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Category: Fundraising Ideas

Expert Tips for Effective Event Fundraising

Posted on 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:

  1. 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.
  1. 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.

  1. 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!

  1. 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.

  1. 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 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

Try Experience-Driven Auctions

  1. 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

  1. 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.

  1. 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

Into the Wild, POGO’s PJ Party

  1. 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.

Leverage Data for Personalized Campaigns

  1. 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 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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  1. 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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  1. 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.

 

  1. 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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  1. 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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  1. 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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  1. 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 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!

  1. 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.

  1. 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.

  1. 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!

  1. 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!

  1. 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!

Givergy's competitive leaderboards highlighting top bidders and real-time auction competition.

  1. 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 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!

Turning Traditional Fundraising Into Digital Success

Posted on by Emily Clare

With the increasing use of technology and digital platforms, turning traditional fundraising into digital successes can significantly enhance your fundraising efforts. Charities that rely solely on traditional fundraising may struggle as our world advances in the digital era, but the reality is that raising more is only possible if you harness the power of technology.

44% of charities don’t have a digital strategy, which is worrying as they all risk getting left behind where others are thriving. The digital transformation of the giving sector allows more money to be raised, improved trust and increased transparency with donors. All of these factors work together to improve charities’ branding and reputation, which means they can help more people whilst establishing long-term futures. 

Keep reading to learn how to turn traditional fundraising methods into digital successes for your organisation.

What Is Traditional Fundraising?

Firstly, let’s clarify what is meant by the term ‘traditional fundraising’.

Traditional fundraising refers to raising funds or financial support for a cause through conventional, in-person methods. These can include things like door-to-door canvassing, auctions, bake sales, and other in-person charity events. Traditional fundraising has been the standard approach for charitable causes for many years, focusing on building a solid rapport with donors through face-to-face interactions.

While these still offer success, they limit the ability for an organisation to expand its reach, and awareness, which greatly affects the amount of vital funds that need to be raised.

Why Does Givergy Believe in Digital Fundraising?

If you have attended any of Givergy’s Future of Fundraising events, you know how strongly we believe in innovation and technology in the fundraising industry. 

The future of fundraising is racing towards digital methods now more than ever due to several reasons:

  1. Digital fundraising allows for increased cost-effectiveness compared to traditional methods. For example, the cost of hosting an online fundraising campaign can be significantly cheaper than hosting an in-person gala. With a digital campaign, a wide range of online fundraising tools can be used, making it easier for charities to engage and excite supporters.
  2. Digital fundraising offers greater convenience and accessibility for donors. Online platforms allow supporters to contribute to causes anytime and anywhere, eliminating geographical barriers and time constraints. This accessibility can lead to increased donor participation and engagement. Moreover, digital platforms provide charitable causes with quality opportunities for storytelling and showcasing impact. 
  3. Digital fundraising reaches critical demographics needed to keep fundraising alive and strong. Younger generations, such as Millennials and Gen Z, are more digitally connected and have different preferences for engaging with charitable causes. By reaching them through digital methods that feel authentic, they are more likely to donate and support.

As our world gains technological advancements, charities can utilise tools that empower them to raise funds, promote their causes, manage donors, engage communities, and collaborate online.

How To Transform Traditional Fundraising Methods

Here are a few traditional fundraising methods along with their suggested digital transformations:

Traditional Method: Door-to-door canvassing 

Digital Method: Online fundraising

Volunteers going door-to-door in a neighbourhood or community, soliciting donations or selling products on behalf of a charitable organisation used to be the norm. Nowadays, people appreciate their privacy a bit more, so having someone knock at the door unexpectedly doesn’t always have the desired impact.

Instead of having volunteers out pounding the pavements, online fundraising is a digital alternative that simplifies the donation process. Furthermore, it has a high chance of success as it increases visibility and reach, enables storytelling and aligns with the preferences of modern donors. Givergy’s fully customisable campaigns allow each organisation to create an online presence that best represents their intentions and goals.

Traditional Method: In-person gala events

Digital Method: Virtual galas

Don’t get us wrong, in-person gala dinners and events are still a proven way to raise money. There’s no need to go completely digital straight off the bat, but embracing the balance the digital world has to offer can make a world of difference. 

By hosting a virtual gala, you can still include exciting event moments like entertainment and testimonials. The difference is that you can reach a larger audience than the boundaries of a room. Many in-person galas are annual events, but with virtual galas, it’s easier to host more than one, giving you the opportunity of making consistent impacts throughout without an expensive budget. 

Furthermore, virtual fundraising contributes to a reduced environmental footprint by eliminating the need for physical travel and printed materials. This aligns with the growing awareness and preference for eco-friendly practices. You can essentially achieve good by doing good!

Traditional Method: Telethons

Digital Method: Live Streams with integrated silent auctions and pledges

We all probably grew up watching televised fundraising campaigns that integrated our favourite celebrities and other forms of entertainment. The big names will likely use this method for a long time, but due to the saturation of smaller charities, it can be hard for some to stand out in this way. 

Live Streams have become powerful tools for fundraising, offering a dynamic and interactive platform that engages audiences in real-time. These are primarily conducted on social media platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and Twitch. Livestreams still offer the same levels of engagement and collaboration that telethons have but also integrate the option to easily donate from a phone, tablet, or computer, aligning with the needs of the modern donor.

Live Streams offer interactive features during live events, such as polls, Q&A sessions, and live chat. These features encourage active participation and engagement, making viewers feel more involved in fundraising and your cause.

Go Digital With Givergy

Does your charity need to join the digital world of fundraising sooner rather than later? Even though transitioning to new methods can be scary for some, we can assure you that the benefits outweigh the risks. 

Our team offers a collaborative approach to the task, finding the best digital methods of raising more that will resonate with your existing and potential audience. To find out more, contact us.

How to fundraise effectively in the gaming space

Posted on by Shane Bailey

The video game industry has come a long way since the days of arcade machines. In 2022, the global video game industry was estimated to have generated more than US$300 billion in revenue, engaging more than two billion people on a daily basis across consoles, PC and mobile. It’s a form of entertainment that eclipses non-interactive mediums like film, TV and music, yet ‘gamers’ aren’t necessarily top-of-mind for consumer brands and non-profits.

Identifying and reaching the gaming audience can be a challenge. With few options to reach the gaming audience through the games themselves (outside of mobile in-game advertising), how does one engage gamers, particularly for non-profits with limited resources? Here are some tips and guiding principles to help your charitable organisation find success in the gaming space.

6 Tips to Fundraise effectively in the gaming space

  1. Build credibility:

People often use gaming to escape; to leave reality behind and visit a fantastical realm, connect with friends across the world, or test their mettle in a challenging experience or online competition. Through interactivity, gaming is an emotion-filled form of entertainment, so when a brand interrupts that experience, it’s not always welcome. It’s why building credibility in the eyes of gamers is so important. To that end, think about the brands endemic to the gaming space you can partner with to help introduce your charity to the gaming audience, such as well-known publishers like Xbox, EA Games and Ubisoft or consumer brands like Elgato, HyperX and Logitech. Similarly, are there content creators or personalities in the space who can act as ambassadors for your cause? Before jumping straight to the biggest names in gaming and streaming, like Ninja, Loserfruit and Dr. Lupo, try starting small first and expanding from there. Grassroots creators are much more likely to work with you as they grow their own online, personal brand. Laying a strong foundation of credibility first will make it much easier to build upon your success in the space.

  1. Find the right experts:

It can be difficult navigating a world completely unknown to you and the team, so look for ways to engage experts in the space. This doesn’t necessarily mean hiring someone from the gaming industry. There are many people in the space that can deliver the expertise you need. If community fundraising via live-streaming is your first focus, start with influencer and talent agencies that represent these content creators, and be sure to ask questions when you start. It’s likely that these agencies field proposals from a variety of brands every week and the last thing you want is for the creators they represent to view you in the same way they view another brand looking to advertise via their streams and social channels. Ask how the agency’s creators like to work with charities. What would an engaging charity or fundraising campaign look like to them? Is there a way their creators can team up to create something larger, like a streaming marathon where multiple creators work together? With a bit of imagination and collaboration, creating something a bit different can be exciting for the creators you work with.

  1. Add value:

Always remember that your partnership with these creators and brands is exactly that: a partnership. How is your charity adding value to this relationship? Can you demonstrate the impact the audience’s involvement will have on your mission? Particularly for grassroots content creators, spotlighting them on your website and social channels can be really meaningful. Don’t be afraid to step outside of your comfort zone as well. Jump on livestreams with creators who fundraise for you and thank them and their community for their support. You don’t necessarily have to play the game they’re playing, but just appear as a guest for 10-20 minutes and show how much they are appreciated. The same can be said for any brands you partner with. Treat them in the same way you would any traditional corporate partner and build that value together.

  1. Be where they are:

A part of finding the expertise to navigate the gaming space is understanding where and how to communicate with gamers and content creators. You’ll likely have a difficult time gaining support by focusing on social ads, cold emails and phone calls. Instead, look to where the gaming audience is highly engaged. X/Twitter and TikTok are both platforms content creators use to speak directly to their own communities, so try casually sliding into their DM’s there. Try not to be too heavy-handed in your initial approach either; they don’t need the full pitch upfront. Ask if they’ve fundraised for a charity before and if they’d be open to working together. If you have the capacity and resource, taking the time to get to know streamers when and where they stream can be hugely beneficial. Tune into their streams and pop in their live chat to say hello. This can make it much easier to then send a message to them after the stream to introduce yourself more formally.

  1. Leverage a connected community:

One thing that is definitely true about content creators in the streaming space and people who work for big gaming brands is that everyone is connected. When you chat with a brand manager at Nintendo, it’s likely they know the local team at PlayStation or an agency who works for Twitch. Similarly, the content creators you chat with likely have creator friends, are involved in a community of streamers who play together, or know creators who have had success supporting charitiesin the past. Even if someone is unable to support you directly, they will likely know someone else who can, so always ask for those introductions or to be pointed in the right direction.

  1. Don’t forget the basics:

It’s important to remember that gaming brands and content creators you partner with are not dissimilar to other corporate partners or P2P fundraisers. Everyone who supports your organisation wants to do a good job, so be sure to make it as easy as possible for them to find success. Equip them with all the usual fundraising tools who would your traditional partners and fundraisers. For content creators, it’s worth taking the time to create assets suitable for their streams as well. Being a good partner and empowering your supporters to do the best job they can will maximise the chance that they’ll come back and support you again.

 

 

 

Complete Guide to Fundraising Hosts

Posted on by Tim Stansbury

Including a fundraising host is still a drastically underused element of fundraising events, but we’ve seen first-hand the amazing results that can come from focusing on this part of an event. If you have not included an engaging fundraising host, you may be missing a large piece of the puzzle!

Keep reading to learn all about these vibrant and game-changing individuals so that you can decide how best to use them for your future fundraising events.

What Is a Fundraising Host?

A fundraising host is a person who can provide consultative support to organisers and committees pre-event, plus then be responsible for hosting the fundraising activities at the actual event. Simply put, at an event, a fundraising host is responsible for engaging donors to raise the most funds possible.

Pre-Event Support?

The role of a fundraising host can include a variety of tasks. Still, it should always start with several pre-event, statistically-driven meetings to discuss the best possible approach for fundraising at your event. 

Looking back at data from previous events, such as the amount raised in the Live Auction, Silent Auction and Pledge moment, the number of bids and donations made, popular levels and timings of giving, are critical to get the perfect strategy in place.

At The Event

Fundraising hosts should be responsible for running the auction and/or donation drive; they should know how to work a crowd and engage with an audience. The events they host can range from small gatherings and golf days to large galas or auctions. The goal of a fundraising host is to create an enjoyable and engaging event that encourages attendees to donate generously to the cause at hand.

Do Fundraising Hosts Work?

Absolutely. And we’ve got the stats to prove it. We’ve seen some simply astounding increases in funds raised by including a fundraising host. Get in touch, and our team would love to chat this through with you.

Brilliant fundraising hosts allow guests to indulge in giving – that amazing feeling of doing something positive for others. Altruistic DNA is in all of us; giving makes you feel better. People want to give, and an engaging fundraising host allows them to do it.

We continue to say that fundraising is not a spectator sport – you shouldn’t be relying on 10% of the room to give 90% of the funds. For a donation moment or pledge drive, fundraising hosts allow a collaborative nature of giving. Using the fundraising leaderboards, they can get everyone involved.

Event Host or Fundraising Host?

We strongly recommend that your Fundraising Host is not also your Event Host. Your audience must connect with the Fundraising Host during those crucial moments of giving. To do this, it’s best they are kept back to do their job, drive fundraising on the night, and not mix that message with other elements like introducing speakers or explaining where the fire exits are. 

Having a skilled host focused on fundraising can help make the event substantially more effective and enjoyable for everyone involved.

Image: Fundraising Hosts North America from left to right – Harry Santa-Olla (HSO Productions), Chuck Mutz (Black Tie Auctions), Sherry Mulhar (Red Apple Auctions) and Layne (The Auctionista) – Find out more by clicking here.

How Can a Fundraising Host Elevate an Event?

  • One of the most crucial roles of a fundraising host is to help create a positive and engaging atmosphere for donors. A good host will help keep the event running smoothly, ensuring that everything is on schedule.
  • A fundraising host can also help build a sense of community and shared purpose among donors. By creating a positive and engaging atmosphere, focused on a common goal that the whole room can commit to and hit as part of a collective, you are more likely to hit that target.
  • A host also helps donors to  feel more connected to the cause and become motivated to give. This can be especially important for fundraising events that are aimed at building long-term relationships with donors rather than just raising money in the short term.

The ‘Why’ or The ‘How’?

A charity founder, board member or event Chairman should discuss the ‘why’. Often followed by an emotive film or speaker, this is the message ‘why’ guests should support the charity and get involved in giving. This message is far more authentic from these individuals than from a fundraising host.

The host is there for the ‘how’ to give; the ‘why’ should have already been covered by the time they get on stage. To learn more about this, listen to our recent podcast episode, ‘Fundraising Hosts & Appeal Moments’, where auctioneer and fundraising host Harry Santa-Olalla spoke about the task in length.

How to Choose a Host?

Every charity will decide upon their desired fundraising host for different reasons, but below are some of our top considerations you should make:

  • You should always decide what areas you want the fundraising host to focus on and assess their suitability based on previous experience.
  • A fundraising host also needs to represent your organisation. While they can adapt to your tone of voice and messaging, you should always select someone who is the ideal brand advocate for you in terms of styling and presentation.
  • Choose your fundraising tools in advance and ensure the host has the right experience. For example, you may want to run an auction, so you must find someone to run auctions professionally.
  • Check the host’s references and online reviews to ensure they have a good reputation in the industry.
  • Consider the host’s fees and whether they fit within your budget. Remember that a good host can help you raise more money, so it may be worth investing in a quality host.
  • Ensure the host is available on the event date and has enough time to prepare.

At Givergy, we are always looking for ways to help our clients raise even more which is why we are huge advocates of using fundraising hosts. If you’re based in the United States, check out our recommended hosts here.If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

Top Thanksgiving Fundraising Ideas

Posted on by Chloe Colquitt

The season of thanks is almost upon us, so now is the time to finalize your Thanksgiving fundraising plans if you have not already! With people set to enjoy family time, good food, and a start to the festive period, the minds of many turn to helping those less fortunate than themselves.

To help you use the season wisely and boost your 2023 donations before the end of the year, check out our top fundraising ideas below. 

Do People Donate More During Thanksgiving?

One of the most iconic symbols of Thanksgiving is the turkey. The turkey has long been associated with abundance and generosity. In the early days of Thanksgiving, when the Pilgrims and Native Americans came together to celebrate, they shared a feast that included wild turkey. This act of sharing a meal symbolized the spirit of giving and community.

Today, the tradition of sharing a Thanksgiving meal with loved ones continues, and it serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back. 

Family plays a central role in Thanksgiving celebrations, and it is through family traditions that a culture of giving can be fostered. Many families have their unique traditions when it comes to Thanksgiving, whether it’s cooking a special meal together, watching football, or going for a post-dinner walk. These traditions can also include acts of charitable giving. For example, some families choose to volunteer together at a local soup kitchen or food bank on Thanksgiving Day. This allows them to give back to their community and provides an opportunity for family bonding and creating lasting memories. 

Thanksgiving is not only a time for giving back through volunteerism but also through charitable donations. Many people choose to make financial contributions to organizations that are working to address issues such as hunger, homelessness, and poverty. Charitable donations tend to increase during the holiday season, with Thanksgiving catalyzing this generosity.

Thanksgiving Event Ideas

  1. Host a Thanksgiving Dinner Fundraiser

One of the most popular ways to raise funds during Thanksgiving is by hosting a Thanksgiving dinner fundraiser. This live fundraising event involves organizing a dinner event where attendees can enjoy a delicious meal while supporting a good cause.

You can present a meal with all the trimmings and use features such as silent auctions to raise money while guests are tucking into their feasts. You may also find that local food stores or restaurants will want to donate meals or ingredients in honor of the cause, which will help keep costs down.

  1. Create a Thanksgiving-themed Silent Auction

A Thanksgiving-themed silent auction is another creative way to raise funds during the holiday season.

To make the auction successful, offer unique items or experiences that will attract bidders. Consider bundling items together to create themed packages, such as a Thanksgiving feast package or a holiday travel package. This will increase the perceived value of the items and encourage higher bids.

  1. Organize a Thanksgiving Bake Sale

A Thanksgiving-themed bake sale is a classic fundraising idea that can be both fun and profitable. To organize a successful bake sale, start by recruiting bakers who are willing to donate their time and skills to bake delicious treats.

To make the bake sale successful, offer a variety of treats that are related to Thanksgiving. This could include pumpkin pies, apple crisps, or turkey-shaped cookies. Consider packaging the treats as gifts, such as in festive boxes or bags, to make them more appealing to bidders.

  1. Organize a Thanksgiving-themed Charity Walk

Charity walks have become increasingly popular in recent years as a way to raise funds and promote awareness for various causes. Organizing a Thanksgiving-themed charity walk can be a great way to engage the community and raise funds during the holiday season.

You could arrange a walk that takes in some popular thanksgiving sights in your town or city or just market it as a way to walk off the calories consumed during the luxurious meal.

Choose Givergy To Support You

Thanksgiving is a holiday that is deeply rooted in gratitude and community. It is a time when people come together to express thanks for their blessings and give back to their communities. From its origins in the early days of the Pilgrims to the present day, Thanksgiving has inspired acts of kindness, generosity, and volunteerism.

At Givergy, we love a seasonal event as a way to reach more donors and use the positive spirits to help raise more. To find out how we can assist you, contact us today.

Labor Day Fundraising Ideas for 2023

Posted on by Ella Jacques

Is there a better excuse than Labor Day to celebrate your patriotism with everything red, white, and blue? We think not!

With everyone feeling ready to celebrate and spirits high, it is the perfect opportunity to remind people about your fundraising cause. As the festivities approach, many individuals and organizations prepare to host events, while others plan to use this holiday to raise funds for their cause. That being said, organizing a fundraising event can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. 

We’ve compiled a list of five Labor Day fundraising ideas for 2023 that are engaging and creative, offering the perfect complement to ongoing celebrations.

Why should you use Labor Day as a fundraising opportunity?

Capitalize on the holiday spirit: One of the biggest advantages of using Labor Day as a fundraising opportunity is that people are still in a generous and giving mood despite summer coming to an end. They’re more likely to donate to a good cause and support organizations that align with their values. 

Focus on workers’ issues: Labor Day is all about celebrating the contributions of American workers to society and highlighting the challenges they face in today’s economy. This presents an opportunity for you to bring attention to the issues that matter to workers and their families, such as fair wages, healthcare, equal pay, and job security. If your nonprofit is focused on any labor-related causes, you should really maximize the holiday for your messaging.

Thank your donors and supporters: Finally, don’t forget to thank your donors and supporters for their contributions and support. Use Labor Day as a moment to express your gratitude and show how their donations are making a difference in the lives of workers and their families. This can help build long-term relationships with your donors and encourage them to continue supporting your cause in the future.

Top Fundraising Ideas for Labor Day:

  1. Create auctions showcasing the best USA-themed consignment items.

This could be either a live auction or a silent auction that is packed full to the brim with experiences, gifts and vacations that showcase the best the country has to offer. By having a clear theme, you are able to capitalize on the Labor day celebrations perfectly.

  1. Organize a Bake Sale or hold a BBQ

Baked goods always stay in style, be it any event or occasion. Labor Day is a great opportunity to bake and sell your homemade goodies for a good cause when people are looking for some good food to celebrate!

Aside from offering traditional bakery items, you can get creative and offer themed snacks or meals that are popular on Labor Day, such as barbecues, hot dogs, hamburgers, and desserts.

Nothing screams Labour Day more than a traditional barbecue if you are more interested in an outdoor event. Consider giving it an old-fashioned touch by serving meals in tin-foil plates and disposable cups to make it interesting. For dessert, serve apple pies or cupcakes with edible American flag images. To collect funds, charge a small fee per plate or simply ask for a donation.

  1. Host a mini-games tournament.

Everyone loves friendly competition, and there’s no better way to add life to your Labor Day party than by hosting a mini-games tournament. Consider including classics such as Twister, horseshoes, or cornhole, and award prizes to the winners. You can charge for entry or ask for a donation.

  1. Patriotic Karaoke. 

Karaoke is always a crowd-pleaser, and it’s even better when it’s patriotic. To add a fun twist, organize a karaoke competition where participants sing songs inspired by American history or culture. You can charge an entry fee, provide prizes for the winner, or take donations for your cause.

  1. Outdoor Movie Night.

Finish off your Labor Day party with a bang by hosting an outdoor movie night. Rent a projection screen, use a white wall, and display a patriotic movie such as “Independence Day” or “Captain America” to end the evening. Charge for admission or ask for donations.

Labor Day is a great opportunity to bond with family and celebrate the hardworking citizens of the country. However, you can use this day to make a difference by raising funds for a worthy cause. The ideas mentioned in this post will add excitement to your Labor Day party and help you collect funds. So go ahead, put on your thinking cap, and plan the perfect Labor Day party that will impress your guests and make a difference.

Givergy’s fundraising platform can support all your event needs. To find out more, contact us today.