The Ultimate Guide to Virtual Events: Fundraising Ideas, Techniques, and Tips

Benefits of hosting a virtual event

Hosting a virtual fundraising event has several advantages for nonprofits, including:

• Cost-effectiveness – Virtual events eliminate expenses like venue rentals, catering, and on-site logistics, making them a budget-friendly option.
• Expanded reach – Attendees can join from anywhere in the world, broadening your donor and sponsor base. Smaller entry fees may also make it more accessible to supporters with limited funds.
• Flexibility – Virtual platforms allow for creative formats, from live-streamed panels to interactive Q&A sessions.
• Increased donor engagement – Technology provides tools for real-time interaction, such as live chats, polls, and breakout rooms.

Interactive ideas to engage your audience

Engagement is key to a successful virtual fundraising event. Here are some interactive elements to incorporate:

1. Live polls and Q&A sessions – Use tools like Givecloud polls to gather real-time feedback and answer donor questions.
2. Breakout rooms – Create smaller virtual spaces for workshops, networking, or focused discussions.
3. Gamification – Add trivia games, scavenger hunts, or digital prize drawings to entertain and involve participants.
4. Live performances – Feature live music, comedy acts, or storytelling sessions to keep the energy high.
5. Interactive fundraising tools – Use platforms for donation thermometers, live updates, and donor recognition during the event.
6. Social media challenges – Encourage attendees to share their experiences and tag your nonprofit’s campaign hashtag.

Revenue sources for virtual events

Virtual events still need to generate funds for your cause. A healthy return on investment is critical for any fundraising effort you and your team dedicate time to. Here are some viable revenue sources for virtual fundraising events. 

Ticket sales

Charging for tickets to a virtual event is a common practice. To encourage participation:

• Offer multiple ticket tiers – Provide options such as general admission, VIP packages, or donation-only tickets.
• Include incentives – Add perks like exclusive content, merchandise, or access to post-event recordings.
• Use pay-what-you-can models – Allow attendees to choose a contribution amount based on their budget.

Sponsorships 

Corporate sponsors can help offset event costs while contributing significantly to fundraising efforts. In exchange for sponsorship, nonprofits can offer inclusions, such as:

• Logo placements in digital programs and/or background banners
• Branded segments during the event
• Shoutouts in digital advertisements including emails, social posts, and on your website

Virtual events provide unique opportunities for sponsors to connect with audiences and expand their reach beyond their immediate community.

Donations and pledge drives

A virtual event is a prime opportunity to ask for donations directly. Incorporating a live pledge drive or donation thermometer can build excitement and encourage attendees to contribute in real time. Nonprofits can also integrate donation links or QR codes throughout the event platform, making it simple for supporters to give.

Auctions or prize drawings

Online auctions and prize drawings are highly engaging and lucrative. Platforms like ReadySetAuction make it easy to host digital auctions, where participants can bid on items ranging from gift cards and vacation packages to exclusive experiences. Prize drawing entries can also drive additional revenue.

Nonprofit merchandise sales

Offering branded merchandise is another great way to engage supporters while raising funds. From t-shirts and mugs to digital downloads or eBooks, merchandise sales can bring in additional revenue while spreading awareness of your mission.

Peer-to-peer fundraising

Encourage attendees to become fundraisers themselves! Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns allow participants to create their own donation pages and share them with their networks, multiplying the event’s reach and impact. This strategy is particularly effective when tied to virtual challenges, like a virtual walk or run.

Givecloud offers an outstanding platform for peer-to-peer fundraising, and it integrates with DonorPerfect, making it easy for your supporters to create custom forms to share with their family and friends.

Tips for planning and running a seamless virtual fundraising event

Planning your event

Planning a virtual fundraising event requires attention to detail and collaboration. Here’s a roadmap to success:

1. Set clear goals

Before diving into logistics, define what success looks like. Bring your abstract or generalized ideas into very clear focus by laying out your:

• Fundraising goal
• Target audience
• Desired outcomes

For example, are you aiming to raise awareness, secure donations, or grow your donor base? Answering these questions will help you to clarify your goals and provide a foundation for decision-making and measuring success.

2. Assemble a team

Planning a virtual event is a team effort. Assign specific roles to your team members:

• Event manager – Oversees the planning process
• Promotions lead – Handles marketing and outreach
• Technical support – Ensures the platform runs smoothly
• Donor relations – Focuses on communicating with sponsors and attendees

Of course, if you are working with a small team, some of these tasks may go to the same person, but delegating responsibilities should prevent any single person from becoming burdened with too much and will ensure every aspect of the event is covered.

3. Create a budget

While virtual events may be more fiscally responsible, they still come with costs, so it’s helpful to plan way ahead. Include platform fees, marketing expenses, professional services (e.g., graphic designers or videographers), and optional add-ons like guest speakers or giveaways. A detailed budget keeps spending in check and helps you allocate resources effectively.

4. Choose the right platform

Selecting the best platform for your virtual event is crucial. The platform should align with your event’s needs and provide a seamless user experience. Consider the following factors:

• Capacity – Ensure the platform can accommodate the size of your audience.
• Features – Look for built-in tools like live streaming, chat functionality, Q&A options, breakout rooms, and donation integrations.
• Accessibility – Make sure the platform is easy to use for all attendees, including those who may not be tech-savvy.
• Customization – Opt for platforms that allow branding to match your nonprofit’s identity and places to include sponsorship logo inclusions.
• Support – Confirm that customer support is available during your event in case of technical issues.

5. Develop a timeline

A well-organized timeline is essential. Break down the planning process into manageable phases, such as:

• 4-6 months out – Select a platform, confirm the event format, reach out to potential speakers or performers, create promotional materials, and solicit sponsorships.
• 4-8 weeks out – Begin promotional efforts and finalize sponsorship agreements.
• 1-2 weeks out – Test technology, send reminders to attendees, and conduct a rehearsal.

Clear milestones ensure you stay on track without last-minute stress.

6. Engage sponsors 

Collaborate with local businesses or corporate partners to secure financial or in-kind contributions. Sponsors can help cover costs, provide items for prize drawings, or match donations. Highlight their contributions during the event to build long-term partnerships.

7. Test everything 

A smooth event depends on thorough preparation. Schedule a rehearsal to test your platform, equipment, and internet connection. Ensure all speakers and performers are comfortable with the setup. Identify potential technical issues and address them ahead of time to avoid interruptions during the live event.

Preparation and quick thinking can help mitigate technical challenges, but if you do run into technical difficulties:

• Have a backup plan – Prepare alternative ways to deliver content, such as pre-recorded videos.
• Train your team – Ensure staff and volunteers are familiar with the platform’s features.
• Communicate proactively – Keep attendees informed of delays or issues in real time.
• Record the event – Share the recording with those who couldn’t access the live stream.

ReadySetAuction offers night-of support so you can have the experts on hand when you need them the most. See how it integrates with DonorPerfect >>

8. Provide clear instructions

One of the most overlooked elements of a virtual event is ensuring attendees know exactly how to participate. Providing clear instructions ahead of time will make the experience smooth and enjoyable for your audience. Here’s what to include:

• Event schedule – Share a detailed agenda with start times for key segments, such as speeches, entertainment, and donation appeals.
• Platform details – Provide a link to access the event, along with instructions for joining (e.g., login steps, required apps, or browser recommendations).
• Technical support – Offer a helpline or email address attendees can use if they encounter technical difficulties.
• Participation tips – Let attendees know how they can engage during the event, such as using chat features, joining breakout rooms, or participating in live polls.
• Donation instructions – Provide a simple, step-by-step guidance for making donations during the event, including links to donation pages or QR codes.

Send the instructions via email at least one day before the event, and resend them as a reminder a few hours before the event begins.

Promoting your event

Promotion is crucial for attracting attendees and maximizing donations. Here’s how to spread the word effectively:

1. Leverage social media – Share engaging posts, videos, and countdowns on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
2. Email marketing – Send invitations, updates, and reminders to your donor and volunteer mailing lists.
3. Collaborate with sponsors – Ask sponsors to promote the event through their networks.
4. Engage influencers – Partner with local influencers to expand your event’s reach. Remember, an influencer doesn’t have to be a viral sensation, just someone with a broad following who has an affinity for your cause. 
5. Create a hashtag – Develop a unique, memorable hashtag for attendees to use before, during, and after the event.

Inspirational event ideas

Here are some creative ways to engage supporters and inspire generosity. These virtual events can be tailored to promote upcoming giving days or stand-alone opportunities to build excitement for your mission.

Virtual gala

Transform your traditional gala into an elegant virtual event. Set the tone with keynote speakers, inspiring performances, and a live-streamed auction. To enhance engagement, send participants an “event kit” ahead of time with items like branded wine glasses, small appetizers, or decorations to set the mood. You could also include a virtual red carpet segment where participants share photos of their gala attire on social media. 

Online auction

Online auctions are a versatile and accessible way to fundraise. Use platforms such as ReadySetAuction to:

• Showcase auction items ranging from gift baskets to exclusive experiences like private tours or virtual meet-and-greets with local celebrities
• Encourage businesses in your community to donate products or services and highlight these partnerships on your event page
• Create countdown graphics for key bidding deadlines and host a live-streamed segment where you showcase the most exciting items

Virtual walkathon or run

Virtual fitness events like walkathons or runs allow participants to join from anywhere. 

• Set a mileage or step goal 
• Encourage participants to track their progress with fitness apps
• Enhance community spirit by creating a custom hashtag for participants to share photos, progress updates, or videos during the event
• Incentivize participants with virtual (or real) medals, leaderboards, or recognition during a live-streamed wrap-up event

Trivia night

Bring out everyone’s competitive spirit with a live trivia competition. You can create themed trivia rounds based on your cause or organization.

• Include prizes for the top scorers
• Allow participants to form teams and collaborate in breakout rooms
• Encourage donations for extra hints or bonus points

Online cooking class

Partner with local chefs, bakers, or wineries to create a memorable, interactive experience. Sell tickets to an exclusive virtual cooking class where participants follow along with a chef or indulge in a guided wine tasting. To simplify participation, 

• Provide pre-assembled ingredient kits or wine packages that participants can pick up or have delivered 
• Use the event to share your nonprofit’s story, either by having the chef highlight your mission during the class or by including a short video segment

Storytelling night

A storytelling night can provide a deeply personal connection to your nonprofit’s mission. Host an evening where beneficiaries, volunteers, or donors share their heartfelt stories about how your nonprofit has made an impact. 

• Include live Q&A sessions with the speakers
• Use visual presentations and music 
• Use a donation thermometer to track contributions in real time
• Encourage viewers to interact by sharing their thoughts or asking questions during the event

Digital concert or performance

Collaborate with local artists, musicians, or community members to host a virtual concert or performance. A digital concert can also include personal messages from artists about why they support your nonprofit, creating an emotional connection for the audience.

• Charge for tickets to the concert
• Include a donation button prominently on the streaming platform
• Offer shoutouts or song requests for additional donations

Gaming tournament

With the rise of eSports and online gaming, hosting a gaming tournament can be a fantastic way to attract younger audiences. There are popular family-friendly options around, too, like Mario Kart.

• Charge an entry fee to participate
• Stream the tournament live 
• Encourage viewers to donate in real-time to unlock special game features or cheer on players
• Use graphics to highlight your nonprofit’s mission and set donation goals throughout the stream

“Adopt-a-[Cause]” campaign

Create a virtual “adoption” campaign, where donors can symbolically adopt a cause, animal, or beneficiary for a set period. For example, an animal shelter might offer virtual adoptions of rescue pets, while an education nonprofit could allow donors to “adopt” a scholarship recipient. 

• Provide donors with regular updates, photos, or personalized thank-you messages, making their contributions feel more tangible
• Offer different adoption tiers with varying levels of engagement (e.g., name recognition)

Virtual scavenger hunt

Get your audience up and moving with a virtual scavenger hunt. This activity works well for families and teams. Start by creating a list of fun or meaningful items related to your nonprofit’s mission. 

• Participants can share photos or videos of their discoveries on social media using a custom hashtag
• Include live clues or challenges
• Use live video calls to check in with teams and track progress
• Offer prizes for the fastest completion times or the most creative submissions

Ways to measure event success

Use these key metrics to evaluate your event’s impact:

• Fundraising totals – Compare the amount raised to your initial goal.
• Attendance – Track registration numbers and actual participation.
• Engagement levels – Measure interactions, such as poll responses, chat messages, and social media shares.
• Donor retention – Assess how many attendees become recurring donors.
• Feedback – Collect post-event surveys to gauge attendee satisfaction.

After your virtual fundraising event

Showing gratitude strengthens relationships with donors and sponsors. Here are some meaningful ways to say thank you:

• Personalized thank-you notes – Send handwritten or email messages expressing appreciation.
• Recognition on social media – Highlight donors and sponsors in posts and stories.
• Exclusive content – Share behind-the-scenes videos, event highlights, or impact reports.
• Public acknowledgment – Recognize contributions during the event or in your annual report.
• Token gifts – Send small branded items or gifts.

Virtual events offer nonprofits a powerful platform to engage donors, raise funds, and advance their mission. By incorporating interactive elements, promoting effectively, and following best practices, your nonprofit can create a memorable and impactful fundraising event. Whether you’re planning a virtual gala, an online auction, or a digital concert, the possibilities are endless. Start brainstorming your next virtual fundraiser, and watch your nonprofit’s community grow!

Need more creative fundraising solutions? Learn how Giving Days can inspire more support!