Ten amazing virtual fundraising ideas

 

COVID-19 drastically altered the landscape of the charity sector, leading to sweeping changes in the way charities deliver services, work with communities, and perform day-to-day operations. The changes were particularly drastic in the realm of fundraising, where charities pivoted to digital and continued to raise much-needed funds.

 

People turned to Zoom and livestreaming platforms to embarrass themselves for a good cause. They performed absurd acts in the name of kindness. They sang and danced as though the screen protected them from the judgment of others. It did not, but they needn’t know that.

 

With virtual fundraising looking to become a huge part of the post-COVID-19 landscape, we thought we’d take a look at some of our favourite ideas. So, without further ado, here is our list of the best virtual fundraising ideas. 

 

 

1. Truth or dare…or just dare

 

Let’s start as we mean to go on – weird. There are so many ways to raise money by embarrassing ourselves.  Schadenfreude means big money in the charity sector. So our first idea, and probably not our best, is to take the childish game some of you still play as adults and use it for social good.  

 

You can put prices on various dares and have people purchase that dare. Once they match the price, you and your team of intrepid volunteers have to follow through. It goes without saying that you should not do anything dangerous, or anything that could harm yourselves or others.

 

Here are some quick ideas for dates: Shave your head, skydive, shave your friend’s head when they’re asleep, wax your legs and chest (and whatever else), or put on fancy dress for several days.  

 

And anything can be a dare. You just have to be stupid enough to do it. For plenty of other daring ideas, check out the following article from the Irish Cancer Society’s article. 

 

 

2. Virtual auction 

 

The auction is a classic of the virtual fundraising genre, by which we mean it’s been quite popular for about two years. Hosting a virtual auction requires three essential ingredients: a host, an audience, and some ridiculous things to sell. 

 

For a host, that’s you. For the audience, you’ll need to create a buzz on socials or through other marketing and pick a platform, such as eBay for Charity, Donate, or Givergy. Then you just need to find something to sell and pick the right price, perhaps asking stakeholders or volunteers or donors. 

 

Think outside the box. You do not simply have to sell some really nice TV, or a bracelet, or other typical items that people could buy themselves. Choose instead experience days, funny items, and sentimental items.

 

Or go even further. Sell an ‘evening with the host’ or even a 1:1 lesson in [insert something you can do moderately well]. If your manager can play the EastEnders theme song on the piano, for example, sell a 1:1 piano lesson with your manager. People love the ridiculous and you should embrace that. 

 

For more information, check out our longer article: How to hold a virtual auction.

 

 

3. Virtual bingo

 

You were thinking of an idea but couldn’t quite remember what it was? Then we came along and wrote the idea that you were thinking? And you said to yourself: Bingo! 

 

Yes, bingo. Virtual bingo nights are a fun way to appeal to all demographics. It’s easy, cheap, and you can do it all over Zoom. You can even personalise the night, creating a printable bingo sheet tailored to your audience, which could raise awareness or simply add to the fun.  

 

Cup of tea (number three) sorted. We had to Google that, so you’re welcome.

 

 

4. Virtual karaoke

 

Virtual karaoke is like a virtual singing contest, just without the talent. The virtual karaoke is actually really simple. You could download a dedicated Karaoke app, or simply fundraise via Zoom. The latter is the easiest option – and likely to increase your general reach.

 

To host karaoke over Zoom, gather an audience, ask them to send requests to the host, find their songs on YouTube, share their screen when it’s their turn, make sure everyone else is muted, and then let them sing their embarrassing little hearts out.

 

If you want to go further, if you absolutely must, then you could turn karaoke into a sort of Eurovision song contest, asking singers to represent a particular country.

 

You can simply ask people to donate, leaving the fundraising button on Zoom. Beautiful voices will likely raise lots of funds and terrible voices will raise even more.

 

 

5. Virtual dance party

 

A virtual dance party is not too dissimilar to virtual karaoke, only slightly less embarrassing. All the host needs to do is play some songs and ask people to dance. Make sure that everyone dances at the same time. The alternative, everyone watching one person dance, can get a little dicey.

 

You could make the dance party ticketed, with all proceeds going to your chosen charity, or you could ask people to donate during the event, giving what they can. Encourage wine and snacks and anything else (within reason) that will make people get up and dance.