5 Step Guide to Starting Your Own Virtual Fundraising Event

Virtual events have become one of the easiest and most popular ways to raise money for your organization.

While virtual fundraising was already a popular way to raise money, the COVID-19 pandemic and pandemic-related lockdowns forced nonprofits and other organizations to take all of their fundraising opportunities online. Now that the pandemic is subsiding and things are going back to “normal”, virtual fundraising is still a popular method for many reasons.

From virtual 5ks to behind-the-scenes tours, there are so many ways that you can prepare your own virtual fundraiser. With a platform like BetterWorld, planning and executing a quality virtual event is seamless! We handle everything from auctions and giveaways to sponsorships and ticketing, all at no cost to your nonprofit!

Virtual Event Ideas

Engagement is key for fundraising. Switching to virtual events made many nonprofits nervous. They feared that engagement would take a hit when events were no longer in-person. But with the help of computer software, social media, and select platforms, virtual events can be just as interactive, engaging, and successful as in-person events.

Virtual fundraising ideas fall into three categories: virtual events, year-round support, and campaigns. Which one you choose will depend on your fundraising goals, access to support, and how much time, effort, and resources you can commit to fundraising.

The first step in planning a virtual fundraiser is to decide what type of event you want to host.

Virtual Fundraising Events

When starting to plan, take a look at some examples of virtual fundraising events that have been successful.

Virtual auctions are always profitable, engaging, and exciting for the participants. They take out the expense of needing a physical location to hold your auction and make it easier to reach people across the globe who may have not had access to your auction had it been in person.

Going hand-in-hand with virtual auctions, virtual galas are also super popular. Using technology, you can make your donors feel like they’re with you in person through live ceremonies, virtual auctions, live donation feeds, and other activities. Many nonprofits have also seen success by inviting musical guests or speakers to entertain and engage with their guests.

Hosting a 5k or other run/walk activity is always a great way to raise money for your organization. Why not take that online, too?

Virtual walks and runs are popular with runners of all levels. As the host of the fundraiser, you set up challenges and activities for the participants to take part in. Once they’ve completed their challenges, they can log them on an online fundraising event platform. Participants can compete with each other by seeing the challenges being completed in live time.

Other one-time events like art classes, happy hours, and roundtable discussions also translate really well from an in-person concept to a virtual fundraising event. Platforms like Zoom and Facebook Live make it very easy for the host to stream the event to the participants. These platforms also offer chat functions that participants can use to interact with each other in live time.

Virtual Fundraising Campaign Ideas

Another form of virtual fundraising event is a one-time campaign. This type of event is a great way to engage with your audience, spread the word about your cause, and raise support and funds for your organization.

Ideas for campaigns include giving days, virtual challenges, online donation campaigns, and ambassador fundraising campaigns. All of these campaigns have their pros and cons but are all great ways to solicit online donations, empower your audience, and raise awareness for your cause.

Year-Round Virtual Support

Online virtual fundraising software does not have to be a one-time event. They can also be used to solicit year-round support.

Virtual fundraisers — like peer-to-peer fundraising sites, raffles, online merchandise sales, and wishlist drives — are all great ways to raise year-round support.

Establishing Your Virtual Fundraising Event

Once you’ve decided on the type of fundraising event you want to plan, it’s time to get to work on the logistics.

Decide on a Timeline

The first step is to decide on a timeline. Will you be hosting a one-day event, like a giving day, or a multiple-day gala? Do you want this event to be an ongoing, yearly support type of fundraiser? Deciding on a timeline is important to make sure you give yourself ample time to advertise your event, attract volunteers, and source prizes or auction items.

Pick an Online Event Platform

Once you have your timeline, decide on the platform you want to use to host your event. Be sure that whatever platform you choose has the capacity to do all of the things you want it to do.

For example, if you want to host an online auction, you’ll want to pick a platform that will be able to showcase your auction items, make it easy for your participants to bid on the items that interest them, and allow your volunteers or staff to easy pick and announce the winners.

When deciding on a platform, take into consideration the following:

• What are the fees associated with using the platform?
• Who covers the fees?
• Do they offer ticketing?
• Does this platform work on mobile devices as well as desktops?
• Is it user-friendly?
• Is it interconnected with payment processors or will you need to manage multiple platforms?
• How automated is it?

Craft and Upload Your Fundraising Content

Now that you have your platform, let’s get to loading up your content! Make sure you choose copy, pictures, and video content that will grab the attention of your audience and make them want to donate to your event.

Spread the Word About Your Event

Now that your event is up and running, be vocal about it! Have your supporters get the word out about your event. Social media is a great way to do this so provide your promoters with graphics and captions they can share to drive interest and traffic to your event.

The best virtual fundraisers are hosted on BetterWorld. Join the long list of nonprofits who have used and loved our software.

Sign up for free at BetterWorld today!