As 2020 has shown us, the world keeps on going even in the middle of a global pandemic. Raising funds during our new reality can be difficult and intimidating. Below are some ideas to raise funds while keeping socially distant.
1. AMAZON SMILE:
Amazon Smile is a passive fundraiser to gain funds whenever you or a supporter shop. Shoppers who atart at smile.amazon.com will find the same Amazon they know and love, with the added bonus that Amazon will donate a portion of the price of eligible purchases to the charity of your choice. *In order to register and receive donations, you must be an official representative of an eligible organization and meet eligibility requirements.
How to register and receive donations for your 501(c)(3) charitable organization*
1. Visit org.amazon.com/signout
2. Click the yellow “Register Now” button
3. Search for your organization by name or EIN
4. Click the yellow “Register” button next to your organization’s name.
5. Follow the instructions to complete registration
2. VIRTUAL GATHERING:
A virtual event is a great substitute for physical events. You can host a virtual event to include but not limited to:
paint and sip
pajama gala
guided cooking class
comedy show
concert
You get the point! For a virtual event you can secure a head count two weeks before the event and put together packages and announce a public pick-up location. This is a good opportunity to partner with a retail store as the point of pick up since you’ll be giving them foot traffic and may be willing to donate to your attendance package. If your virtual event does not include a package, incorporate a live Q&A session so attendees can participate by texting in their questions to guest speakers. The best part, your attendees will be able to enjoy the presentations from their couch in their pajamas!
ONLINE GAMING TOURNAMENT:
There are many ways to host one of these. You can have team sign up for an event for a specific game like League of Legends or Super Smash Bros or you can make it a fun game night. (Here is an article that has virtual board games https://www.boston.com/culture/entertainment/2020/03/18/board-games-online-with-friends)
4. FOLLOWER FUNDRAISING
Ask your supporters to raise money for your nonprofit. Since Facebook is the big reminder of everyone’s birthdays, you can see who’s birthday is coming up and kindly ask them to start a fundraiser on your behalf. Supporters can always run a Facebook fundraiser regardless of their special day. There are six various ways to fundraise on Facebook, click the link for more information.
5. SWAG BOXES
This one takes a little it more hustling, but partner or team with local business for free products that you can in turn put in a swag box. You can sell the goodies for what you find reasonable, and you can do it all from your website.
6. ONLINE THRIFT STORE
Collect old and gently used items and host a virtual yard sale. There are many sites already established for your postings or you can use Letgo or Facebook Marketplace to keep customers local.
7. A Virtual Thrift Store
A modge podge of the swag boxes and online thrift store! You will have to solicit donations from local businesses and then advertise the items you plan to raffle. A silent auction may be easier to manage virtually, but both will have great revenue! he main con for virtual fundraisers is that it can be hard to match the excitement and engagement that are built into live in-person events.
So, in order to fuel enthusiasm, you’ll have to be very deliberate about your promotion and engagement strategies. It’s not impossible — just something that you’ll have to remember if you decide to run one. Make sure to check in with your states gambling laws if doing a raffle.