Events

5 Low-Cost Virtual Major Donor Events

As the world turns towards remote socializing, it only makes sense that non-profits would turn to virtual major donor events. While this idea was far-fetched just a few years ago, people are openly embracing attending functions from the comfort of their own homes, and donors are no different. Planning for a virtual major donor event takes a little bit of creativity, and may take major gift officers out of their comfort zone. There are several types of major donor events that have been seeing success in the online space, and all it takes is a little creativity to put your own spin on them for your organization. Since virtual major donor events require half of the supplies and manpower, they are becoming a lucrative form of fundraising as major gift officers begin to warm to the idea.

Benefits of Virtual Major Donor Events

Major donor events are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. In 2021, while overall giving only grew by 4.1%, online giving grew by 12.1%. There also seems to be a preference for monthly donations, with monthly donations growing by 40%. A study by One Cause shows that 45% of non-profits planned to hold a virtual event in 2021. Since the average online donation is $177USD, and online events can reach a wider audience than in-person functions, there is solid fundraising potential online. Since online fundraisers do not require a specific location or many supplies, it is not surprising to find out that 84% of organizations that hosted online functions spent less money than on an in-person event. The internet’s reach is worldwide. By hosting major donor events online, you are able to reach all corners of the country. Utilizing social media is an easy way to quickly reduce major donor event costs, and increase prospective donors. Non-profits should take advantage of the current state of the internet to increase donations and reach.

Virtual Walks

Bringing traditional fundraising walks and runs online is an idea that has been wildly popular with non-profits. Some organizations rely heavily on the funds from these types of major donor events to carry them through the year. One of the greatest benefits of hosting virtual major donor events is that you can reach a larger donor pool, and virtual walks are no exception. No longer are you limited to participants who are local to your organization. Non-profits are now able to include people from all over the country, increasing the number of donors. By hosting an online walk, you can also initiate a hashtag campaign in the weeks leading up to the event. This will help generate interest and increase participation. It is also possible to work with influencers for an event like this and have them promote the walk or race. In the online space, followers can donate even after a video has been posted, so the donation period is longer.

Virtual Classes

One of the top reasons that people join online meetings is for educational purposes. Virtual classes are increasingly popular. You could host a webinar that can be watched at any time, or you could dip your toes into a TikTok live. TikTok lives are highly beneficial for non-profits, and allow you to place a donation sticker throughout your session. Hosting a major donor event on TikTok is becoming well received. While some organizations are not charging admission fees for online functions, it is possible to charge for a webinar. In fact, admission fees are the highest source of revenue for virtual events. Providing value to your donors is a method of building relationships and earning funds. Hosting an online class or series of classes can help you expand your donor pool.

Viral Challenges

Viral challenges are a quick way to get new donors on board with your cause. There is no quicker way to reach a wider audience than a successfully promoted challenge. Everyone remembers the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, which was our first peek at what the internet can really do for major donor events. There are some important things to consider when planning a major donor event like this. Ensure that you have a funny or engaging activity so that people are willing to engage. Asking those people to challenge other participants on social media is the best way to reach people quickly. The most important feature of successful viral challenges is that you ask each and every participant in the challenge to donate to your organization. People are more willing to donate to a cause when they are directly asked and called out on social media.

Virtual Performances

Virtual concerts are an excellent major donor event. People really enjoy being able to access performances from the comfort of their own homes. As many popular performers have begun to offer virtual performances, the concept has trickled down into major donor events. Arranging a musician or performing artist to help with your major donor event may just pay off big-time. The big pull here is being able to access an audience that you normally wouldn’t reach. This could include people outside of your local area, parents who can’t find child care or people who prefer to stay home. Due to these types of major donor events becoming so popular, ensuring a varied line-up of performances can help draw larger numbers to your fundraiser. You could even engage your donor pool by asking for recommendations for performers.

Gaming Evenings

Gaming fundraisers are becoming increasingly popular as major donor events. As organizations have seen the success of Extra Life, which has been monumental in raising funds for children’s hospitals, they have wondered how they can adapt this idea to suit their own donation needs. Depending on your target population and donor pool, a gaming event may be wildly popular. If you are serving a population of families or children, involving younger participants on a team may help to engage donors. Family members and friends are often more likely to donate to younger people who take initiative in fundraising. As many people are spending a lot of time at home these days, gaming fundraisers give people purpose in what they may be at home doing anyway. Team members can also play from their own homes, which means people can join from anywhere. Promoting your event on social media, and engaging influencers on gaming platforms are great ways to help explode exposure and potential donations. There are many popular gamers out there willing to work with non-profits.

Conclusion

Virtual major donor events are an often successful alternative to in-person fundraisers. As people become more accustomed to traditional functions being hosted online, they are more likely to attend and donate. While there are some cons to online events, overall, their importance cannot be understated. They provide the unique opportunity to reach an audience that you would not normally engage with. People are more likely to invite their friends or share on social media. Virtual events remove barriers. People don’t have to worry about paying for child care, new clothes, or transportation. They can join as they please, and drop out when they please without the pressure of an in-person event. Ultimately, they can focus on enjoying your event, building connections with your organization, and donate when the time feels right for them. Remain focused on providing an enjoyable interaction and remember that major donor events are not always about funds. Use these events to grow your e-mail list, expand your prospects, gain new data, and engage your current donors.

Caitlin Fillmore

Cait is a former nonprofit executive with extensive fundraising and marketing experience in human service, healthcare, arts, religious, and animal organizations. Throughout her career, Cait focused on elevating transparency and storytelling at nonprofits in Iowa and California. Cait studied journalism at Waldorf College in Forest City, Iowa and worked as a reporter before her nonprofit career. Born and raised in the Midwest, Cait moved to California in 2017. She now works as a freelance writer and spends her free time cooking and cheering on the Chicago Bears. You can view her work at www.caitlinslhfillmore.com.

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5 Low-Cost Virtual Major Donor Events

Benefits of Virtual Major Donor Events

Virtual Walks

Virtual Classes

Viral Challenges

Virtual Performances

Gaming Evenings

Conclusion

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