25 Ideas for Virtual Fundraising to Nonprofits and Institutions

Meeting, gathering, working and fundraising have all changed over the last year. In the process, a lot of non-profits and organizations have moved away from in-person events and tried different ways to raise funds and keep their programs running.

So how do you begin? In this piece we'll discuss how organizations as well as non-profit organizations can make a change with 25 virtual fundraising ideas to attract more donors and hit important fundraising goals.

What is a virtual fundraiser?

There are a lot of organizations which use fundraising for their initiatives. Think of nonprofits, educational institutions as well as arts and cultural institutions or public institutions. political parties to name just a handful of.

Traditionally speaking, when these groups host fundraisers in person usually, these include small-scale parties or charity events, concert, or other events to bring awareness to an important cause, and to create enthusiasm among patrons and donors.

But, online fundraisers are a bit different. A virtual fundraising event is an online or hybrid event which allows donors, organizers and donors to come together online to support fundraising projects. And unlike in-person occasions, the limitations of a physical venue doesn't mean that you can't limit the number of participants.

If done correctly, online fundraisers can replace or augment an existing fundraising plan in helping organizations connect with a larger number of donors via digital channels, while providing an aesthetically pleasing and engaging experiences.

Let's take a look at some of these virtual strategies for fundraising to aid you in achieving your goal of fundraising.

Our top 25 virtual fundraising ideas

1. A live stream of a conversation with patrons or donors

Let's begin with one of the best strategies you could use for your first virtual fundraising idea. Live-streaming a conversation between donors or patrons is an excellent method to promote an initiative while keeping people active.

Through the broadcast of important information, such as news on policy changes, IFPRI enabled a (virtual) conversation to connect with the masses and educate people on important topics such as the sustainable supply of food, inclusive market and trade system as well as transforming the rural economy.

There's an interesting feedback loop and dynamic you can generate through live streaming, which helps you connect with your viewers outside of the venue.   Jamed Falik, Visual Design Team Director, IFPRI

The idea of arranging an event that revolves around having a discussion with donors, patrons and staff, or any other experts is a great method to create a conversational atmosphere and engage audience members to take part in the activities, show support, and donate.

2. Social media take control

Meet your audience where they're probably spending the majority of time -through social media. Channels like Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Twitter, and TikTok aim to help users produce and consume content while connecting with other users that share the same interests like causes they care about.

A cool approach is the social media takeover, where brands or organizations connect with a celebrity advocate, patron or even a patron who can take the reins of their social handle and post updates as they feel is appropriate.

In the case of nonprofits who are dipping their toes for the first time consider picking someone in the organisation to manage a campaign. If you are able to discover a topic that aligns with your ideals and you include an outline of the way you'd like the campaign to go it is possible to take that - add their own flair and take the idea to another level.

3. Virtual happy hour

Within the vast world of nonprofits and other institutions of philanthropy, academia, or other institutions, there's perhaps no function that is more important or influential than the all-important happy hour mixer. It's a fantastic opportunity to allow your supporters and donors mingle by sipping drinks.

If you are unable to organize a happy hour in person, you can still take your party online. The kind of events you can host nevertheless be fun if you include the wine or beer tasting kit or bring in the idea of a cocktail class taught by a mixologist. You can even plan an exclusive or VIP event by inviting a celebrity participant to bring in donations.

Plus, it's a great chance to conduct some at-home cocktail research, and also provide entertaining recipes for your guests to try in their homes. Here are some more fun games to play during your virtual Happy Hour and suggestions you can think of.

4. Virtual gala

Another staple for nonprofit event calendars is the large extravagant galas. Galas provide a chance to dress in a stylish way and meet to colleagues, family and other leaders trying to get their message across around an important issue. When done appropriate attire, they can assist people reach their goals for donations.

In situations where you can't gather in-person, a virtual gala can be an excellent alternative. Be sure to incorporate all the gala staples like a virtual red carpet the smaller (but mixed) table arrangements and of course, some great entertainment. Be sure to set up a strategic promotional schedule in the lead up to your virtual gala.

5. Webinars

6. Virtual film screenings

While there's much to love with in-person film screenings the audience can also enjoy the best films together at the theater or in their homes.

If you want to launch a fantastic online film festival or screening, try to find a mix of in-person activities along with rolling out the virtual red carpet to allow your audience and donors to enjoy the entire event. You might explore live Q&As with film makers, polls for a live chat in order to keep the conversation moving. It is also possible to send your guests snacks and popcorn to keep them entertained during the event!

7. Virtual tour

As many non-profits begin construction on a new space the celebration is to show the space to all the donors who helped support the initiative. The issue is, however, that based on the size of the building, this may be difficult.

Luckily, organizing a virtual tour to donors will allow you to overcome any limitations when showcasing the new spaces. Virtual tours can help you control every aspect of the event, from the walk around the space as well as highlighting the new spaces or even renovations.

8. Online auctions

One of the hallmarks of the internet experience, virtual auctions are around for quite some time. Online auctions for fundraising can help you attract new donors, promote your cause and showcase some of the best qualities for your patrons.

Look into the various options available of auction websites specifically designed for charity and determine which could offer the ideal mix of functionality and presentation for you to make sure that you can use any auction to raise funds to truly raise awareness to the cause you are supporting or to your business

9. Virtual workshop

If the experience of a pandemic has taught us anything we can learn, it's that it's never too late to take up a new pastime. Whether it's woodworking, pottery or even acting, there are plenty of hobbies to try out from the comfort of your own home.

Virtual workshops are great fundraisers, especially if you have the ability to link any new activity directly to your company or non-profit. As an example, if you're a dance group and you want to host beginner virtual dance workshops in order to teach the fundamentals of the art.

10. Live show

From the perspective of fundraising from a fundraising event perspective, virtual concerts can be an excellent way to engage your followers with a live streamed concert that you could present as a patron and place your business at the forefront.

Expansion into the digital space allows us to take Apollo programming to audiences that are out of our ability to deliver programs in person, as well as create new audience possibilities.   Kristen Hill, Associate Director of Marketing at the Apollo Theatre. Apollo Theater

11. Online book club

There's nothing more mentality stimulating than a thoughtful conversation around the world of literature. Today, when more the majority of people are stuck in their homes and are more disengaged more than ever, having the chance to get lost in the world of fiction and fantasy can be a great opportunity to unwind from the news of the day as well as better connect with friends and colleagues.

The idea of hosting an online book club to serve as an opportunity to raise funds for your organization can be highly successful both in terms of participation as well as the amount of money raised. Book clubs can encourage more commitment in terms of time and effort, with participants coming together weekly or monthly.

12. Virtual yoga class

From a fundraising perspective, online yoga classes can prove to be profitable if you can identify the ideal instructor as an instructor. The classes can be a fantastic method to encourage wellbeing and fitness whether a group comes together either online or in person. Additionally, yoga classes are an inclusive and welcoming event both for novices and experienced which helps you to attract donors who want to align the body, mind and their soul.

13. Online awards ceremony

There are many ways to go about organizing an awards event online. It is possible to honor those in the community you have created of members or patrons. You can also honor donations and highlight individuals working in your area who have made crucial work and contribute towards your mission or even a mix of the two.

The reason we joined the partnership was that we expected OTT to be a new segment of our business, with distinct goals.We wound up finding it really woven into everything that we do. It gives The Emmys a multiplatform growth opportunity unmatched in the awards space."   Adam Sharp, President & CEO

14. Virtual wine tastings

Virtual wine tastings can happen every weekday or weekend evening as well as from the kitchens or patios of your audience regardless of where they reside. Make a wine gift package for your patrons and live stream an event with a sommelier to review the different varieties.

There are great online wineries and wine clubs to collaborate with while you plan the celebration. For instance, you can check out NPR's NPR wine club to get ideas on how to build a curated selection of wines and a presentation to home deliver for your supporters.

15. Virtual art exhibition

When exploring virtual fundraising events the key is offering access to other areas. For instance, you can provide an exclusive, behind-the-scenes view of theatre productions, art exhibits, or shows.

When renting out the space of an art gallery or museum for a fundraising event that takes place in person, many of the similar rules and guidelines are in place. The guests must remain far away and experience the artwork exactly as they would for any other visit.

In the realm of live events, you can provide guests with a smaller and more intimate experience. Because of the power of live streaming and video it is possible to recreate the exhibition with a demonstration to allow for greater access than a crowded room of individuals could ever see in individual. Extra points for including the curator, artist, or other performers who are involved in the exhibition or production to help guide the exhibit.

16. Online trivia contest

Who doesn't love trivia? Trivia has long been the preferred pastime for nonprofits and fundraisers in order to bring people together in a community or to support a cause. And while we'd all love to visit our favourite pub trivia venues soon, the prospects of online trivia are appealing as well as convenient.

When you next plan an online trivia event take a look at interesting facts about your group or cause. You can also include a couple of fun pop culture references to make sure the atmosphere is lively. The online trivia games are excellent fundraisers since they permit participants to compete against their peers while enhancing their knowledge around the causes that they are passionate about.

17. Virtual scripts are read

For any nonprofits or institutions who have connections to the film industry hosting a reading of the script is an excellent way to attract both donors and fans.

As an example an example, the dazed confused virtual reunion of cast members and script read through with big stars such as Ben Affleck, Parker Posey and Matthew McConaughey, was a unique fundraising event to increase awareness of activist groups for the vote and also for The Austin Film Society

In terms of fundraising from a fundraising perspective, these events only become feasible when charities work with celebrity or other guests who can help create the occasion. In addition, organizations could bid on reading slots to donors and announce the readings during their celebration.

18. Virtual cooking course

Cooking classes can be another excellent activity for donors to enjoy at the convenience of their homes. They're enjoyable and memorable because participants gain valuable skills that they can carry with them for the rest of their lives.

19. Ted Talk or Seminar Ted Talk

One of the most significant possibilities of hosting your own fundraising event is to position you or your company as an authentic subject matter expert. One of the best ways to stand out is giving an thrilling Ted Talk like seminar.

While you can apply to be a host for an Ted Talk by signing for a formal participation however, you are also able to explore a more professional version on your own depending on your topic and expertise.

20. Online comedy show or comedy roast

In a more lighthearted way, if you're looking for laughter and an opportunity to poke fun at your self, think about hosting an online comedy show or a comedy roast. It can be a jovial approach to get people involved and show the people who support your business a good time.

Comedy shows do not have to be as professional or as punchy as those you see on television. There's no need to have celebrities to throw at you with punches. Instead, you could organize a group by yourself with colleagues and friends to test an assortment of jokes and hilarious monologues.

21. Virtual Board Game Night

Checkers. Monopoly. Settlers of Catan. Pretty much every board game that has ever existed in real life now is available to play on the internet. The board game night is an ideal fundraising option for small groups who enjoy the competition and a change from traditional handshake mixers.

Smithsonian Magazine has an excellent list of online board games which you can break out for any small online event or gathering that should provide some instant gameplay as well as a great competition between colleagues.

22. Virtual charity run

It's no secret that running can be a fantastic workout that boosts endorphins and fitness. It's also a favorite pastime for folks running for a few minutes at a local park, neighborhood side streets, or in a gym nearby.

Instead of traditional charitable runs, a number of nonprofits have launched virtual charity walks or runs. Without a physical venue for the event to be held organizers are able to extend the event duration to help raise funds and participation. Social media and live streaming participants who run or walk could motivate others to participate.

23. Virtual bikeathon

In addition to the traditional charity race online, you can also organize virtual fundraising around a bikeathon. It is possible to participate in a bikeathon at a location in person, the self-logging of miles and rides, or even through the web of interconnected fitness devices and equipment like Peloton.

These stationary bikes are connected via streaming and on demand videos and on demand videos, you can create group classes or group bikeathons centered around your fundraisers and activities.

24. Online painting classes

Do you want to try a final pastime before heading back to the real world? Online painting classes can be an enjoyable way to master something new or improve certain skills. Painting classes online give students the chance to be artistic and active. It is also possible to pair it with a wine tasting to enjoy a virtual beverage and drawing,

25. The virtual dog or cat exhibit

Personally A virtual cat or dog cat show could make a great (and unique!) virtual fundraising idea to explore. It's entertaining to view over-the-top pet shows like that of the Westminster Dog Show and the associated breeders, dogs and trainers. Virtual pet shows could be an easy and comfortable way for supporters and donors to get acquainted and introduce their pets.

If you're planning to hold the virtual pet show, or a meet-up with furry friends think about sending a few fun treats or toys to the virtual guests. Consider an idea to invite an animal expert to host a workshop, exercise, or discussion in order to enhance your gathering.

Wrap up: power virtual fundraising with video

Although virtual fundraising isn't able to replace all in-person events however, it is a wonderful method to ensure that donors continue to invest in important campaigns and causes.

Video can be an effective medium of expression and connectivity for influencing changes. Consider our recommendations and other suggestions on the internet as you build out your virtual fundraising program.