1. Get Your Creative Juices Flowing:
Your imagination is the limit when it comes to online fundraising events: you could hold a virtual auction, raffle, quiz, concert, tutorial etc. Actual fundraising can take the form of tickets sold in advance, a suggested donation to enter, raffle and auction, or asking for donations before and during the event.
2. Do Some Savvy Platform Research:
There’s no shortage of streaming platforms available, so do your research and choose one that best fits your idea. There’s Facebook and Instagram live; GoToMeetings, Zoom and other webinar platforms; gaming platform Twitch (yes, gaming fundraisers are a thing).
You can set up your own event fundraising page by clicking on “Start Fundraising” on the official peer-to-peer SCOPE fundraising page. This way all of the funds go directly to SCOPE! (Note: Teen supporters be sure to use the Teens Give Camp fundraising page to create your fundraiser)
3. Frame The Right Message:
When framing how you are going to communicate about your event, make sure you have a clear ask. Tell people exactly what donations will help achieve. You will need to let supporters know how you are supporting your communities during the pandemic crisis and what the urgent needs are.
THIS IS THE MONEY MAKER! Craft your story about WHY camp is so important to you and WHY you want to give the gift of camp to those who would not otherwise have it. People don’t get excited about campaigns. People connect with stories. Humans love compelling stories with characters, narratives, and themes with which they can identify. It’s essential to tell a compelling story and help your supporters communicate why the story matters to them.
4. Spread The Word Wisely:
Think about who you want to target — as always with fundraising you want to target those who are already supportive of your cause, so think past donors and event attendees, social media followers and community members. And of course with virtual events you don’t have to limit yourself to audiences in your city or region. Then make the most of your digital communications tools — email, social media and website — to promote your event. Friends, Family, Family Friends, Your Parents’ Friends, etc.
● Family – Consider more than just your immediate family and include people you might see over the holidays or relatives who live in a different state.
● Friends – These include your BFF’s as well as your acquaintances. Consider your friends from all different times of your life: elementary school, camp and beyond! Also think about groups that you or your parents belong to: PTA, athletic clubs, book club, etc.
● Community Groups – Think about all the clubs in which you participate: religious, political, volunteer activities, both in-person and virtual groups
● Businesses you frequent – Consider asking your doctor, your friends at the gym, your hairdresser, dry cleaner, local deli, even the person you buy coffee from every morning may want to give if you just ask!
5. Plan Ahead For Smooth Running:
Just like with a physical event, create a detailed running order and make sure everyone knows their role and responsibilities. Rehearse and double and triple check your tech. What’s your Plan B in case your performer’s WiFi goes down?
6. Don’t Forget Your Supporters, Post-Event:
Don’t forget to follow up with guests of your digital event to thank them and let them know how their support will help. Evaluate your event, get feedback and make a note of what could be improved in future events.
Ideas:
● Virtual Auction/Raffle
● Facebook/Instagram Live – music/storytime
● TED Talk
● Talent Show
● Discussions
● Gaming Tournament
● Cooking Class, Art Class, etc
● Trivia Night
● FitBit / Step Count Challenge
● Live Stream Concert
● Campfire Stories
● Email PDF coloring sheets, scavenger hunt activity, etc
● Video Game Tourney
● Sell Merch
● Virtual Fitness Class / Peloton Ride / 5K
● Halloween Candy Grams – reverse Trick or Treating
● Private Basketball Lessons/Clinic