The following is a partnered post on behalf of Kestum Bilt. Opinions expressed in “Tips To Fundraising During A Pandemic!” are that of my own.
Whether you are a member of a school’s PTO, involved in a local little league, or part of a Non-Profit organization, you are probably facing the difficulties of how you will continue to fundraise during the current pandemic.
Due to social distancing guidelines as well as economic factors, there will continue to be obstacles to overcome to generate donations in our communities.
So how should an individual or group engage in this situation? Check out these tips to fundraising during a pandemic.
Identify The Purpose –
Since many in-person events have been cancelled or postponed, it is more important than ever to clearly communicate your organization’s mission. Donors want to know exactly what they are contributing to and why. Provide photos and videos as well as ways your organization has helped the community. Be sure to also share personal stories or testimonials.
Wanting to communicate your purpose through video? Kestum Bilt can help with professional Video Production in Tampa and surrounding areas in Florida.
Utilize your mailing list –
If you have collected emails via your website or addresses for your group, it is time to use these in order to ask for donations. You can call previous donors to touch base and continue to have volunteers collect new contacts by requesting permission from friends and family.
Many online programs such as Constant Contact and Mail Chimp make the process of communication simpler as well as help create a professional looking newsletter to share photos or a video. As a courtesy, always give individuals the option to opt out of future communications.
Social Media –
Now that you have photos and video to use, it is time to utilize resources such as Facebook, Twitter, as well as Instagram.
Invite your members to like or follow your pages. You can also include the posts you created as links in email communication and ask recipients to share this via their social channels as well. Utilize resources like PayPal or a Go Fund Me page to collect and distribute funds.
Host Virtual Events-
With Zoom and Webex as an option, social distancing doesn’t mean that you can’t have a social event to fundraise. Online live auctions are perfect for this venue, as well hosting virtual Happy Hours to share organization needs for volunteers and contributions. In Florida Tampa Corporate Video Production can help prepare content to advertise or to share during these events, check out Kestum Bilt for more details.
Facebook groups are also a simple way to setup raffles or silent auctions. If you are not comfortable with administering an online auction, Donor Search has compiled a list of Online Silent Auction Companies to check out. However, be sure to know your states guidelines in advance when it comes to raffles and contests. In addition, clearly state rules and recruit individuals to help procure items and administer raffles.
Passive Fundraising –
If you are registered as a non-profit organization be sure to signup with Amazon Smile and Facebook Fundraisers for a passive income stream. Each purchase made by an Amazon Smile member generates funds for your organization.
Once signed up for Facebook Fundraisers, you can place a donate button on your posts. Plus, individuals can host birthday fundraisers on behalf of your group directly through the social network.
Create “A Thons” –
Read A Thons, Walk A Thons, and virtual fun runs are an excellent option for social distancing. Since these fundraisers are either done completely independently or outside it helps to limit contact with others.
You can create your own events or work with a virtual companies. This article by Go Fund Me has great tips to fundraising when hosting events like these.
Participate in online sales–
Selling items is an excellent way to fundraise. Our school recently did a virtual fundraiser through a group called Believe Kids (Otis Spunkenmeyer affiliated).
Not only did they sell household items and nonperishable foods via an online catalog, but also had a donate option. The kids earn prizes and the school earns money, it is a win win. If you are looking for something geared more towards adults, the Entertainment Book even offers a virtual option.
Even though a pandemic isn’t the most ideal situation to fundraise in, you can still find ways to make it work. I hope you find these tips to fundraising helpful and best wishes to the success of your efforts!
Carlee @ FLL
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