Creative Online Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits

When conventional donation and fundraising streams dry up, it’s time to think outside the box. With COVID-19 changing the way we do things, virtual fundraising is an excellent way to boost your revenue. Unlike traditional fundraising methods, virtual fundraising is less expensive, less labor-intensive, and tracks easily. In addition, virtual fundraising offers greater market reach because it allows you to easily connect with potential leads beyond your town, city, province, or country!

Virtual fundraising can be so successful, that you may find the results a little overwhelming. But you don’t have to worry when you can boost productivity and efficiency when you manage your entire nonprofit with a single CRM that’s robust, modular, and secure. Here are some creative online fundraising ideas for nonprofits:

1. Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is an excellent way for your nonprofit to engage with donors and raise funds. You can work with pages like GiveCampus, FundRazr, GoFundMe, GlobalGiving, Kickstarter, and more. You can also have your supporters participate in a crowdfunding campaign by volunteering, spreading information, or brainstorming ideas. 

2. Online Watch Party

Your nonprofit can improve cash flow or boost its message with a virtual watch party. For example, you can make a documentary about your mission and sell tickets for an online viewing event. Alternatively, pick a movie from a studio that offers films free to nonprofits, and sell tickets. Before the film, you can cut in a message about your nonprofit with a live or recorded video. After the film ends, you can briefly campaign for donations. 

3. Awareness Campaign

You can launch a targeted online awareness campaign that focuses on your audience on social media platforms like TikTok. Within weeks, a viral campaign can attract millions of visitors to your platform and help educate countless more. You can use a donation link to drive your revenue for investment in future projects. 

4. Online Challenge 

Think of how much the Ice Bucket Challenge did for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis). The challenge caught everyone’s attention, from regular social media users to medical professionals to celebrities to industry leaders. 

Of course, it’s not easy to start a new and impactful online challenge. If your nonprofit doesn’t want to start a challenge, it can undoubtedly participate in one to raise awareness. For example, the WWF partakes in various challenges to raise awareness of environmental issues. 

5. Auction Events 

Hold an auction event where you offer services or items. You can rely on donated items or in-house products. Alternatively, you can host raffles for more participants. 

6. Virtual Charity Show 

Check your social media pages like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram for famous followers that believe in your cause. Don’t hesitate to reach out to anyone that can further your movement. Virtual charity shows headlined by a celebrity could be what you need. For example, plenty of entertainers partner with nonprofits to help raise awareness. Some organizations can also help you hire comedians at deeply discounted rates for your virtual event. 

While the novel coronavirus has added many challenges for nonprofits, some continue to thrive by thinking creatively and using technology to drive themselves forward.