While it can seem more challenging than ever to get good results from fundraisers, there are actually plenty of people out there willing to support a good cause. The key is reaching them in a way that is fun and productive. There’s no question that today’s world is an online one and if you want to get the most out of any fundraising efforts, then you had better have a plan for getting yourself out in front of people on the World Wide Web.
Fortunately, here are seven online fundraising ideas that can help you get your church or non-profit cause the attention (and funding) they deserve!
7 Amazing Online Fundraising Ideas
Explore Your Crowd Funding Options
Crowdfunding has become an extremely effective way for both individuals and organizations to raise funds online. There are multiple websites online that allow people to set up campaigns that others can not only donate to but also allows individuals to share a donations page with their friends, family, and acquaintances through e-mail, social media posts, and more.
This opens up an entire world of potential donors that you might otherwise never have a way to get the news to, and gives them a place online to not only show their support of your cause but continue to spread the word even further! This really should be the bedrock of almost any modern campaign fundraiser.
Set Up A Work-A-Thon
This is a fantastically creative idea that does so much good and doesn’t get near the attention it should. Use your e-mail list, your social media, your website, your YouTube channel to promote a “Work-A-Thon.” This is similar to many other fundraisers, but instead of walking or bowling, a group of volunteers will pledge to work for 6-10 hours on the weekend doing all sorts of things for the local community.
This could be helping to fix up lawns/homes for the elderly, repair the church building, put together a food drive – whatever the local community needs. The pledges then are a double bonus: people can feel good about paying others to volunteer, knowing that money then also goes to a good cause. This is a very enticing setup and can often get great online attention.
SMS Newsletters
Chances are you already have an e-mail list to keep in touch with interested people. What about SMS? In some cases you can look at having links to a store that sells products for fundraisers, offer useful items via affiliate links, or our favorite: have a straight-up donation link. Digigiv is a extremly valuable tool something like this as their solution have native SMS and donation processing built into one solution.
This makes it as easy as possible for someone to donate as they can read about the work you are doing, click on a link, and then all they have to do is type in a number and hit send. It’s a great way to use the power of online (digital) connections to help do some serious fundraising.
Have An Online Auction
Auctions have long been a great fundraising tool so why not move them online? This means anyone can take a look at the items regardless of schedule, put in bids, and then you raise money for your cause. The auction can be the classic of donated items, or something a bit more modern like given gift cards or some combination of the two.
Take Advantage Of Peer To Peer Fund Raising
This idea is leveraging the many people who already support you and already have an online presence, by helping to encourage them to fundraise for you online. This allows them to each have their own pages to raise money (maybe a prize for the top fundraiser?) and reach out in a way that they are comfortable with.
This takes a lot of pressure off of the main body by letting eager volunteers help do the fundraising alongside you.
Host An Online 50/50 Raffle
A classic idea that works online or alongside other options, people donate for tickets with each ticket having the same price. On the day of the drawing, a random number is picked, and that person gets half of what was donated while the fundraising organization receives the other half.
This works excellent online and can be a beneficial way to supplement other fundraising ideas.
Use Online Ads To Spread Word Of Offline Services
Sometimes the best way to use online resources to get results is to use inexpensive paid advertising to get the attention of locals and point them to special events, services, or offline fundraisers that are taking place. This greater awareness can lead to better results, and no one is going to complain about that!
In Conclusion
The traditional bake sale just doesn’t move things the way that they used to. Whether you’re raising funds for a church, a charity, or a different non-profit organization, getting creative and going online is the way to get results in today’s world. There are plenty of people willing to help out if you can only reach them!
