Hybrid fundraising ideas for charities

We’ve already seen that the future of charity events is hybrid. It’s time for charities to stock up on hybrid fundraising ideas. Our top ten list of ideas explores how charities can engage audiences in real life and online.

 

 

1. Sporting events

 

Perfect for both one-off events and annual ones, fun-runs, 5km circuits, half and full marathons are trusted charity fundraising events. Charities can host a live event and offer virtual activities for those at home.

 

Proving how meaningful charity sporting events can be, The London Marathon’s iconic event is going hybrid. Event organisers are hoping to offer 100,000 places for both virtual and live racing. Going hybrid means that more people can participate, increasing fundraising possibilities and audience reach.

 

Remember, sharing progress and enthusiasm is important so make sure your social media account showcases both live and online efforts.

 

 

2. Online and live auctions

 

For charities with access to top prizes and rare objects, holding an auction could help raise cash. Planning an auction starts with deciding what items you have available. Organisers should also consider which digital platform to use and how to blend this with the IRL event. Platforms like GalaBid and Givergy power your event with mobile bidding and payment tech, allowing audiences to tap in wherever they are.

 

 

3. Pub quiz

 

Great for local charities, hybrid pub quizzes engage communities. To get started, take a look at the online resources already available. Macmillan Cancer Support, The British Lung Foundation, and Bowel Cancer UK offer tips on holding hybrid and virtual events. Quiz platforms also come in handy. Virtual Quiz Events offers the chance for charities to go global with their platform, making it easy to coordinate with overseas participants.

 

Our top tip here - don’t forget to add your charity tip jar to the quiz.

 

 

4. Celebrity fundraisers

 

Make the best of your celebrity connections without the cost of flying them in. Charity digital organisers can use pre-recorded clips or livestream appearances in creative ways. Get stars to introduce the virtual or IRL event, showcase your product, or simply just broadcast on social media. Remember, virtual appearances can help maximise reach by combining both charity and celebrity audiences.

 

 

5. Ticketed classes and lessons

 

Charities have been making the best of the time spent online through classes and workshops. Now that lockdown restrictions have eased, virtual cooking, yoga, and teach-ins can be combined with live events. Accompany your live class with video conferencing services like Zoom and Microsoft Teams for online audiences. Don’t forget to post your class on your website to engage those who may have missed the event.

 

 

6. Paid tours and showcase events

 

Put a twist on your garden tour by adding an online element. The National Garden Scheme’s virtual garden visits are something to envy. Showcasing the best in British greenery, videos showing garden makeovers, topiary, and regional varieties are online. Charities looking to plan a live garden tour can easily turn this type of event into a hybrid one by livestreaming and posting the video online.

 

 

7. Concerts

 

Hybrid concerts have huge fundraising potential. While social distancing restrictions limit live audience numbers, charity concerts can sell tickets beyond venue capacity.

 

To ensure that your online audiences aren’t left out make sure you’ve got an easy to use digital platform and the right tech to capture the event. Eventbrite recommends using PTZ cameras and accompanying software to broadcast the right views and sound. Remember, for online concerts, the technical details matter for paying audiences.

 

 

8. Wine and cheese tasting

 

For a more intimate fundraising event, host a hybrid wine and cheese evening. Start by advertising and promoting your event online. A low-cost option for smaller charities, the night might only require the use of videoconferencing services. Many product suppliers ship straight to the door, so there’s no need to be concerned about physical audience restrictions. Host your online event portion for free using Zoom, Teams, or Skype.

 

To get started, check out Alzheimer’s Research UK’s event template here.

 

 

9. Hybrid gala

 

Givergy offers the cutting edge in hybrid gala technology for charities. The platform lets charities blend pre-recorded content and livestreaming into a single production. Best of all, digital ticketing and fundraising is also done on the same platform, making the whole process seamless for audiences.

 

 

10. Hybrid shopping

 

Spice up your retail outlet by going hybrid. Charities can enhance shopping opportunities by posting wares on Ebay, Depop, and other online platforms. Make sure that shoppers can buy both in-store and online.

 

To get  your creativity going, check out Charity Fashion Live’s reimagined catwalk scenes. Showcasing charity shop items, the team recreates catwalk looks and livestreams on the website. The event added a digital fundraising component, with funds going to the charity shops which host the event.