Virtual Fundraising Events: Right for Your Nonprofit?
The world moves so quickly these days. It’s a problem. Things go from “hot” to “not” in a matter of days. I’m getting the vibe that virtual events might be headed in the same direction. But, for the time being, it’s not a good idea to give up on the virtual event. With social distancing recommendations and rules going nowhere anytime soon, we have to engage with our community of supporters.
Virtual events present an opportunity to do this in a more inclusive, egalitarian way! They can be put together with relatively little money. They don’t need to have entry fees. They can be accessible outside of our geographic region. And they can have easy opportunities for small donors to contribute! So stay on board…and keep considering alternatives until the day we can all be together – in the same room – again soon.
Women for Afghan Women’s May 2020 event #AfghanWomenStrong This virtual event was organized on a very low budget, engaging high-level volunteers as emcees for the event, and well-known Afghan women performers and their talents to help share the message of #AfghanWomenStrong. The event garnered more views than would have been possible with any in-person event (830+ on Women for Afghan Women’s YouTube channel and thousands more on the performers pages) and allowed for viewer participation, as the audience was invited to ask performers questions during the interview portion of the program. You can also do a very personal, well-done event that inspires and captures the hearts of your supporters!
You Gotta Believe had a benefit event in May as well, organized, generously, by its supporters James Wesley and Seth Rudetsky. The event was entirely volunteer produced and run with the nonprofit participating with staff and client stories. You Gotta Believe also provided the donation options, including Text-to-Give opportunities during the show. The result was a star-studded, genuine, fun, tear-jerker of an evening!
A more professional event was organized by BRC, a homeless services/prevention agency in New York City. The group professionally shot the entire gala, the Hidden Heroes gala, and just hit play the night of the event! Low stress, high success! With a home page on for the event, they were also able to effectively capture viewers emails to conduct future donor stewardship. Take a look here.
There are so many ways to put together a successful virtual event. Identify and use your assets – and make it genuine and reflective of the community you serve. And have fun! We all need a little hope, cheer, and inspiration these days.
