Fundraising events are the perfect way to deepen your nonprofit’s impact. Between exciting auctions and marathon events, there are several opportunities to provide a memorable experience for your supporters, all while driving engagement. Beyond choosing a fundraising idea, your nonprofit also has to decide whether you want to host your event in person or online. 

Over the years, virtual fundraising has grown in popularity, especially during the pandemic when meeting in person wasn’t possible. However, virtual fundraising has some potential drawbacks if you don’t take the proper steps to make your event as engaging and smooth as possible. 

In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of virtual fundraising events so you can make the best decision for your nonprofit. Before you jump into your next in-person fundraising event, carefully consider whether a virtual fundraising event might be a better option to drive impact and grow your supporter base. 

What are the pros of hosting virtual nonprofit events? 

With ample planning, virtual nonprofit events can give your organization the momentum it needs to grow its revenue and reach. Let’s explore the specific benefits of adding virtual events to your fundraising toolkit. 

Virtual nonprofit events are cost-friendly.

When planning an in-person fundraising event, your organization likely nails down the venue, catering, and entertainment very quickly since these need to be booked months in advance—and can require a significant amount of funds. However, this isn’t the case with virtual events. 

Virtual nonprofit events have fewer overhead costs and can save your organization a lot of money in the long run, boosting your overall ROI. Instead of booking a venue or top-tier entertainment, your nonprofit simply needs a solid technology foundation to get started. 

According to CharityBids’ guide to virtual charity events, the following tools will help streamline your event planning:

• Your nonprofit’s CRM to store and manage donor data
• Live-streaming tools, including free platforms like Zoom
• Your nonprofit’s online donation form to make it easy for supporters to give
• Social media platforms to optimize your marketing approach
• Fundraising software to organize and manage your fundraising operations
• Matching gift software to allow donors to easily look up their matching gift eligibility through their employer
• Mobile bidding tools for smooth online auctions

Your nonprofit will likely already have many of these tools, but if you don’t, there are several free or cost-friendly options available so you don’t have to break the bank. Make sure that these tools integrate so all of your data is centralized, resulting in a seamless management process for your nonprofit’s team. 

Virtual nonprofit events can expand your reach.

Your nonprofit needs to grow its support base over time to advance its mission. With a bigger audience, you can effectively raise more money, raise awareness for your cause, and create a united push toward reaching your goals. This is where virtual nonprofit events become an essential component of your nonprofit’s fundraising and outreach efforts. 

Unlike in-person events, virtual events can be accessed by anyone around the world with an internet connection and an interest in your cause. Use this opportunity to tap into a new audience of potential supporters and to rally support around your mission, boosting donations in the process. 

To build your remote audience, leverage the following marketing channels: 

• Social media. Post exciting content on relevant social media platforms that will capture audience members’ attention and motivate them to register for your event. For instance, you can post images from the last time you held this event if it’s recurring, or create an engaging graphic design that highlights the logistical details of your event and what attendees can expect if they attend. Use a hashtag that’s relevant to your nonprofit’s cause so you can attract potential supporters that already have an interest in your mission. 
• Your nonprofit’s website. When prospective supporters land on your website, they’ll be curious to learn more about how they can get involved with your cause. Create a landing page that highlights the perks of your upcoming virtual event and how people can sign up. 
• Flyers. According to Kwala’s guide to fundraising flyers, these helpful marketing materials can engage prospective supporters in your local community or be taken online to maximize attendance. On your flyer, feature captivating graphics, incorporate your nonprofit’s unique branding, and explain the purpose behind your event so that people will feel emotionally connected to your cause and want to attend. 

Remember to give supporters everything they need to easily learn and sign up for your event. For example, consider including a QR code on your printed marketing materials that will automatically take users to a mobile-friendly registration link. You can also embed your registration form directly into your website to streamline the signup process.

Virtual nonprofit events are inherently flexible. 

Virtual events are highly convenient for your supporters, making it more likely that they’ll attend and give to your cause. Rather than driving to your event after a long day of work or during a busy weekend, supporters can simply attend right from the comfort of their homes. 

Virtual events can also have a flexible timeline. For example, if you’re running a silent auction, it may take place over several days, allowing participants to get involved in your fundraiser when it’s most convenient to them. This makes your fundraiser more inclusive for supporters with different schedules, reducing their stress and increasing their likelihood of participation. 

Plus, virtual fundraisers can easily be infused with accessibility elements so that people of all abilities can participate. For example, your virtual event live stream can incorporate closed captioning for those with hearing disabilities, allowing them to actively follow along and feel included. 

What are the cons of hosting virtual nonprofit events? 

While virtual events can elevate your nonprofit’s mission and bring you closer to reaching your goals, there are also some drawbacks that you should consider. Let’s take a closer look at these cons and how you can optimize your virtual fundraising approach to navigate around these common challenges. 

Virtual nonprofit events can make it difficult to maintain attention.

Since your supporters will be participating remotely, it’s easy for people to get distracted in their own environments and lose interest in your event. For instance, attendees might hop between their email tab and your event, or even close their laptop screen altogether if your virtual event isn’t engaging enough. 

Creating an online event that’s just as engaging as an in-person experience can be difficult, but not impossible with the right engagement tactics. To enhance your virtual fundraiser so supporters won’t click away, use the following tips: 

• Add gamification tools like a fundraising thermometer or leadership board to inspire friendly competition toward raising as much money as possible.
• Conduct check-ins with polls and surveys to hear from your supporters and give them the opportunity to voice their thoughts.
• Hold Q&A sessions to provide a link between the audience and host(s), allowing attendees to feel like they’re truly a part of your event, rather than passive listeners.

You know your target audience best, so experiment with different ideas to keep them engaged and eager to interact with your event. 

Virtual nonprofit events can have limited opportunities for connection.

A lot of what makes events exciting is getting the opportunity to meet other guests. From sitting at a table with other supporters at a gala to walking side by side in a walk-a-thon, nothing beats the feeling of personal connection. Even though remote attendees won’t physically be together, there can still be plenty of opportunities for supporters to engage with peers. 

The best way to bake in-person connections into your nonprofit event planning is by offering ways for supporters to talk to each other. For example, you can include a live chat or allow supporters to turn on their cameras and talk to each other in meeting rooms. Don’t forget to provide clear directions on when supporters can unmute and speak with one another so that they don’t mistakenly disrupt the flow of the event.

About the Author

Dominique Desmarais

Dominique is the Marketing Manager at CharityBids. She earned her Bachelor of Commerce from the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University, specializing in Marketing and International Business. 

Over the years, Dominique has developed a strong passion for creative direction and strategy development. She brings a unique and artistic approach to marketing, rooted in her enthusiasm for the creative, entertainment and fashion industries, and their applications to establishing and growing digital presence. Having launched her own creative agency, Dominique was able to collaborate across cultures and bring creative visions to life through disruptive innovation. 

When she’s not working, you can find Dominique hunting down the best food in the city, taking in an art exhibit, or capturing the beauty of her surroundings through photographs. She has a fire to create change and a drive to fuel success, while continuously striving to learn, grow, and prosper.