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Fundraising Tuesday: 3 Online Fundraising Ideas to Engage Remote Supporters

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A guest post by Steve Lausch of OneCause

Looking for new ways to inspire donors to support your cause? We’ve got you covered!

Your organization’s audience consists of diverse individuals with different preferences and characteristics, so the key to capturing everyone’s interests is to host a variety of fundraising campaigns.

As you plan your annual fundraising strategy, remember to include opportunities for those outside your local community. You want to ensure that remote supporters feel seen and appreciated just as much as if they were located near you.

There are many ways to involve remote supporters. Let’s look at three top online fundraising ideas you can incorporate to leverage the generosity of supporters near and far.

1. Online Donation Page

Engage your remote supporters by accepting online donations. This is the first step to successful fundraising! An online donation page allows you to receive a reliable stream of revenue from your nonprofit’s website.

Keep in mind the following tips when setting up your donation page:

  • Design: Build awareness by having your organization’s colors and logos throughout your site.
  • Donation options: Retain donors by providing the option of one-time or recurring donations to support your cause.
  • Payment options: Enhance the giving experience by accepting Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Venmo, and other forms of digital wallet.
  • Impact statements: Emphasize the power of donations with images, videos, examples, or a brief explanation of how they help your cause.

The best software will allow you to effortlessly personalize and create impactful donation pages to maximize your giving. Once you’ve created your donation page, make sure to embed it in your nonprofit’s website for supporters to find easily. If you don’t have a website, consider working with a web design company to start the process.

2. Online Auction

Auctions are a popular fundraising event for nonprofits, so why not take yours beyond the ballroom? Enable bidding from your remote supporters with an online auction! Hosting such an event provides various benefits for nonprofits, including:

  • Cost savings: Invest in flexible software so there’s no need to book a venue, catering services, or entertainment.
  • Increased participation: Have a link to your auction to make it simple for supporters to share your cause with their social network.
  • Improved accessibility: Move to an online auction to allow anyone to participate from anywhere without traveling for your event.
  • Better use of resources: You won’t have to worry about costs associated with in-person events, such as renting a venue, booking a caterer, or purchasing decorations.

Usually, online auctions take one of two forms:

  • Live auction: An auctioneer facilitates bidding on your auction items through a live stream. This event can be held either entirely virtually or in a hybrid format, where you invite major donors to the in-person auction and provide other supporters with the live stream link.
  • Silent auction: Supporters place bids on auction items they want through an online auction site without an auctioneer present. This type of auction relies on well-written descriptions that clearly communicate what the item is to entice the viewer to make a bid.

Regardless of which type of online auction you host, bidding usually takes place through mobile devices. Be sure to purchase auction software that streamlines online bidding and makes the process smooth and convenient for remote supporters.

3. Online Peer-to-Peer Campaign

Tap into the power of peer-to-peer fundraising with your loyal supporters. You can recruit your most committed champions to fundraise on your behalf. These individuals will create their peer-to-peer fundraising site and then use their social networks to spread the word.

There are many types of peer-to-peer campaigns, including:

  • Runs, walks, rides: Engage participants with physical activity, friendly competition, and social giving.
  • DIY supporter-driven: Empower supporters to create their own unique campaigns on behalf of your cause.
  • Giving and Awareness Days: Capitalize on dedicated giving and awareness days to boost the visibility of your campaigns and secure more donations.
  • Tributes and memorials: Offer supporters the opportunity to honor loved ones with personalized fundraising pages.

Peer-to-peer fundraising is an easy way to strengthen your existing relationship with remote supporters while expanding the possibilities of new supporters not local to your organization. Once you’ve recruited supporters to act as your peer-to-peer fundraisers, prepare them for their role with training sessions, templates for marketing materials, and more. Then, stay in contact with them throughout the process to provide them with any support they need.

 

Steve Lausch head shotSteve Lausch

Steve Lausch brings over 20 years of marketing experience to his role as the Director of Product Marketing at OneCause. He leverages his expertise in product evangelism, marketing communication, and strategic product planning to deliver innovative solutions that empower nonprofits. A storyteller at heart, Steve is energized by the opportunity to tell compelling stories that move people to action. He is dedicated to supporting nonprofits in their journey to make a positive impact on the world.

Fundraising Tuesday: 4 Tips for Getting Started with Virtual Product Fundraising

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A guest post by Debbie Salat of ABC Fundraising

As a nonprofit fundraiser, you likely host a variety of different fundraising events and campaigns each year. You can improve upon your current practices by finding fundraising ideas that are easier to implement, more accessible to donors, and more profitable. That’s where virtual product fundraising comes in.

According to Double the Donation, 63% of donors prefer donating online. Virtual product fundraisers allow donors to contribute to your organization in a way that caters to their needs. Additionally, they’re easy to set up, simple to participate in, and offer donors something in return for their donation.

To help you leverage this impactful fundraising method, we’ve created a list of four tips for how to get started with virtual product fundraising.

1. Determine your goals.

Provide focus to your virtual product fundraiser with clear goals. That way, your fundraising team has a complete understanding of the  purpose of the fundraising.

To develop a distinct fundraising goal, follow the SMART goal framework:

  • Specific
  • Measurable
  • Achievable
  • Relevant
  • Timely

These guidelines allow you to set objectives that are easy to track and evaluate. For example, a goal of raising $10,000 over the next six months through a virtual product fundraiser to support people without access to healthcare is a more tangible goal than simply raising money in support of a good cause.

Additionally, sharing these goals with your supporters will provide greater transparency about what you’re raising money for. As a result, you can gain donors’ trust and build lasting relationships with them.

2. Select a product.

The goals you’ve set should drive your product selection. For example, if you’re trying to connect with donors during the holidays through your fundraising efforts, selling holiday decorations could help you achieve that goal.

Check out these examples of different product types you might consider for your fundraiser:

  • Food: Give your donors the chance to buy their favorite snacks and support your cause at the same time. ABC Fundraising recommends selling cookie dough in particular because you can earn up to an 80% profit.
  • Branded merchandise: Turn donors into brand advocates with branded merchandise. Selling t-shirts, hats, and travel mugs with your organization’s logo can help boost brand awareness.
  • Discount opportunities: Allow your donors to save on everyday purchases and give back to your cause by selling discount cards. You can even give back to the community by including local vendors in the discount offerings.

If you’re having trouble deciding which product to sell, think about your donors. What would they most like to purchase? Consider sending a survey to collect donor feedback and get them excited about your upcoming virtual product fundraiser.

3. Promote your fundraiser.

Let your supporters know about your fundraiser by promoting it effectively. You can spark interest in your fundraiser by showing some product sneak peeks beforehand. Then, you can share how to participate once the fundraiser is up and running.

Make sure to promote your fundraiser using a variety of communication channels, such as:

  • Email newsletter. Include a section about your virtual product fundraiser. Make sure to add pictures of the product you’re selling and the link to your online store.
  • Social media. Show off images of the products you’re selling. People will be more enticed to buy snacks and merchandise if they can get a good look at them before they make their purchase.
  • Website. Your website is the hub for updating your supporters about your organization. Create a new page to market your virtual product fundraiser.

To spread even more awareness of your fundraiser, lean on your supporters for help. Encourage them to share your online store link with friends and family. You can even turn it into a contest or giveaway, offering one entry per referral. Then, you can offer some of the products you’re selling as the grand prize.

4. Track your fundraiser’s progress.

One of the reasons why creating clear goals for your fundraiser is so important is that it allows you to measure your success.

One way to measure your success is through a fundraising thermometer. This visual allows you to track donations and provides an easy way for your supporters to monitor the fundraiser’s progress. A fundraising thermometer can also encourage supporters to contribute, especially if you’re close to reaching your goal.

Another way to measure your fundraiser’s success is through Google Analytics. Through the Google Ad Grants program, eligible nonprofits receive $10,000 in monthly ad credits they can use to promote important landing pages on their websites. If you’re part of the program, you can create goals in Google Analytics that align with your fundraising goals and promote your virtual product fundraising page.

While Google Analytics can’t necessarily track donations, you can measure the success of your marketing efforts and determine which are most effective. Then, you can make sure to keep up those methods for future campaigns.

It can be daunting to set up a new type of fundraiser for the first time, but these tips will set you on the right track for a successful virtual product fundraiser. For extra help, consider partnering with a virtual product fundraising provider that can assist you with setting up your online store and managing your fundraiser.

Debbie Salat head shotDebbie Salat 

Debbie Salat is the director of fundraising activities and product development at ABC Fundraising(r) – Debbie joined ABC Fundraising(r) in 2010 and is responsible for launching over 6500 fundraising campaigns for schools, churches, youth sports teams and non-profit organizations all across the USA.

With over 20 years of fundraising experience, Debbie knows the path to success for fundraisers which she shares with groups on a daily basis so they can achieve their fundraising goals.

Fundraising Tuesday: 4 Tips for Crafting an Effective Online Fundraising Campaign

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A guest post by Wayne Elsey, Funds2Orgs

Did you know that over 60% of donors prefer to give online? Online giving allows your donors to give immediately and with ease.

As a nonprofit, you want to prioritize your donor’s experience so they can give quickly, privately, and securely. To increase donor engagement, follow these actionable tips to develop a thoughtful online fundraising plan:

  1. Set a Fundraising Goal
  2. Choose an Online Fundraising Method
  3. Make it Easy to Donate
  4. Use Storytelling to Promote Your Fundraiser

Although online fundraisers do not require planning for a set fundraising event deadline, that does not mean you should view your online fundraising campaign as a “set it and forget it” strategy. Instead, think about how you can measure your progress and engage your donors every step of the way. With this in mind, let’s dive in!

1. Set an Online Fundraising Goal

Align your team with distinct goals, so you can quantify your progress and insightfully structure your fundraiser. Set clear objectives using the SMART method (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-Bound). Sticking to this method will help your team understand what steps you’ll need to take to meet your fundraising goals and what online platform you might use to solicit donations.

Here is an example of SMART goals at work for an environmental nonprofit:

  • Specific: Raise a total amount of $50,000 in online donations to support the nonprofit’s “clean river initiative” and beautify its city’s nearby rivers.
  • Measurable: Achieve a 30% increase in donations compared to last year’s campaign total.
  • Achievable: Develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy that leverages peer-to-peer fundraising and social media advertising to spread awareness.
  • Relevant: Align all marketing materials with clear campaign objectives that explain how the funds will be used to implement prevention measures or purchase new filtration equipment.
  • Time-Bound: Achieve 50% of funding within six months and complete the funding goal within 12 months.

Discuss your SMART goals with your team to make them as specific as possible. Consult your fundraising calendar to decide the best time to implement your online fundraising plan and begin measuring your progress.

2. Choose an Online Fundraising Method

There are several online fundraising methods available. To decide which one your nonprofit should choose, consider your donors’ communication preferences and your existing resources. For example, if your supporters respond well to email appeals, you can look for fundraising platforms with email integration included.

Here are some popular online fundraising methods:

  • Peer-to-peer fundraising involves activating your existing supporters to fundraise on your behalf. Supporters create personal fundraising pages and contact their networks for support.
  • Crowdfunding involves having nonprofits create their fundraising page for supporters to donate directly to them and share with their networks.
  • Matching Gifts requires nonprofits to leverage this corporate philanthropy opportunity that matches their employee’s donations at a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio, enabling them to double their donation’s impact.
  • Text-to-Give allows donors to contribute from their cell phones by texting a specific keyword to a designated phone number that prompts them to complete the donation process.

Your organization can choose one of the above online methods or combine them to reach your fundraising goals. Consult your budget, audience data, and campaign goals to select a fundraising platform that works best for your organization.

3. Make it Easy to Donate Online

Once you’ve selected an online method, prioritize ease of donation. That means double-checking technical aspects like load time that could keep your donors waiting. Give your supporters every reason to donate (and keep donating) by:

  • Optimizing your donation form: To keep your donation form straightforward, only ask for necessary information, including names, donation amounts, contact information, and payment details.
  • Ensuring secure payment processing: Use a reliable payment processor that tracks your donations and protects and secures your donor information. Be transparent about how your donor’s gifts will be processed to put their minds at ease.
  • Offering recurring giving options: Maximize your donations by offering recurring giving options. Funds2Org’s guide to monthly giving recommends communicating suggested recurring amounts for donors to choose from to increase regular donation amounts.

Online donations can sometimes feel removed and strictly transactional. To avoid this, look for additional ways to personalize your online donation process. For instance, you could optimize your donation confirmation form with a heartfelt thank-you message from your nonprofit’s leadership.

4. Use Storytelling to Promote Your Fundraiser

Because online fundraising happens over a longer period, it does not always carry the urgency and hype as an in-person fundraising event. To energize your supporters, incorporate storytelling into your promotional materials to make them feel more connected to your cause.

Use the following channels to rally your donors and make your fundraising goals a reality:

  • Social media: Create Q&A reels explaining the purpose of your fundraiser and on-the-ground posts to capture the challenges and progress of your organization’s work. For example, an organization like CharityWater might post Facebook updates on their well-digging efforts and discuss how many people can now access clean water.
  • Your website: Add your online campaign information to a dedicated website page, so supporters can learn more about your cause and how they can help. Compile testimonials and impactful imagery of your team at work to show supporters how their contributions are used to further your mission.
  • Flyers: Use thoughtful and concise headlines, copy, and imagery to capture your online campaign’s relevance and inspire support. Include a QR code leading to your donation form and social media links encouraging others to join the conversation and learn more.

Kwala’s guide to fundraising flyers recommends using standout statistics to grab viewers’ attention. For example, you might say, “X million people lack access to clean water,” or “By 2050, the plastic in the ocean will outweigh all the fish in the sea.”

You’ll execute an organized online fundraising campaign by following these steps. For best results, consult your audience in each step. Ask questions like which online fundraising method would they prefer. And which social media platforms are of greater interest to them? This way, they’ll most likely engage from start to finish.

Wayne Elsey head shotWayne Elsey is the founder and CEO of Elsey Enterprises (EE) and a member of the Forbes Business Development Council. Among his various independent brands, he is also the founder and CEO of Funds2Orgs, which is a social enterprise that helps schools, churches, nonprofits, individuals and other organizations raise funds while helping to support micro-enterprise (small business) opportunities in developing nations.

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