If you are on the lookout for virtual fundraising ideas for your nonprofit, you are thinking in the right direction.
Trailblazing charities like Truth Initiative, Vitamin Angels, and World Central Kitchen have been riding the digital wave for a while now. Joining their ranks by establishing virtual campaign platforms is a great way to go.
No matter your cause, every nonprofit organization can do with higher levels of engagement and a steady source of funds. To this end, here are 10 fun and creative virtual fundraising ideas to take your next online event to a whole new level!
Musicians, bands, and performing artists can always do with some support. As such, a live-streamed concert is a great way to give back to the community while simultaneously establishing a platform for donations.
Reach out to artists who are known to support your cause, and set up an event for which benefactors can buy tickets.
TOP TIP: If a group or artist is unable to provide their performance services free of charge, consider offering them a percentage of the ticket sales as compensation. This also provides them with an incentive to promote it to their fan base.
Yep, it’s a thing! Gala dinners are a staple in the fundraising world, but going digital adds a certain level of intrigue (and ease!) to the whole thing.
There is lots of room for creativity here. You can partner with a local chef or restaurant to create meals that can be delivered to your patrons’ homes for an eat-in feast.
Alternatively, you could collaborate with an eatery on a Percentage Night. Essentially, they promote a special to their database with the understanding that a certain percentage of the cost goes to your cause.
Virtual auctions work just as well as live auctions, if not better. The premise is almost exactly the same. Items and experiences are put up to the bid and awarded to the individual who places the highest bid. Plus, it's so easy to organize!
There are all-in-one auction management solutions that ease the event planning process immensely. This includes the ability to build your own auction website within minutes and accept cash donations online. Not to mention mobile bidding at your event using smartphones, tablets, and laptops.
You can even sell raffle tickets, and record silent and live auction bids. If you do decide to go this route, choose an online auction provider that has provisions for processing invoices and streamlining the check-out process.
Ideally, you also want to be able to process credit cards, checks or cash, and print gift certificates all from the same platform.
Sponsored races are a very popular way to raise funds for charities. Just think about all the walk-a-thons and ride-a-thons out there. The great thing about these active pursuits is that you can very easily turn the event into a digital occasion.
Instead of participating in a live event, participants can simply do it from home, and log their hours or kilometers remotely.
The other great aspect of a digital event of this nature is that it gives your riders, walkers, runners, swimmers, or dancers the opportunity to take their time.
After all, even if it takes a given person 3 days to complete 12km, they can still get their sponsors to donate in proportion with their input.
Reach out to your donor database and ask them to consider birthday fundraisers. Essentially, they ask their friends and family to donate to your cause on their behalf in lieu of gifts on the big day.
The same thing can apply to any occasion on which someone would receive gifts. For example, Christmas, graduations, weddings, etc.
Many social media platforms have built-in capabilities to facilitate donations of this kind.
Alternatively, they could use crowdfunding software. Your organization could also look into developing your own friction-free system to receive donations of this kind.
Invite your donor base to join in a streamed movie watch party that features video content promoting your cause. Ideally, the content should be engaging and uplifting to watch, while also explaining the importance of the work you do.
Also, provide them with easy ways to donate to your cause while they watch. The more they learn, the more likely they are to contribute, after all.
Online gaming tournaments are a great way to raise funds for your nonprofit or charity organization.
If you have a donor base of young adults, do a survey among your regular donors to see which games they play. Then, choose one that is popular among your existing support crew.
The best kind of game for a fundraising initiative is a multiplayer platform with scores, as well as a time limit.
Or, you could host a virtual quiz night on a video conference platform where the winner gets a prize, like a gift basket made from various donations. Quiz nights are always fun and you could charge a small fee to participate that will go towards your cause.
Get an interesting benefactor to host a digital workshop or class for your donors. Perhaps you have a chef who is willing to share their prowess on Facebook Live? Or a fashion designer who can give styling tips on Instagram Live?
The theme of these offerings should appeal to your target demographic. So, take your time to see whether there are common interests to explore.
Paid advertising on social media can stand you in good stead when it comes to reaching new donors. Craft compelling visuals and content by aligning yourself with professionals. Some may be willing to donate their services free of charge.
Then, leverage the functionality on social media platforms. For example, Instagram has an option to donate directly from your profile. Or, you can link to your donation page from a 'donate' sticker on your Stories.
There are many great virtual fundraising ideas that nonprofits can leverage to boost their donation income. From game nights to virtual auctions, the options are endless! A great way to find out what your supporters would prefer is to ask them.
Conduct a quick survey where they can choose which event they are most likely to participate in. Then, you can host the most popular one and raise more funds for your nonprofit.
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