As the uncertainty of the coronavirus pandemic continues, it’s clear that virtual fundraising campaigns are here to stay. Last year, thousands of in-person fundraising events were cancelled due to Covid-19, but the charity sector adapted quickly to virtual fundraising. As a result of this, nonprofit organisations have survived and look set to continue to grow in 2021.

Many charities are using virtual fundraising software and live streamed events as a new way of raising some much needed cash to support their cause. If you’re yet to hold your own virtual fundraiser, we’ve put together this handy guide on everything you need to know about the virtual fundraising world.

What is virtual fundraising?

Virtual fundraising is a nonprofit campaign or event that is held entirely online. There are all sorts of different types of virtual fundraising, but the main take is that it allows supporters from all over the world to engage with your cause.

What are the benefits of virtual fundraising?

One of the most important benefits of virtual fundraising is that it allows nonprofits to engage with their supporters and donors in a safe environment. This is especially important at the moment, where social distancing guidelines are still being enforced. 

As well as safety, virtual fundraising events also allow charities to engage new attendees, speakers, and sponsors in new locations across the globe. They also tend to be more cost-effective compared with traditional in-person events. Your organisation doesn’t have to pay for things such as venue hire, and participants aren’t required to pay for a hotel or transport to your virtual fundraiser.

What do you need to host a virtual fundraiser?

You might think that hosting a virtual fundraising event is a lot of work. Well, it doesn’t have to be. Most organisations only need a few resources to set up their own online campaign. Of course, you’ll need to utilise technology so that you can engage your audiences and generate results for your cause. 

As long as you have a plan of action and either an online live streaming or fundraising tool you can ensure your virtual fundraiser is a success.

Who can host a virtual fundraiser?

One of the best things about virtual fundraising is that anyone, in any organisation, can use it. In the past, the lack of widely available technology meant that virtual fundraising events and campaigns were only used by charities with big budgets, but much has changed since then. Virtual fundraising software is arguably more accessible than ever, with a variety of solutions and technologies available for nonprofits of all different sizes. 

The different types of virtual fundraising campaigns

Virtual fundraising can easily be adapted to suit any type of campaign or event. Even though they’re all based online, these types of fundraisers are flexible enough to fit whatever idea your nonprofit has in mind. Here are a few of the most effective virtual fundraising campaigns you can incorporate into your strategy.

1. Online Auctions: These virtual auctions are essentially the digital equivalent of an in-person charity auction. You can host one using bidding tools and online auction software to engage your supports and encourage bids.
2. Virtual Peer-to-Peer Fundraising: Most peer-to-peer campaigns already take place online, so this makes them easy for you to incorporate into any virtual events that you’re already hosting. Set up virtual challenges, walks and runs, or find ambassadors to generate excitement and drive engagement to your fundraiser.
3. Virtual Fundraising Events: With Covid-19 stopping most organisations from hosting any sort of in-person event, moving it to a virtual format is definitely the best alternative. Through video streaming software you can basically do everything you planned to do in your in-person fundraising event, but virtually.
4. Hybrid Events: Hybrid events are when your organisation holds an in-person event with an online component for any supporters who are unable to attend the onsite fundraising. When social distancing restrictions begin to ease, this type of event will become more common if venue attendance figures remain limited.

Do you need support with your virtual fundraiser? 

If you’re looking for support with your virtual fundraising efforts, then Fundraising Everywhere is here to help. Through virtual conferences, monthly webinars and virtual support, we connect you directly to the proven methods, people, and new ideas that are guaranteed to help you raise more money. This means you can learn wherever you are, in your own time, and at an affordable price. Get in touch today to see how we can help your virtual fundraising.