicit donations from people who tune in.
5. Virtual walks and runs
A virtual walk or run is a fantastic way to boost supporter engagement and raise money for your nonprofit. Set a goal, like walking or running a 5K, and ask people to sign up. They can decide where to participate and ask for donations from family, friends, and colleagues. On the event day, you can provide awards to high-performing participants.
6. Discussions and roundtables
A mission-driven nonprofit can stimulate conversation and interest by holding a discussion or roundtable event. Consider requesting knowledgeable outside experts like journalists, university professors, and corporate executives to share their thoughts about topics relating to your nonprofit. Participants can use the opportunity to learn more about pressing issues and ask questions.
7. Virtual classes
Hosting a virtual class can improve engagement among your supporters. Think about what your followers could learn from your organization, or ask someone to volunteer to lead a course that covers an interesting topic. For instance, a nonprofit focused on environmental concerns might host a class on climate change or sustainable food systems.
8. Virtual happy hours
A virtual happy hour is a great way to inspire community among your backers — especially if they don’t live close enough to participate in a local event. Encourage everyone to join with their favorite tipple or mocktail, and include engaging activities to boost enthusiasm. For instance, you might host a few online games or include breakaway sessions for small groups to meet.
9. Paint and sip night
Some nonprofits find that virtual artistic activities like painting attract lots of participation from their backers. Consider holding a paint-and-sip event, where everyone works on their creation while enjoying a glass of wine. During the event, you can host discussions on topics important to your nonprofit or let the participants get to know one another.
10. Virtual movie nights
During a virtual movie night, participants all watch the same movie simultaneously. You can stream it so everyone has access, and afterward, you can discuss what happened and what you liked about the film. You can charge attendees a small fee to join, which you can put toward fundraising goals.
11. Virtual book club
Do you have a few book lovers among your audience? Consider hosting a monthly virtual book club where everyone reads the same book and then gets together to discuss it. You can alternate between classics that most people will like and books that align with your nonprofit’s vision. Reading about topics related to your nonprofit helps motivate supporters to work toward your goals.
Year-round support through online fundraising
You can extend the longevity of nonprofit fundraising events by holding them more frequently. Consider hosting these virtual fundraisers any time during the year.
1. Peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives
Peer-to-peer fundraising helps nonprofits expand their reach by leveraging supporters to request donations from friends, family, and colleagues. You can use peer-to-peer fundraising for activities like charitable walks or runs or to expand awareness of your nonprofit. Ask your supporters to solicit donations via social media, email, or other channels, and recognize those participating.
2. Raffles and penny socials
A raffle or penny social is an excellent way to boost engagement. Choose a few items to auction off and sell digital raffle tickets to your followers. If you don’t have any items to auction, see if any local businesses would be interested in donating a few to your cause. Your supporters will enjoy the chance to win something, and your nonprofit can keep the fundraising revenues to support its goals.
3. Online merchandise
Selling merchandise that reflects your nonprofit’s name and values is a great way to increase visibility in your community. And, best of all, you don’t need to invest in lots of inventory to make it successful. Design your merchandise using a tool like Canva, then create an online store to sell products on demand. Your nonprofit will receive a commission for each item ordered.
4. Social media contests
There are many fun ways to engage supporters through social media, including contests. Create a contest that relates to your nonprofit’s vision and is easy to participate in. Use hashtags to track entries and award the winner a special prize.
5. Wishlist drives
Do the beneficiaries of your nonprofit work need some specific items? Ask your supporters to provide them with an online wishlist drive. Select items from an e-commerce site, then share the wishlist with your followers. They can purchase the items and deliver them directly to your nonprofit, and you can distribute them to those in need.
6. Pledge drives
A pledge drive encourages supporters to commit to making a donation, which you’ll collect at a later date. You can hold pledge drives throughout the year and encourage backers to provide contact information so you can follow up with them when it’s time for recurring donations.
Planning and execution
Hosting a virtual fundraising event requires planning, just like an in-person event. However, it isn’t usually as logistically intensive since you won’t need to book a location, hire a caterer, or hang decorations.
Auction planning for a digital setting
If your virtual event includes an auction, you’ll want to take a few extra steps to make it a success. First, decide on a team to plan and organize the event. You’ll need a staff member to seek donations from local businesses, a marketing professional to advertise the event, and an emcee to host.
Your next step is setting minimum prices for each item. You don’t want to price them too low, but pricing too high may decrease the number of bids you receive. Try to strike a balance and target your fundraising objectives for each item.
Investing in auction software to showcase the available items and streamline the bidding process is a good idea. That way, your attendees will have a smooth and enjoyable experience and hopefully sign up for the next one.
Software tools for effective fundraising
You can coordinate most virtual fundraisers using special software. Some of the best virtual fundraising event platforms include Zoom and Webex Events. Some live streaming tools include functionality for audience participation so your supporters can ask questions at the end of a session.
Other software tools that can significantly aid your fundraising efforts include customer relationship management (CRM) systems and email and social media marketing tools. Our tools include options to manage your supporter list, send virtual fundraising event invitations, and measure results.
Additional considerations and tactics
As you brainstorm ideas for your next virtual funding event, keep these tips in mind:
Storytelling engages your audience
When promoting a virtual event, use stories to captivate your audience and encourage them to join. You can share uplifting stories of people positively impacted by your nonprofit to motivate people to donate. For instance, if your nonprofit helps secure shelter for homeless people, you might interview a past beneficiary and share the story through video or social media.
Protect donor information
Privacy is essential, and you want to protect trust in your nonprofit by sharing donor contact information and obtaining their consent. Protect all participant information, including names, addresses, and financial details.
Case studies of effective nonprofit virtual fundraisers
Many nonprofits utilize online fundraising events to further their mission or attract donations. Here are a few examples.
PETA
PETA uses peer-to-peer virtual fundraisers to solicit donations for animal causes. In this example, a supporter solicits donations to fund the cost of building a doghouse for unsheltered backyard dogs.
CURE Epilepsy
CURE Epilepsy hosted a gala that included entertainment, research updates, and community stories to support efforts toward curing epilepsy.
American Cancer Society
The American Cancer Society uses virtual challenges to raise money and encourage healthy living among its supporters.
Virtual fundraising events increase supporter engagement
Holding virtual fundraisers is a great way to build community awareness and solicit funds from supporters. To get started, decide what type of event best suits your nonprofit and plan it out. Once you’re ready, you can share the event with supporters via your communication channels, including email and social media.
Constant Contact can help you run successful virtual events with our digital marketing tools designed to engage your audience and make your life easier. Try it for 14 days free and download our Omni-channel events guide for more tips!
