Similar to other industries, the nonprofit sector was as equally affected by the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2020 alone, around 83% of large and medium-sized nonprofits experienced a loss in revenue. The survey released by Independent Sector revealed that due to the pandemic and the economic shutdown, there has been a significant downturn in the services, operations, and the work of people under the nonprofit industry. Reduced individual giving and grants were observed during this period.
Fundraising during the pandemic can be challenging. However, thanks to technology, it is not possible to raise funds for charities and nonprofits at the comfort of one’s home, a secure and safe way for the volunteers in an organization together with those people around you. Pandemic proof fundraising ideas have been conceptualized to continue providing funds and support to nonprofits, helping the industry regain its usual momentum in delivering help and hope to those in need.
Fundraising Ideas During a Pandemic
Virtual Gala
Dressing up for an event has been one of the things we all have been missing due to the pandemic. The Emmys, Oscars, and Grammy’s this year were all hosted online. Thus, virtually streaming your own gala event is not far from possible. Finally getting out of your yoga pants or your favorite onesies while helping a charitable cause is a good excuse to get up, dress up, and party.
But how do you raise money by doing so? Supporters can send donations after receiving exclusive invites to the online gala event. Additionally, hosting online galas is absolutely free. Facebook and other platforms allow viewers to send stars and gifts that can be converted into cash.
Among the successful online gala events hosted during the pandemic is the Annual Gala of The Center for Adoption Support and Education. With the outbreak, it was not possible to continue the event with 300+ guests in a venue. Instead, they moved the event online and were able to attract more than 1,200 supporters. The number is four times more than what the annual event usually receives.
Virtual Walkathons and Running Events
Virtual walkathons and fun runs are among the favorite types of fundraising events. These types of events are the most common fundraising ideas used by nonprofits to raise funds for their causes. It gathers a huge number of people in one venue, something not possible with the pandemic to worry about. However, charities and other organizations do try to find ways to make things possible despite the pandemic.
Walkathons and running events are still possible through virtual walks and virtual runs. Participants are given a five-week span, more or less, to complete a number of kilometers to finish a virtual walk or a run. Logging in with a virtual app to monitor their progress, completers receive tokens for completion. Donations are in the form of participating fees as well as donations and merchandise sales throughout the duration of the event.
Day of Giving
Virtual day of giving is another pandemic-proof fundraising idea. A nonprofit organization can create its own giving day and host it yearly, or quarterly for small fundraising events not only to raise funds but to promote and raise awareness about the organization.
Giving days feature a sort of urgency for nonprofit donors and supporters. They are limited to a particular time frame, a month, a quarter, a few days, or 24 hours to offer monetary help for a certain cause. Send constant reminders to regular supporters and donors about details on how long they have left to participate in your campaigns. This is a go-to tactic to encourage donors to participate.
Facebook Fundraising Ideas
Nonprofits should explore the potentials of Facebook for promoting their causes, connecting to audiences, and lastly, generating donations and financial support for nonprofit projects and programs. Building a strong presence on this platform can potentially increase the chances of successful fundraising campaigns for your organization.
Facebook for fundraising is absolutely free to use. When you host fundraising events through live streaming or donation links through the platform, Facebook events cover the processing fees for the gifts your pages received.
For better chances of success, go and look for similar campaigns that were viral and successful via Facebook. You can use this as a guide to be able to implement tactics that work. Additionally, marketing campaign ideas may bring positive outcomes to your own campaigns. The power of sharing and going viral on Facebook is another opportunity that nonprofits should not miss.
Successful Online Fundraising Campaigns is Possible
A well-optimized campaign is an ingredient for a successful online fundraising event. Streamline where your supporters are. Investing the right amount of marketing efforts in avenues where audiences and supporters engage makes a fundraising idea feasible.
Create and send a series of emails, text messages, and giving pages before actually launching your campaign. The more avenues your potential donors can reach out to you, the better. It all boils down to an organization’s capability to connect effectively with their audiences and new potential donors and supporters for their causes.
