From the Desk of Mary
Event Manager - Entrepreneur - Adventurer
Social distancing this year has made it difficult for many nonprofits, schools, and other organizations to raise needed money. If you’re facing this challenge, don’t worry - there are still options! Virtual events are a valuable resource with less organizational requirements and more participation potential than the average in-person event. Virtual fundraisers are a great alternative to traditional in-person events by keeping people safe, maintaining audience engagement, and - of course - raising money!
Use one of these great fundraising ideas for your next event and watch the participation skyrocket!
Virtual Race
Many nonprofits rely on races, walks, or runs to raise money for needed research, awareness, and advocacy. Good news! Your community is still able to walk or run in their local neighborhoods and parks, so this avenue is still an effective way to foster community and build some revenue. From cancer awareness to turkey trots, your participants will love supporting a cause while staying active! Each participant pays for the event and raises additional money from their friends and family leading up to the event.
Pre-Packaged Gala
For the more upscale event, you can mail your participants a box of goodies, party favors, drinks, and even food. Create an engaging agenda with speakers and dynamic content, and let the festivities begin! This is a great option for black-tie affairs with higher ticket prices. While the investment might cost more (gala boxes, shipping), those higher ticket prices will pay off with bigger dividends.
Trivia Night
Get social with a hosted trivia night! These more relaxing events can include themed or regular trivia, easily put together from resources online. Your participants will form groups and compete for great (online!) prizes. Not a big trivia buff? Looking for something else to resonate with your audience? A similar ticketed format can be used for book clubs, paint nights, and other remote activities. For paint nights or activities requiring materials, you may need to mail supplies in advance.
Holiday Cheer
With the 2020 holiday season right around the corner, don’t forget about holiday-themed virtual fundraisers. Ugly sweater competitions, caroling, holiday party bingo, Secret Santa, and many other cheerful games can turn a standard fundraising event into a holiday extravaganza! Participants can pay to attend the whole event or you could break it up into the different areas (like breakout sessions), allowing for more mingling.
These are just some of the great ways you can keep your organization at the forefront. What do you think? Will you try any of these ideas out?
Let us know in the comments below!
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