Best Online Fundraising Strategies for Nonprofits During the Coronavirus

With social distancing measures in place and people quarantined in their homes, fundraising couldn’t be any more difficult than it is right now. Just about every nonprofit has had to postpone or cancel an event. Before you scrap your next event, however, you should know there are a lot of nonprofits actually surpassing their fundraising goals lately. How? They are reaching out to donors online and explaining how crucial their mission is at this time. Here are just some of the strategies those nonprofits are using to increase their donations during the Coronavirus that you can use as well.

Virtual Gala

Conducting a gala online seems contradictory to an actual gala where people dress up for a night to celebrate, network, and engage with new donors. But if done right, a virtual gala can be just as effective. When preparing for one, remember that galas are all about passion. You should start by decorating your home office to set the tone. Then, divide your guests up over the course of two or three nights to fit their schedule and make it easier for you to communicate with them. During the virtual gala, you can celebrate your nonprofit’s success over the year and explain your plans moving forward. Many nonprofits that have tried a virtual gala have reported positive results. Now’s your chance to share that success too!    

Go Live on Facebook, Instagram, or YouTube

If you want to bring in donations right now, then pick up your phone and go live on a social media platform that attracts a wide audience. This is a great way to connect with younger donors too. Before going live, be sure to plan out what you want to say and find the best location with good audio and lighting. Give people a heads up an hour or two before the event so they know when to join. For people who can’t attend, save your live feed and upload it so they can watch it later. Remember, the point is to spread the word for your cause, so really explain how important your mission is during these times. You’re bound to strike gold!  

Online Auction

Because the Coronavirus caught many of us off guard, you probably don’t have a whole lot of great items to hold an auction. But that shouldn’t dissuade you. Auctions are a great way to draw in a crowd, especially new people, since there’s an incentive to donate. If you have a couple rolls of toilet paper and some hand sanitizer, you’ll probably receive enough funding for a month. If not, then get crafty with it and have some fun. Fun is one thing people need now more than ever and if people support your cause, they will still support you. Auctions are also great when paired with another event, so if you want to do one during a virtual gala, you can really boost your donations.

Set an Amount You Need to Raise

If you don’t have the means to run a gala or an auction, then setting a fundraising goal on Facebook is a good start. When setting a fundraising goal, be sure to include what the funding is for and how that money will benefit your cause. People don’t want to spend their money on something that isn’t benefiting the community. Using a fundraising goal is a good way to communicate with your base that you still plan on accomplishing your mission even through this pandemic. 

Don’t Forget to Show Your Gratitude

With how financially difficult the Coronavirus is for people, don’t take any donation for granted. Donations might be hard to come by so it’s up to you to do all you can to show your appreciation. You can easily reach out to people by thanking them in an email, or sending an e-card that shows how their contributions directly helped someone in need. The more you show your gratitude, the more your donors will as well.