Fundraising events have always served a noble purpose, aiming to make society aware of certain issues. Such events are organized by enthusiasts who develop ideas and put them to life. With a massive introduction of digital reality and life, fundraising events have also been dragged into an online dimension, creating numerous concerns regarding their organization.
How to organize a virtual fundraising event, and what fundraising ideas for nonprofits are the most feasible nowadays? Let’s learn together.
What Is a Fundraising Event?
A fundraising event is a type of social activity that aims to raise awareness regarding various social issues or charity missions. An online fundraising event follows the same principle, yet active participation is done regardless of the location or time
through various platforms, using gadgets of any kind.
Ideas for Fundraising Events
1. Educational events
Online courses are becoming more and more popular, letting users enrich their knowledge. One of the most common directions to choose is programming and its languages due to the number of opportunities they open for every user. Therefore, the fundraisers can contact the tried-and-trusted courses, like Thoughsoncloud, and collaborate with them. The users make donations and get free access to certain lessons, or the donation is given in return for a free introductory course. The conditions depend on the organizers.
2. Athletic events
Since the world was disturbed by the pandemic inactive state, people started to show more interest in various sporting events, where they could shake off the dust of sedentary office days and donate money for a good purpose.
3. Workshops
Workshops have always been among the best creative fundraising ideas. With proper timing, it is important to unite people from all over the world and teach them to perform various activities. As a rule, users like to participate in various kinds of workshops, as they present informational value for them. Thus, while participating they target two positive options – learn something important and new, and help those who are in need.
4. Virtual tours
Virtual tours became popular during the pandemic, as there was no opportunity to witness the world’s wonders. However, even after the limitations were suspended, the virtual tours are still attracting users serving as a cultural and fundraising event. It helps them to make a difference in their daily life and, of course, support others.
5. Movie nights
Movie nights are fun and one of great fundraising ideas. The viewers share the feeling of unity with people from different corners of the world, or the country, and donate money to fundraisers and their initiatives. The streaming time should be planned ahead with an after-party option, to let people discuss their thoughts and impressions.
6. Cooking party
Cooking parties help the users learn new skills while enjoying the company of other participants. Every guest should receive the list of tools and ingredients, to be prepared for the workshop. After everything is ready, there should be a dinner party, letting the participants enjoy their meals and exchange their thoughts.
7. Social media challenges
The usage of social media platforms is a cost-effective solution, with an opportunity to attract a wide audience. The participants are contacted by fundraisers and given the rules of the challenge right after they donate. After performing the required activities, the participants can post their results on the platform or in a group gathering.
What Are the Requirements for an Online Fundraising Event?
Virtual events are more efficient than the ones organized on-premise, as depending on the marketing campaign, it can attract people from different countries, and make a global influence.
1. Format
The event can be live-streaming or pre-recorded. Live stream offers a higher level of fun and engagement, yet, it requires specific timing for participation. Pre-recorded events help to avoid issues with broadcast, and can be available for a wider audience. Besides, some events don’t require any gatherings, as they are organized in the form of marathons, or challenges, where people don’t need to be connected to the main platform when performing the activities. The participants are typically assigned a list of tasks and given the donations’ details by fundraisers.
2. VPN
Nowadays, with all the security policies, or simply web browser restrictions, users can be prohibited from joining the event. Therefore, the fundraisers ought to ensure that all the users are offered a reliable VPN service, in case streaming is not available. The link to the VPN application can be sent to all the attendees in the invitation letter, to make sure everyone can join the event using a trustworthy VPN service.
3. Time-zone
The time zone depends on the target audience of the donors and the format of the event. If there are specific countries in consideration for live streaming, the fundraisers will choose the timing appropriately. When everything is pre-recorded, there will be no restrictions on timing, and more chances to attract a global audience.
4. Invitations
Personal invitations are crucial, as they help every user feel like an important part of the event. It is worth mentioning the agenda of the event, all the details and timing, and inserting all the useful links.
The Bottom Line
Fundraising events serve as a great way to raise money for people in need, various charity missions, and non-profits while letting the participant feel involved, and learn something new. When organizing virtual events, it is important to make sure all the users can join the event regardless of the location, time zone, and web browser restrictions.