11 Tips to boost donations at your next virtual paddle raise

For many nonprofits, the paddle raise is the moment when an event stops being about attendance and starts being about giving. 

A virtual paddle raise is the online version of a traditional fund-a-need appeal. Instead of lifting numbered paddles in a ballroom, donors give from their phones or computers while a host calls out donation levels during a live or hybrid event. 

But simply moving a paddle raise online does not mean donors will respond the same way they would in a packed room. Virtual audiences behave differently, attention is easier to lose, and every part of the giving experience matters.

So, how do you turn that short fundraising window into more donations? Here are 11 practical ways to raise more funds from your next virtual paddle raise.

11 virtual paddle raise tips at a glance

11 ways to boost donations at your next virtual paddle raise

1. Secure a few lead gifts before the paddle raise begins

Momentum drives giving. When your emcee begins the paddle raise and sees the first few hands or clicks go up immediately at top levels, other donors will feel confident and excited to join in. 

Ask your major donors or board members to pledge early in the campaign (even if they pay later). Align these lead gifts with your top tiers so there’s instant action. 

Even in a virtual event, you can share these pledges (“Our board chair just gave $5,000!”) to signal momentum. 

2. Set giving levels around your donors’ actual capacity

Your giving levels should make sense for the people attending your event. Start by reviewing past event gifts, average donation size, and major donor records. Nonprofits find 6–8 tiers work well 

For example, a common set might be $5,000, $2,500, $1,000, $500, $250, $100. 

The key is to match your donors: your top levels should reflect what your major donors can give, and your lowest level should let anyone participate. 

3. Start with the highest giving level and work downward

Begin the live ask at your top tier first. Leading with the highest level sets a confident tone and “anchors” the goal.  

For example, the host could open with, “Who can make a $5,000 gift tonight?” and then move to $2,500, $1,000, and lower levels. 

Starting high also gives leadership donors their own moment to respond. Beginning at $100 and moving upward can make larger asks feel harder to introduce later.

4. Connect every donation level to a specific outcome

Donors give more easily when they see exactly what their gift will do. Frame each donation tier with impact statements. 

For example: “$1,000 sends 10 kids to camp” or “$250 provides a month of meals for a family.” 

Use short phrases at each level to show the outcome of that gift. Impact language should be “concrete, accurate, easy to understand, and tied to core programming”. When donors can visualize what their money does, they tend to give more generously.

5. Build the ask around one short mission story

Before the paddle raise, share a brief, emotional story about one person or outcome. Do not overload people with data; focus on one clear “why.” 

Strong stories center the people served and show what changes because of the donor’s gift. For example, a 2-3 minute video of a child who will benefit, or a live testimonial, can make the need feel real. 

Donors “respond more strongly when they can clearly see the impact of their gift”. So plan one short, powerful story to play or tell just before your ask. 

6. Use a matching gift to create momentum at a key giving level

Introducing a matching gift or challenge adds urgency. For instance, after some initial gifts, announce that a sponsor will match all gifts up to a certain amount (or match from a particular tier). 

A match turns each gift into two and is proven to inspire donors: 84% of donors say they’d give if a match is available, and one study found that mentioning a match in your appeal increases response by 71%. 

Position the matching gift where momentum might dip – perhaps midway through the levels. 

7. Make donating possible in one or two clicks

Every click or step you add reduces giving. Use a platform or form that lets supporters give with minimal friction. Enable one-click or pre-filled donation links whenever possible. 

In practice, this means having a mobile-friendly donation form, QR code, or button that already contains a donor’s saved info. 

During the paddle raise, include a prominent clickable link or QR code so donors can pledge with a tap. The easier it is to enter a gift (for example, by confirming a few details on a phone), the more paddles will go up. 

8. Show live progress as gifts come in

Nothing sparks giving like seeing others donate. On the video stream or event page, display a running total or thermometer of the paddle raise. 

Every time someone pledges, update the total in real time. Studies confirm this tactic: events that showed live pledge totals on screen raised about 34% more in their paddle raises than those that did not. 

When giving is visible, it reinforces participation and builds momentum.

9. Use the host to recognize participation and keep the pace moving

Your emcee or host plays a key role, even online. They should thank each donor by name (or at least mention their level) to maintain excitement. 

For example: “Thank you to Alex for that $1,000 gift!!” Acknowledging donors publicly models the behavior and pumps the crowd. 

The host should also keep the rhythm brisk – pause for paddles, watch for raised hands or screen taps, and call out the next level promptly. A seasoned emcee “reads the room” and adjusts pacing to build energy. 

An engaging host also repeats the impact (“Because of you, 20 kids will go to camp!”) to remind people why they’re giving. 

10. Track digital and offline pledges in real time

Even in a virtual fundraiser, you may get pledges over the phone or from people combining an in-person component. Use a single dashboard to capture every gift as it happens. The right event platform or software lets remote and in-room pledges merge into one total. 

Meanwhile, have your team enter any offline pledges immediately when they come in, so the live total stays accurate. Fast tracking means you always know where you stand toward your goal and can make better real-time decisions. 

It also ensures no gift “falls through the cracks.” 

11. Follow up quickly on pledges that are not completed

After the event, many donors will have made promises to pay. Capture as many of those pledges as you can by prompt follow-up. Send thank-you emails that include a payment link or invoice within 24 hours. 

The easier you make it to fulfill a pledge, the higher your payment rate will be. In fact, events using online mobile pledging tools collect about 94% of pledges the same night, versus only 67% when using paper pledge cards. 

If someone pledged during the paddle raise, send a link to complete the gift. A gentle reminder or phone call can also help. 

The key is speed: strike while the emotional high of the event is fresh. 

Common virtual paddle raise mistakes that reduce donations

• Scheduling the ask after a long speech or at the end of a tiring program
• Skipping a full rehearsal for video, audio, captions, links, and backup access
• Running auction announcements, chat games, or sponsor messages during the ask
• Displaying a donor’s name or gift amount without permission
• Leaving remote guests without captions, clear sound, or a dial-in option
• Counting test transactions or duplicate entries in the public total

Run your next virtual paddle raise at zero cost with BetterWorld

BetterWorld provides free paddle raise software to run your event without fees. 

Donors can pledge by clicking a shared link or scanning a QR code; everything is mobile-friendly. During the event, you’ll see live totals and collect everyone’s information in one place. 

After the raise, BetterWorld automatically sends payment links to donors, so you can easily gather on-the-spot gifts. 

In short, you get a one-click giving experience and integrated checkout, all at no cost. BetterWorld’s tools handle ticketing, auctions, and paddle raises together, so you save time and money – and keep your donation revenue, dollar for dollar.

Request a demo or sign up now to get started!

FAQs

1. How many giving levels should a paddle raise have? 

Aim for 6–8 levels. Experts say most successful paddle raises use about six to eight tiers, starting with a “lead” or leadership-level gift and stepping down to an accessible baseline. 

2. How long should a virtual paddle raise last? 

About 10–20 minutes is typical. A successful paddle raise is long enough to build momentum through several levels, but concise enough to keep energy high.  

3. Can a small nonprofit run a virtual paddle raise?

Yes. Paddle raises are not limited to large organizations or major galas. The format can be scaled to the nonprofit’s audience, fundraising goal, and donor base.

4. When should a paddle raise happen during a fundraising event?

Choose a point when guests are still attentive, and other activities are not competing for their attention. Avoid placing the appeal so late that supporters have started leaving or mentally checking out.

5. Do paddle raise donors receive anything in return?

Normally, no. A paddle raise is a direct charitable appeal rather than a purchase or auction transaction, so supporters give specifically to support the mission or stated need.