Creative Fundraising Ideas – Givergy Blog (Page 2)

9 Simple Fundraising Ideas for Sports Clubs

Posted on March 7, 2025September 18, 2025 by Jordan Morris

Keeping a sports club running requires dedication, teamwork, and consistent financial support. Whether you need funds for new equipment, travel expenses, or facility improvements, a successful sports club fundraiser can make a significant impact. However, with limited time and resources, finding the right fundraising strategy can be challenging.

At Givergy, we’re here to help reduce the stress of that challenge and in this guide, we outline 10 simple and effective ways your sports club can raise funds while engaging your community and supporters.

Organize a Sponsored Fitness Challenge

Encourage members or supporters to participate in a sponsored fitness challenge such as a marathon, cycle race, or obstacle course. Participants can collect pledges based on their performance, making it a competitive and rewarding way to generate funds. With the rise of social media-driven content, fitness challenges have proven to be highly effective in engaging supporters. You don’t have to do something as extreme as running the length of Africa but physically exerting challenges do tend to engage wider audiences!

To maximize your fundraising success, set a clear challenge goal and promote it as often as possible through club newsletters and your social media networks. Offering small rewards to the best fundraiser or introducing leaderboards can further boost participation and add to the friendly competition – which is always helpful for raising more!

How Givergy Can Help: Givergy’s online fundraising pages allow participants to create personal donation pages, track progress, and share their efforts with potential sponsors, all in one platform!

Host an Online Auction

Silent auctions are a fantastic way to raise funds while engaging supporters. Unlike live auctions, silent auctions allow participants to place bids at their own pace, often via digital platforms. For an online auction to be most effective it’s vital your items appeal to your audience. Items such as signed memorabilia, exclusive experiences, and high-value merchandise tend to attract more interest and higher bids – but only if they’re relevant to your crowd.

How Givergy Can Help: Givergy’s online auction platform makes it easy to run live or silent auctions, allowing supporters to bid from anywhere at any time.

Launch a Crowdfunding Campaign

If your club requires funds for a specific project, like new training gear or facility upgrades, a crowdfunding campaign can generate widespread support from members, families, and the local community. Transparency and storytelling play a key role in crowdfunding success, you must explain why the funds are needed and how they will be used. Sharing consistent progress update will help keep your supporters in the loop.

Encourage supporters to share the campaign widely. Offering incentives, such as club-branded merchandise or experience-based rewards, can further motivate donations. A dedicated campaign page with real-time progress tracking helps keep momentum going.

Run a Raffle Event

Raffles remain one of the most effective and engaging fundraising methods for sports clubs. By securing high-value prizes from local businesses or sponsors, you can encourage more ticket sales. Digital raffles provide a seamless way to manage ticket distribution and sales while reaching a broader audience beyond in-person events. To increase participation, consider bundling tickets at discounted rates or offering multiple chances to win.

How Givergy Can Help: Our digital raffle feature allows clubs to manage online ticket sales efficiently while ensuring compliance with raffle regulations. With automated tracking and secure payment processing, clubs can maximize participation and revenue.

Organize a Virtual Quiz Night

A sports-themed quiz night is a fantastic way to engage fans and players while raising funds through entry fees. Adding friendly competition and prizes makes it even more exciting.

To make it a hit, create a mix of general knowledge and sports-related questions. Consider partnering with a local sports personality to host the event for added credibility and appeal. A well-organized ticketing system helps manage registrations and payments efficiently.

Sell Club Merchandise Online

Selling branded gear like t-shirts, water bottles, or hoodies strengthens club identity while generating revenue. Items with strong branding and practical use tend to sell well.

To optimize sales, use an online storefront with easy order processing and multiple payment options. Promoting merchandise through social media and at club events increases visibility.

Host a Community Fun Day

A community fun day is an excellent opportunity to bring people together while raising funds for your sports club. By incorporating activities such as friendly tournaments, skill challenges, food stalls, and live entertainment, you can create a festive atmosphere that attracts families and local businesses. Selling tickets in advance and offering sponsorship opportunities can further enhance your fundraising potential.

How Givergy Can Help: Our ticketing and payment processing solutions allow clubs to manage entry fees, register participants, and track attendance with ease. By integrating online ticket sales, clubs can streamline operations and boost pre-event revenue. Find out more about our event solutions here.

Offer Coaching Clinics or Training Sessions

Hosting training sessions or clinics with professional coaches can attract participants while raising funds for your club. Charging a participation fee provides a valuable skill-building opportunity for attendees while supporting club finances.

For better engagement, target different skill levels and age groups. Offering small-group or one-on-one coaching sessions at a premium can help maximize revenue.

Partner with Local Businesses for Sponsorships

Local businesses are often willing to sponsor sports clubs in exchange for advertising opportunities. Sponsorship packages can include branding on uniforms, event banners, or social media promotion, providing mutual benefits for both parties.

Approach potential sponsors with a clear proposal outlining the exposure they will receive. Offering tiered sponsorship levels can make the opportunity accessible to businesses of all sizes.

Why Choose Givergy for Your Sports Club Fundraiser?

Givergy provides award-winning fundraising technology designed to make fundraising easier and more impactful for sports clubs. Whether you’re hosting an event, selling merchandise, or running an online campaign, we offer tools that help you:

✔ Boost participation – With user-friendly online platforms for bidding, donations, and ticketing.

✔ Reach a wider audience – Expand fundraising beyond local supporters with digital solutions.

✔ Simplify management – Automate ticketing, payments, and donor tracking.

✔ Maximize revenue – Proven fundraising solutions that increase donations and engagement.

With over $1 billion raised globally, Givergy is a trusted partner for sports clubs seeking vital funding. Ready to take your fundraising to the next level? Contact us today and start planning your next successful sports club fundraiser!

4 Exciting Digital Fundraising Trends To Embrace This Year

Posted on February 28, 2025August 29, 2025 by Jordan Morris

The way you raise money for your organization is constantly evolving. Gone are the days of relying solely on traditional bake sales or high-end galas to achieve your funding goals (though these fun events definitely have a place in a well-rounded fundraising strategy!). Nowadays, the name of the game is digital fundraising.

Also referred to as online or virtual fundraising, digital fundraising uses online technology to raise money for a specific cause. According to Cornershop Creative, there are several benefits to embracing digital fundraising, such as saving money on traditional fundraising costs, getting a rapid response in times of crisis or extreme need, and expanding engagement beyond geographical borders.

If you’re ready to experience these benefits, you first need to understand the current digital fundraising trends that are turning donors’ heads and getting them excited about making a difference. Get started by reviewing our roundup of tried-and-true trends that you can use in 2025!

1. Mobile-First Fundraising

Mobile-first fundraising allows you to meet your donors where they’re at—their smartphones! After all, the Pew Research Center reports that 91% of Americans own a smartphone. Further, Americans spend an average of 5 hours and 16 minutes daily on their phones.

This is good news for your organization—if you can learn how to grab your supporters’ attention through mobile fundraising, you can connect with them regularly and raise more money and awareness for your work.

Here are some strategies to increase your chances of securing donations from smartphone users:

Optimize and maintain your donation page with mobile devices in mind. Your online donation page is where all the action happens with mobile-first fundraising, so ensure you’re prepared for mobile visitors. The page should be responsive, meaning it adjusts automatically to different screen sizes. Also, make sure the page loads quickly and elements like forms, buttons, and images are easy to navigate.

Design a text-to-give campaign. With this type of fundraiser, your organization sets up a mobile donation number and shares a special keyword with its supporters. When they text that keyword to the donation number, they’ll be prompted to follow a link to make a donation. Ensure the keyword you pick is easy to remember and type out. For instance, “Give4CancerResearch” is easier to remember than a long scramble of random numbers and letters.
Allow supporters to participate in events from their phones. Consider hosting virtual events that supporters can participate in from wherever they are. For example, with an auction, you can use online auction software to allow donors to bid from their mobile phones and notify them when they’ve been outbid. You can also use livestream technology to interact with mobile participants.

2. Matching Gifts

Many fundraisers find it challenging to balance the need to raise more money for their causes while being mindful of how often they ask donors to give. Donor fatigue is a real issue that can quickly become an insurmountable challenge for organizations that fail to find the right balance.

Matching gifts offers a creative—and lucrative—digital fundraising solution for organizations and donors alike. Through this form of corporate philanthropy, donors’ employers financially match donations donors make to your organization.

Here’s how the process works:

A donor gives to your organization.
The donor checks their corporate matching gift eligibility using a matching gifts database on your organization’s website.
After confirming that their employer offers matching gifts, the donor fills out any necessary online forms provided by the database tool to kickstart the matching process.
The donor’s employer reviews the forms and confirms the donation with the nonprofit.
The company sends the nonprofit a donation.

Every company’s matching gift program will look a little different. Employers have different rules for what types of nonprofits they’ll match gifts for, the types of employees eligible to use the programs (for example, full-time employees versus part-time employees), and the ratio at which they match gifts. Most companies will match at a 1:1 or 2:1 ratio, but some will offer a 3:1 ratio!

Here’s an example to illustrate what matching gifts can do for your organization: Say Shayla, an employee at Deloitte, gives $50 to your nonprofit. She finds out she’s eligible for a 1:1 donation match and submits the required paperwork to the company. A few days later, your organization receives a check for $50 from Deloitte. The matched gift has essentially doubled the amount and impact of Shayla’s gift without requiring her to reach back into her wallet!

To take full advantage of matching gifts, you need to market them effectively. Create a page on your organization’s website that explains the process, and encourage donors to check their eligibility when you promote your digital fundraising campaigns. You can even shout out donors who take advantage of matching gifts on your blog to inspire others to do the same.

3. Recurring Giving Programs

A steady source of revenue is essential for sustainable, long-term success. This is best achieved by tapping into multiple streams of fundraising dollars all at once, and one of the most popular digital types is a recurring giving program.

With recurring giving programs, donors can opt into giving your organization a set amount of money each month. And though this typically means donors give a smaller amount of money each time they donate, that amount adds up over time. According to Double the Donation, the average monthly gift is $24, which results in an annual donation total of $288. This is actually more than the average one-time donation amount of $115!

To set up a recurring giving program, revisit your online donation page. Offer an option on the page to turn a one-time gift into a recurring gift. This will allow your donors to “set and forget” their donations so that they’re billed monthly and don’t have to take any further action.

Also, consider creating a recurring giving society to build a community around your program. You can offer recurring donors perks like exclusive newsletters or early access to event tickets, which will help them feel seen and valued for their consistent contributions.

From time to time, you should also check in with your recurring donors to ensure their giving details, such as payment information, contact information, and giving amounts, are current. This can serve as a great touchpoint for encouraging donors to level up their giving or just to say thank you for all their support!

4. AI-Powered Donor Engagement

By now, your organization has at least heard about the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) in nonprofit fundraising and marketing strategies. Or, maybe you’ve even tried out some popular AI tools like ChatGPT yourself! After all, research shows that nonprofits are embracing AI faster than for-profit organizations.

There’s no doubt that AI is here to stay, so whatever your level of adoption has been so far, consider strengthening your digital fundraising efforts by embracing it further. One of the best places to start is using AI for donor engagement.

Two types of AI can help you connect with your donors and pave the way for better fundraising results:

Generative AI, which creates original content, such as copy, images and video.
- Examples: ChatGPT, which offers written responses to user prompts, and DALL-E, which can create original images based on user prompts

Predictive AI, which analyzes data and offers predictions or recommendations based on that data.
- Examples: AI features in your CRM that allow for marketing automation or donor segmentation

Predictive AI tools can help you better understand who your donors are, what they value, and how best to reach out to them. Some tools can even recommend how big of a donation to ask for, when to ask for it, and how.

Generative AI tools are best for helping you shape your messaging, whether you need to write personalized fundraising appeals for a dozen major donors or create a series of Facebook posts for an upcoming fundraising event.

A word to the wise: While these AI tools offer nearly endless possibilities for improving your donor engagement strategies on a vast scale, proceed with care and apply a critical eye to any output an AI tool provides you with. You know your organization and its community best! Plus, the human touch is always going to be an important part of fundraising, even in digital spaces, and your donors deserve messages and experiences that feel personal and genuine.

Digital fundraising is the new frontier for any type of organization that relies on fundraising. And by staying up to date on digital fundraising trends like the ones described above, you can ensure that your future fundraising campaigns are primed to help you achieve your goals and build relationships with those who support you.

8 Top Fundraising Secrets from Cure Cancer Australia’s CEO Nikki Kinloch

Posted on February 14, 2025September 20, 2025 by Jordan Morris

In one of our earlier episodes of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, we had the privilege of speaking with Nicky Kinlock, the CEO of Cure Cancer Australia. Since stepping into her role in 2018, she has driven extraordinary growth, with new donor numbers increasing by 158% and repeat donors surging by 441%. With her background in business and fintech, she has transformed traditional charity operations through innovative, forward-thinking strategies that have paved the way for fundraising success. Below, we break down her key learnings into top fundraising tips for anyone looking to achieve fundraising success and grow their fundraising efforts.

Embrace Adaptability and Pilot New Ideas Gradually

“If you have an organisation that’s not set up for big change, then just do it in small steps. Progress is progress, full stop.”

In a constantly shifting environment, the ability to adapt is crucial for fundraising success. Nicky stresses that when introducing new initiatives, it’s essential to start small, learn from each pilot, and then scale up gradually. This approach not only minimizes risks but also helps you fine-tune your strategies based on real-world feedback. By controlling costs and managing uncertainty, you create a solid foundation for growing fundraising efforts.

This top fundraising tip—starting with small, manageable pilots—has been instrumental in nurturing innovative projects while ensuring that the charity remains agile and responsive to change.

Cultivate a Fintech Mindset in a Traditional Setting

“I always now say that I work for a 57-year-old charity, but we have got a fintech mindset.”

Even in a longstanding charity, adopting a fintech mindset can revolutionize your approach to fundraising. Nicky’s ability to challenge conventional methods by integrating modern, technology-driven strategies has been a game changer. This fresh perspective attracts new donors and injects energy into the organization, making it easier to achieve fundraising success.

By embracing innovation, you set the stage for growing fundraising efforts that keep pace with evolving donor expectations and digital trends.

Expand Your Reach to Diverse Communities

“Cancer doesn’t discriminate, and neither do we.”

Reaching out to diverse communities is essential for maximizing fundraising success. Nicky emphasized that a charity’s mission should be inclusive, extending beyond major cities to embrace regional and rural donors. With a nationwide approach, organizations can engage supporters from every corner, ensuring that the benefits of their work reach all affected communities.

This approach not only broadens your donor base but also reinforces the idea that fundraising efforts must be as diverse as the communities they serve, driving long-term growth.

Leverage New Channels and Let Data Guide Your Strategy

“Something that we are doing—and will continue to do—is to be data-led. Listen to your customers, read the data, and let it guide your decisions.”

Innovation in fundraising extends far beyond traditional events. Nicky’s success includes tapping into emerging channels such as gaming and streaming, platforms that allow charities to reach audiences that were previously untapped. Alongside embracing new channels, letting data drive your decisions is critical for optimizing campaigns. By analyzing donor behaviour, open rates, and engagement metrics, you can continuously refine your strategy for growing fundraising success.

This combined approach is a top fundraising tip for anyone looking to integrate modern technology and analytics into their fundraising strategies.

Top Tip: Listen to Cure Cancer AU’s former head of Gaming and Streaming on how the organisation started raising money from gaming.

Build a Supportive Board and Collaborative Team

“I was very lucky. The board said, ‘Yes, this is what we want. We want innovation.'”

No charity can achieve fundraising success without the right support network. Nicky attributes much of her accomplishments to a board that embraces innovation and a team that is willing to disrupt established norms. When your organization’s leadership and team are aligned with a forward-thinking vision, even the most ambitious projects become attainable.

This collaborative spirit is a top fundraising tip for growing fundraising initiatives—ensuring that everyone, from board members to frontline staff, contributes to the collective vision.

Personalize Donor Communications for Greater Impact

“If you’re interested in brain cancer, we will be sending you updates on brain cancer research. If you’re interested in lung cancer, we’ll invite you to a lunch and learn with one of our researchers.”

Engaging donors on a personal level is key to building strong, lasting relationships that drive fundraising success. Nicky’s strategy involves customizing communications to align with individual donor interests, whether that means providing updates on specific cancer research areas or inviting donors to tailored events. This personalized approach not only makes donors feel valued but also encourages repeat support and long-term commitment.

By directly addressing donor interests, you create a more engaging experience—one of the top fundraising tips for growing fundraising efforts and deepening donor loyalty.

Top Tip: Use automated messaging with the Givergy platform to ensure your guests are always informed.

Invest Strategically for Exponential Returns

“Any expenditure, anything new needs to be reviewed, challenged, and tested. There’s a very strong case that you need to spend some money to make money.”

Every innovative initiative requires careful evaluation to ensure that investments yield significant returns. Nicky explains that a calculated investment approach is necessary to drive fundraising success. By rigorously reviewing new projects and ensuring that expenditures are justified, you set the stage for exponential growth. This strategy is particularly effective when you focus on long-term benefits over short-term gains.

This top fundraising tip encourages organizations to view investments in innovation as a pathway to growing fundraising and achieving greater impact.

Ask Directly to Build Strong Donor Relationships

“Just ask them. Just ask them why they care, and they will tell you.”

Sometimes, the simplest methods yield the best results. Nicky advocates for direct engagement—asking donors why they care about the cause and what motivates their contributions. This honest, straightforward approach not only provides valuable insights but also strengthens the connection between donors and the charity, driving both retention and growth in fundraising.

By engaging in open dialogue, you foster a community of informed, passionate supporters—a top fundraising tip that is essential for sustained fundraising success.

Nicky Kinlock’s leadership at Cure Cancer Australia demonstrates that combining innovation, technology, and personalized donor engagement transforms a charity’s trajectory.

To learn more and speak to us about your fundraising ambitions, click here.

10 Tips for Growing Your Gala Dinner

Posted on February 14, 2025September 18, 2025 by Jordan Morris

Gala dinners are more than just an evening of fine dining—they’re immersive experiences that can leave a lasting impression on your guests while significantly boosting your fundraising efforts. Whether you’re planning a charity event, a corporate celebration, or a community gathering, these 10 tips will help you not only enhance your event’s quality but also actively grow your gala dinner’s reach and impact.

Start with a Strategic Plan

A well-thought-out strategy is the foundation of any successful event. By defining clear objectives—whether raising funds, increasing brand awareness, or celebrating community achievements—you set the stage for measurable growth. Early planning allows you to set a realistic budget, secure the perfect venue, and craft a detailed timeline. This methodical approach minimizes last-minute surprises and positions your event for scalability, ensuring that each successive gala builds on the success of the last.

Givergy Tip: Listen to our recent podcast with event manager Anthony Spencer for more tips on event planning.

Create a Unique Theme

A compelling theme not only sets the tone for the evening but also serves as a powerful marketing tool. A unique, well-executed theme—be it a glamorous masquerade ball, a roaring twenties speakeasy, or a futuristic celebration—creates buzz and sets your event apart from the competition. When guests have a distinct and memorable experience, word-of-mouth promotion increases, attracting new attendees and growing your event’s audience over time.

Givergy Favourite: The POGO PJ party has been running for 7 years, and despite it taking a year or two for people to feel comfortable in their pjs, it is now a feature of the social calendar

Design an Engaging Arrival Experience

The arrival experience is your first opportunity to captivate guests, and it plays a critical role in building momentum for the rest of the evening. A visually appealing check-in area, complete with signature arrival drinks or welcome gifts, creates a warm and inviting atmosphere. This initial engagement can lead to higher guest satisfaction and better overall reviews, driving repeat attendance and helping your event grow in popularity and prestige year after year.

Incorporate Interactive Activities

Interactive elements transform a traditional dinner into a dynamic experience that encourages active participation. Incorporating activities such as live art installations, interactive photo booths, or sporting games invites guests to engage beyond the meal. This interaction not only enhances the guest experience but also fosters networking and community building. Engaged attendees are more likely to share their positive experiences, boosting your event’s reputation and drawing a larger, more enthusiastic crowd in future iterations.

Enhance the Program with Live Entertainment

Live entertainment energizes your gala dinner and keeps guests excited throughout the night. Whether it’s a live band, an orchestra, a DJ, or even a surprise performance, quality entertainment bridges gaps between formal segments of the program and sustains high energy levels. When guests leave feeling entertained and inspired, they’re more inclined to attend again and recommend the event to others, directly contributing to the growth of your audience and overall event success.

Recognize and Reward Contributions

Incorporating an awards ceremony or a recognition segment not only honours key contributors but also builds lasting relationships with sponsors, donors, and volunteers. Publicly acknowledging their contributions creates a sense of community and motivates ongoing support. When contributors feel valued and celebrated, they are more likely to advocate for your event, bring along their networks, and even increase their level of involvement—all of which are critical factors in the sustainable growth of your gala dinner.

Leverage Innovative Technology

Digital tools are essential in today’s event landscape, providing a seamless experience for both organizers and attendees. Platforms like Givergy offer innovative solutions for online ticketing, running silent auctions, and post-event engagement, which streamline operations and open new avenues for revenue. By integrating these technologies, you not only modernize the guest experience but also gather valuable data that can inform future event strategies—driving growth through continuous improvement and expanded reach.

Givergy Tip: By activating donor tip through the Givergy platform, you can fundraise for free. Meaning digital tech supporting silent auctions, online raffles and ticketing can be used to boost your event with no extra cost to your organisation.

Collaborate with Sponsors and Partners

Strategic partnerships are a cornerstone of successful event growth. Engaging sponsors not only provides financial support but also lends credibility to your gala dinner. Their involvement often includes cross-promotion through their networks, thereby expanding your event’s exposure to new audiences. When sponsors see a direct link between their support and the event’s expanding reach, they are more inclined to invest further, which helps secure the resources needed to scale your gala dinner year after year.

Givergy Tip: Listen to our podcast episode with Daniel Strang, founder of fight for charity, who successfully grew his event from having 4 sponsors to over 70 in just 5 years. Or read their case study.

Focus on Seamless Logistics

Meticulous attention to logistics is crucial: for delivering a flawless event experience. Ensuring that details like venue layout, seating arrangements, lighting, and acoustics are perfectly executed contributes to guest comfort and overall satisfaction. A well-run event builds a strong reputation, encouraging repeat attendance and positive word-of-mouth referrals. Over time, these satisfied guests become ambassadors for your gala dinner, fuelling organic growth and establishing a foundation for long-term success.

Capture and Share Your Success

Documenting your event through professional photography, video recaps, and guest testimonials is vital for long-term growth. By sharing these highlights on social media and other digital platforms, you extend the life of your event beyond a single night. This ongoing engagement helps to build anticipation for future galas, attract new sponsors, and foster a loyal community of supporters. The visual narrative of your success not only validates your efforts but also serves as a powerful marketing tool that propels your event’s growth year after year.

Gala dinners offer a unique opportunity to blend entertainment with purpose, creating unforgettable experiences while driving meaningful support for your cause. By incorporating these 10 tips into your planning process, you’ll build a foundation that not only elevates the guest experience but also drives measurable growth. Each strategic element, from a compelling theme to advanced technology integration, contributes to the expansion of your audience, improved engagement, and increased fundraising potential.

Ready to elevate your next gala dinner and set the stage for future growth? Start planning now and explore innovative solutions that transform your event into an immersive experience that delights, inspires, and continuously expands its impact.

To talk to one of our fundraising experts about your fundraising plans, click here.

Top Fundraising Lessons from Steve Yastrow on ‘The Secret Guide To Fundraising’

Posted on February 7, 2025September 20, 2025 by Jordan Morris

In this recent episode of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, Givergy’s Partner Team, Jasmin Peach and Serena D’Angelo sat down with Steve Yastrow—a renowned expert in relationship-driven fundraising and event strategy. Known for his compelling insights, Steve shares invaluable lessons on donor engagement, storytelling, and how to create truly unforgettable fundraising experiences. Below we break down the key findings from our conversation to help you raise more during your next fundraising campaign.

The Power of Relationship-Driven Fundraising

Summary: Steve emphasized that successful fundraising isn’t just about asking for money—it’s about fostering meaningful relationships with donors.

Key Learnings:

Focus on building long-term connections rather than one-time transactions.
Personalize donor interactions based on their interests and past contributions.
Use storytelling to create emotional resonance and deepen donor engagement.

Transforming Fundraising Events into Immersive Experiences

Summary: Events should go beyond just raising funds—they should inspire, entertain, and connect people to your cause in a lasting way.

Key Learnings:

Design events that emotionally connect attendees to the mission.
Incorporate elements of surprise and engagement, such as live testimonials or interactive experiences.
Ensure guests leave feeling inspired and eager to support beyond the event.

Givergy Tip: Check out our fundraising case studies to find inspiration for your next campaign!

The Art of Persuasive Storytelling in Fundraising

Summary: Steve noted how compelling stories can drive donations more effectively than statistics alone.

Key Learnings:

Centre fundraising appeals around real-life impact stories. Use online tools to share these stories across each element of your campaign.
Keep narratives authentic, engaging, and emotionally compelling.
Train event speakers and fundraisers to communicate with passion and confidence.

Givergy Tip: You can now embed videos across your fundraising website, from the homepage to the auction items, ensuring your communication is clear and constat whenever your supporters interact with the campaign.

Leveraging Partnerships for Greater Fundraising Success

Summary: Collaboration with strategic partners can amplify an event’s reach and fundraising potential.

Key Learnings:

Identify corporate sponsors whose values align with the charity’s mission.
Offer meaningful engagement opportunities for partners, such as branded activations.
Use digital tools to showcase partner contributions and increase donor trust.

The Future of Fundraising Events: Innovation & Adaptation

Summary: Fundraising is evolving, and organizations must stay agile to remain effective.

Key Learnings:

Embrace digital solutions like silent auctions and 50:50 prize draws.
Continuously analyze donor data to refine engagement strategies.
Stay ahead by experimenting with new event formats and fundraising approaches.

Want to Elevate Your Fundraising Events? Listen & Learn!

Steve Yastrow’s insights offer a game-changing perspective on fundraising events, donor engagement, and storytelling. Whether you’re an experienced fundraiser or just starting out, this episode is packed with actionable takeaways to help you create more meaningful and impactful fundraising campaigns.

🎧 Listen to the full podcast episode here.
🚀 Or talk to us about your fundraising ideas!

Expert Tips for Effective Event Fundraising

Posted on February 7, 2025September 20, 2025 by Jordan Morris

In this episode of The Secret Guide to Fundraising, host Jordan Morris spoke with Anthony Spencer, an event fundraising expert and Event Manager at Help Musicians. With nearly a decade of experience in the nonprofit sector, Anthony shared valuable insights on how charities can expand their event portfolios, adapt to shifting donor demographics, and integrate technology to maximize fundraising success. Here are the key topics and takeaways from Anthony’s episode:

Expand and Diversify your Event Fundraising

Summary: Anthony discussed how charities can strategically grow their event calendars, ensuring sustainability and engagement year after year.

Key Learnings:

Conduct audience research to align new events with donor preferences.
Balance traditional events with innovative formats to attract different demographics.
Plan at least a year in advance to secure venues and sponsorships.

Finding and Securing Venues for Fundraising Events

Summary: With the increasing closure of music venues, securing the right location for fundraising events has become more challenging. Anthony highlighted strategies for identifying and negotiating event spaces.

Key Learnings:

Explore alternative venues, including smaller independent spaces, which may offer better terms.
Build long-term relationships with venue owners to establish partnerships and negotiate favorable deals.
Book venues well in advance to ensure access to high-demand locations.

Using Digital Tools to Boost Fundraising Success

Summary: Help Musicians recently introduced platforms like Givergy to streamline fundraising, from ticketing to silent auctions. Anthony explained how technology has enhanced donor contributions.

Key Learnings:

Utilize online platforms to collect pre-event donations and engage attendees before, during, and after events.
Extend silent auctions beyond event day to increase participation and revenue.
Ensure fundraising technology is user-friendly, especially for older donors who may need additional guidance.

Givergy Tip: You can now fundraise for free with Givergy so if you’re thinking of trialling online fundraising tools to boost your next event, now is the time!

Engaging Younger Donors for Long-Term Growth

Summary: With an aging donor base, charities must find ways to connect with younger supporters.

Key Learnings:

Leverage digital channels like Instagram and TikTok to connect with younger audiences.
Develop events featuring diverse music genres to attract younger supporters.
Offer flexible and accessible donation options, such as crowdfunding and subscription-based giving models.

Givergy Tip: Check out our podcast on influencer fundraising for an inside look at how a US based non-profit is meaningfully partnering with influencers to drive impact.

The Long-Term Future of Fundraising Events

Summary: Maintaining flagship events while innovating to ensure long-term sustainability is both doable and necessary for building connection to your community.

Key Learnings:

Keep legacy events fresh by evolving formats and incorporating new entertainment elements.
Establish recurring annual events with growing audiences to build long-term engagement.
Monitor donor behaviour trends and adjust fundraising strategies accordingly to stay relevant.

Take Action

Want to learn more about how you can raise more at your next event fundraising?

🎧 Listen to the full podcast to hear Anthony’s expert insights.

🚀 Get started with our fundraising services and take your charity’s events to the next level.

7 Ideas for Raising More in 2025

Posted on January 24, 2025August 29, 2025 by Jordan Morris

As we enter 2025, nonprofits are navigating a complex economic landscape, where every small gain counts. With funding challenges ahead, organizations are focusing on innovative strategies to maximize their impact. To help you achieve that extra 1%, we’ve compiled a list of 7 actionable fundraising ideas designed to boost your fundraising efforts—and show how Givergy’s tools can turn ideas into reality.

Harness the Power of Online Prize Draws and 50:50’s

Prize draws and 50:50 campaigns are reliable and low-effort ways to engage supporters. With Givergy’s platform, you can easily set up and manage these campaigns, allowing participants to win exciting prizes while raising funds. The flexibility of 50:50 campaigns—where the prize comes from ticket sales—makes them an appealing option for nonprofits of all sizes.

Example Idea: Host a monthly 50:50 draw to keep your community engaged year-round. Add variety by featuring surprise grand prizes or themed draws to celebrate seasonal events. Being agile in this uncertain economy is vital and online campaigns allow you to do just that.

Try Experience-Driven Auctions

Experiences have become a cornerstone of successful fundraising. From luxury getaways to exclusive backstage passes, experience-based auction items capture the imagination, especially if they’re handpicked to suit your donors’ interests. With time and money often tight, it’s important to utilise the resources in the sector that can help you find the right items.

Spotlight Items:

Monaco Grand Prix Weekend: The ultimate bucket-list experience for racing fans.
Napa Valley Culinary Tour: A wine and food lover’s paradise.
Van Gogh-Inspired France Trip: Explore the inspiration behind one of history’s greatest artists.

Tip: Offer “buy now” pricing alongside traditional bidding to appeal to donors who want to secure their dream experience instantly.

Leverage Social Media For Online Campaigns

Social media remains one of the most effective tools for spreading the word about your campaign. Encourage supporters to share amongst their networks helps expand your reach. Think about opening up your silent auction or raffle a few weeks before your main event to build excitement!

How Givergy Helps: With embeddable donation links and mobile-friendly platforms, Givergy makes it simple for your supporters to amplify your mission on social media.

Fundraising Case Study Advice:

“Having an online platform for the silent auction is a massive support tool for driving engagement. We pushed the link out to the auction prior to the event and that helped drive interest. With a growing number of supporters, the switch to a digital platform helped make the administration manageable.” – Highland

Focus on Storytelling with Video Content

Video continues to dominate as the most engaging form of content online. Use it to tell your organization’s story, showcase past successes, and highlight upcoming campaigns. Embed videos directly on your Givergy fundraising pages to increase shareability and engagement.

Stats to Note: Charity Digital have highlighted 86% of marketers say video content increases traffic.

Example: Create a short video highlighting the impact of your work—perhaps featuring testimonials from beneficiaries or behind-the-scenes clips from past events. Pair this with your auction or raffle to draw in new supporters.

Explore Themed Fundraising Campaigns

Another great fundraising idea for 2025 is to give your campaigns a creative twist by centering them around fun themes. From 1920s glamour to outdoor adventure, themed events inspire excitement and help you stand out. Over time the theme also adds a level of identity to your event that supporters can attach to. Think big and leave no stone unturned incorporating the theme into every aspect of the night. Using customizable event displays and leaderboards can ensure that continuity from theme, to event, to fundraising.

An idea we loved: Into the Wild, POGO’s PJ Party

Leverage Data for Personalized Campaigns

Personalized donor outreach can significantly improve engagement and conversion rates. Use donor data to tailor your messaging and segment your audience. Givergy’s platform allows you to track donor behaviour and preferences, enabling you to create campaigns that truly resonate.

Lock In and Maximize the Potential of Corporate Partnerships

Collaborating with businesses can unlock valuable resources and expand your donor base. Offer sponsorship opportunities for events or auctions, providing businesses with visibility and a chance to align with your mission. Building connections with local suppliers can also strengthen community. It can be overwhelming knowing where to begin when reaching out to sponsors but in our recent podcast episode with Fight For Charity’s Daniel Strang, he clearly explained how he grew his fundraiser from a handful of sponsors to over 70 in just 5 years! It certainly takes perseverance – but it is possible!

[Listen Now Podcast Link]

Start Implementing Your Ideas!

With the right strategies and tools, 2025 can be a year of opportunity despite the uncertainty. Whether you want to try online fundraising campaigns for the first time, or are a seasoned pro, at Givergy we can help you bring your fundraising ideas to life. Our fundraising experts love chatting about what they do so don’t hesitate to reach out – even if it’s just to ask a question!

Chat Today

6 Proven Ways to Optimize Donations for Maximum Fundraising Success

Posted on September 17, 2024August 29, 2025 by Jordan Morris

Fundraising in today’s landscape is more competitive than ever. Non-profits must constantly innovate to capture the attention—and the donations—of supporters. To help you stay ahead, we’ve outlined seven powerful ways to optimize donations with Givergy’s advanced fundraising platform. Whether you’re embracing digital solutions for the first time or pros at leveraging data-driven strategies, these tips will help your organization maximize its fundraising potential during your next campaign or event.

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Consignment Items: Adding Value Without Upfront Costs

Consignment items are a fantastic way to enhance your auctions without the risk of upfront costs. By partnering with vendors who provide high-value items—like vacation packages, unique experiences, or exclusive memorabilia—you can offer attractive auction lots that drive higher bids.

Our recent Fundraising Case Studies with Good Shepherd Ministries and Fight For Charity proved accessibility is a vital component of an auction reaching its potential. Both noted the importance of having a variety of price points as the key to engaging as many potential donors as possible. With Good Shepherd stating:

“The more the auction is shared prior to the event, the more attention there will be on your mission and the more you will raise on the night.”

Why It Works:

Strong consignment items add a wow factor to your events. If there are a range of price points and your items are carefully curated for your demographic, you should be able to engage many donors. Plus, since you only pay for the items once they’ve been sold, you can elevate your auction without any financial burden, ensuring that your organization reaps the maximum benefits from each sale.

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Embracing Digital: Expand Your Reach and Engagement

The pandemic forced a rapid shift to digital fundraising to protect some form of revenue for non-profits struggling during an incredibly difficult time. Whether it be through gaming for cancer research or virtual car boots, we saw non-profits innovate in the online space to continue raising more.

The pandemic has passed, but the reliability of digital fundraising as a source of income has meant online campaigns continue apace.

By leveraging Givergy’s suite of digital tools, non-profits can engage a broader audience, streamline the donation process, and enhance the overall donor experience. Embracing digital allows you to meet your donors where they are: online. Meeting them where they are results in increased engagement and increased donations.

Key Digital Features

Online Auctions: Expand your reach beyond in-person events and let supporters bid from anywhere.

Mobile Bidding: Allow donors to participate seamlessly using their smartphones, increasing convenience and engagement.

Social Media Integration: Promote your campaigns across social platforms to boost visibility and attract new donors.

Data-Driven Decision Making: Optimize Campaigns with Insightful Analytics

Effective fundraising requires a deep understanding of donor behavior and campaign performance. Advanced reporting tools provide non-profits with the insights needed to make data-driven decisions. Givergy’s comprehensive Data Hub supports fundraisers in two main ways to raise more during their events and campaigns:

Detailed Analytics: Gain comprehensive analytics on donor demographics, donation patterns, and campaign performance. This data allows non-profits to identify trends, understand what strategies are working, and make informed decisions to optimize future campaigns.

Real-Time Reporting: Real-time reporting capabilities ensure that organizations can monitor their campaigns as they unfold, allowing for quick adjustments to maximize impact. For example, if a particular auction item is receiving fewer bids, non-profits can promote it more aggressively to boost interest.

Detailed learning drives improved performance and in 2024, utilizing the data you have is a must for optimizing donations.

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Tell Your Story Well Across Strategic Platforms: Use Video Embedding

Storytelling is a critical component of successful fundraising. Donors need to connect emotionally with your cause, and Givergy’s video embedding feature helps you tell your story in a compelling way. By embedding videos directly into your fundraising pages, you can bring your mission to life and create a more engaging experience for your audience. Moreover, marketing studies have demonstrated that video content is much more likely to be shared online, meaning video content begets a larger audience.

How It Works:

Showcase Impact: Simply embed video content into your fundraising website using Givergy’s campaign builder. By using videos to highlight the real-world impact of donations and testimonials from beneficiaries, you add needed emotion to any online fundraiser.

Increase Shareability: The key to online campaigns is how easy they are to share and how engaging they are once shared. Video content is far more shareable than text, allowing your campaign to reach a wider audience organically.

Drive Engagement: Videos can capture attention and keep visitors on your page longer, increasing the likelihood of a donation.

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Automated Reminders: Keep Donors Updated

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to maximize event success is by keeping your donors informed and engaged. Givergy’s automated reminders can be set up to gently nudge attendees with important updates, ensuring they don’t miss key event details.

This feature reduces the administrative burden on your team and helps ensure strong attendance. Trinity School successfully used this feature with their 800 guests in the lead-up to their showcase event. For a small fundraising team, automated messaging can be a game-changer.

Why It Works:

Boosts Event Attendance: Reminders keep your donors informed and engaged, ensuring higher turnout for your event and greater participation.

Reduces Admin Work: Automating follow-ups saves time and lightens the administrative load, allowing fundraisers to focus on building quality relationships and driving their mission.

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Leverage Givergy’s Community and Support

Fundraising doesn’t have to be a solo effort, and with so much to do to pull off a successful event or campaign, it shouldn’t have to be! When using Givergy’s platform, non-profits not only get access to powerful tools but an invaluable bank of how-to guides and top-tip manuals available in the Givergy community. The platform also comes with 24/7 support, so there should never be a moment where fundraisers are left alone wondering what the next steps should be. This allows your campaign to continue with its momentum, uninterrupted by tech issues.

Support Features:

Training Videos and Guides: Equip your team with the knowledge needed to maximize the platform’s capabilities.

Live Chat and 24/7 Support: Get real-time assistance whenever you need it, ensuring your campaigns run smoothly.

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Get in Touch

By integrating these strategies and leveraging Givergy’s advanced platform, your non-profit can optimize donations and drive greater impact. Embrace the digital era, make data-driven decisions, and tell your story compellingly across strategic platforms. With the right tools and insights, your next fundraising campaign can be your most successful yet!

If you want to learn more about optimizing donations on your next campaign, simply get in touch, and one of our team would be happy to help.

6 Powerful Features to Boost Engagement at Your Next Fundraising Auction

Posted on September 2, 2024September 20, 2025 by Jordan Morris

Fundraising auctions are tried, tested, and loved when it comes to non-profits raising more funds. Donors generally know what to expect from a charity auction, but for the fundraiser, creating excitement and engagement is key to driving bids and maximizing the auction’s potential. Simply put, it’s essential that the auction does not feel stale. Your donors will attend numerous fundraisers, so guarding against their giving fatigue is vital. In 2024, with all the technology that is readily available, it’s possible to find a fundraising platform with features that elevate the auction experience, boost participation, and ensure your bidders have a memorable time.

At Givergy, we like to think we’re experts in fundraising auctions, having facilitated over 1,200 so far this year (that’s over 5 successful auctions every single day) and helped raise over $85 million through our auctions alone! Below, we’ve listed 6 powerful features all fundraisers should look out for when choosing their auction platform. From increasing shareability to comprehensive reporting on every facet of your campaign, these features are must-haves for your next fundraising auction!

Video Embedding: Showcase What’s at Stake

One of the key advantages of online auctions is the ease with which they can be shared digitally across multiple platforms to reach varying audiences. However, breaking through online noise can be difficult. Adding video embedding to your auction pages creates a more immersive experience for your bidders and potential donors. Instead of just a static image and description, you can showcase auction items with videos that bring them to life. Whether it’s a video of a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a behind-the-scenes tour of a luxury item, or a heartfelt message from the beneficiaries of the funds raised, video embedding can elevate the emotional connection of your audience even when it’s just being shared online. Across social media, the short video reigns supreme, and being able to easily incorporate them within your auction is one sure-fire way to increase the shareability of your auction.

Why Video Works: Video content is 1,200% more likely to be shared than text and links combined. By understanding this and leveraging it for your auction, you can amplify engagement and storytelling.

Turn Losing Bids into Donations: Keep the Generosity Flowing

One of the most common auction pitfalls is losing bidders walking away empty-handed when they still want to donate. As a fundraiser, your job is to try and capture every penny possible for your organization. With a ‘Turn Losing Bids into Donations’ feature, fundraisers can rest easy knowing that losing bidders are not lost. This handy tool allows you to offer losing bidders the opportunity to donate their losing bid directly to your cause. These individuals were already willing to contribute financially, so why not encourage their continued generosity?

Impact: This simple option provides a soft ask that can significantly increase donations, even if their bid didn’t win the item. It ensures that no bidder leaves without the chance to contribute to your cause.

Reporting Hub: Real-Time Insights for Smarter Decisions

Having access to the right data in the modern world is essential for growth. Data drives success, and with a robust fundraising reporting hub, auction organizers have access to live insights that help optimize performance on the go. A comprehensive reporting hub allows the fundraiser to track bidding trends, monitor participation, and assess which items are generating the most excitement.

Benefits of Real-Time Data: With this information at your fingertips, you can make data-backed decisions during your auctions to maximize outcomes. For example, you can record levels of engagement across the room and visualize which tables are not bidding. Receiving this information in real-time supports the Auctioneer or Fundraising Host to direct their attention to the tables and donors that need encouraging. After the event, a comprehensive reporting hub remains home to all the valuable information you need for planning future auctions, ensuring each is better than the last!

Sealed Bidding: Add a Touch of Mystery

Sealed Bidding is an incredibly important feature for fundraisers wanting to build excitement during their auction. This feature involves only showing the number of bids placed on an item, as opposed to the highest bid. Throughout the evening, your platform will display the number of bids received on an item, but guests won’t be aware of who the highest bidder is. When a guest sees a lot of interest in an item they have also bid on, it encourages them to ‘up’ their bid, which they can do as many times as they want!

Sealed bidding is particularly powerful when you have access to several of the same auction item (which is always the case when you include items from Givergy). Through a fully transparent and ethical process, we’re able to easily sell the ‘same’ item to, for example, the top three bidders at the end of the event, meaning that your charity profit is instantly tripled.

Psychological Advantage: This adds an element of suspense, encouraging bidders to submit their maximum bids upfront and enhancing the competitive atmosphere. It’s a great way to create tension and anticipation, ensuring your auction ends on a high note. We’ve found that charity profit shoots up by up to 147% when clients choose sealed bidding as opposed to standard bidding, so the feature had to make this list!

Competitive Leaderboards: Drive Up the Bids

Another feature that is an absolute must for fundraisers wanting to elevate their auction is the incorporation of competitive leaderboards. Everyone loves a bit of competition, and a competitive leaderboard is a fun and engaging way to bring this energy into your auction. By displaying the top bidders in real-time, leaderboards create urgency and encourage a bidding war among participants who want to see their names at the top. Leaderboards also help tie the event together, providing donors with clear updates on how the efforts of the night are accumulating toward a grand total.

Key Tip: Emphasize competitiveness to your donors. Tapping into your bidders’ competitive spirit can dramatically increase the final prices of your auction items because no one wants to miss out on being the top contributor!

Maximum Bids & Automatic Bidding Increments: Convenience Meets Strategy

The final feature you should look out for when choosing your auction platform is maximum bids and automatic bidding increments, because let’s face it: not every bidder can monitor the auction 24/7. That’s where the maximum bid and automatic bidding increment features excel. With maximum bids, participants can set their highest bid amount in advance, allowing the system to bid on their behalf in small increments until their limit is reached. On the other hand, fundraisers can set automatic bidding increments to maintain the momentum of the auction and continue pushing bids up.

Why It Works: This ensures bidders stay in the game even if they can’t actively follow the auction. It keeps the bidding competitive while offering convenience, ensuring no bidder misses out due to time constraints.

Conclusion

Your next auction has the potential to be your best yet. By finding and then incorporating these powerful features, you’ll create an engaging, competitive, and rewarding experience for your bidders. Video embedding, turning losing bids into donations, and dynamic leaderboards are just some of the tools you can use to ensure excitement and maximize your fundraising results.

Ready to Transform Your Next Auction?
Explore how these features and more can elevate your auction today! Contact us to learn how we can help you create a winning auction experience that stands out, drives results, and leaves your bidders coming back for more.

Unique Fundraising Ideas for Easter 2024

Posted on February 29, 2024August 29, 2025 by Ben Crook

At Givergy, we love seasonal occasions because it’s the perfect opportunity to raise more! Easter is a joyous celebration for many people around the world. It’s a time to celebrate renewal, rebirth and new beginnings. It’s also a time to host various fundraising campaigns that can make a significant impact on different communities. You need unique and ‘fun’ fundraising ideas to stand out and attract donors if you want to elevate fundraising potential.

Below we have gathered some memorable ways to bring in essential donations at a time of year when people are looking to treat others and celebrate within communities. If any of these sound like something that your organisation could benefit from, contact our team now to get the eggs rolling!

Why Is Easter A Good Time To Raise Money?

Easter is a widely celebrated holiday within the Christian calendar. It is a time when individuals often feel more inclined to give back and demonstrate acts of kindness and generosity. This spirit of giving can be leveraged to encourage people to donate to charitable causes or participate in fundraising events.

Easter is also a great time to connect with donors as it commonly represents a period when families and communities come together for meals, outings and other social activities. These gatherings create opportunities to promote your fundraising cause and generate awareness. By creating seasonal events, such as Easter gatherings, you can tap into the sense of community and bring people together in support of a common goal. By leveraging these factors, you can effectively raise money for your cause and make a positive impact on your organisation or the community you serve.

Givergy’s 2024 Easter Fundraising Ideas

Do you need more of a wiggle in your tail or crunch in your chocolate? Easter events are a great idea but will only be a huge success if you put extra time and attention into the planning phases. To assist you, we have come up with some playful ideas you can take inspiration from to throw some brilliant events.

Online Easter Basket Auction

Everyone loves an online auction, especially when it’s got a seasonal theme! We think an easter themed auction is a fantastic way to bring in more money as you can get truly creative with the auction items. Anything from Easter baskets to fancy celebration meals can all be tied into with the celebrations that traditionally take place at this time of year.

The benefit of an online auction is also that you can keep overheads down whilst reaching a large audience and give you more fundraising potential overall.

Bunny Fun Run or Walk

Live fundraising events can be used in many ways when it comes to seasonal occasions making them a fun way to engage donors. Why not try thinking outside of the box and holding an Easter-themed Bunny Fun Run or Walk event where participants dress up in bunny costumes and collect sponsors for each kilometer or mile they complete. Promote the event through social media and encourage participants to fundraise for a cause while enjoying a fun and active Easter-themed activity.

Family Easter Craft Day

Hosting a Family Easter Craft Day is a wonderful way to bring families together for a fun and creative celebration. You can use it as a way to create a positive emotional link to your cause as well as raising money. A great way to bring in donations is to consider hosting this as a ticketed event.

Easter Baking Competition

Something synonymous with Easter are sweet treats. By running an old-fashioned bake sale you can appeal to donors young and old. This could be virtual, using online retailers to support you, or part of a wider in-person occasion. You can get truly creative with this idea!

Choose Givergy For Seasonal Events

Do you love the idea of making the most of special occasions but lack the finesse to push things over the line? Don’t worry as the Givergy team is ready to support you. Whether you need help executing a planned event or want some brainpower from our fundraising experts, by working with us any need can be fulfilled. Please just get in touch!