In this digital age, fundraising online can be a key way to find success with your donors. In fact, did you know that half of all high-end givers prefer to give online due to the ease of accessibility and security? But the benefits don’t stop there!
In addition, online fundraising can help you extend your reach by promoting your why in creative ways, finding new supporters, and giving your audience the ability to share your content.
Are you wondering what a virtual fundraiser is and how to get started? Read on to learn more! Or check out Choose Life Express for more information about virtual fundraising resources tailored to your unique campaigns.
What is a Virtual Fundraiser?
A virtual fundraiser is simply a fundraiser for your pregnancy center done solely online instead of in person. The opportunities for online fundraising are endless—as you can utilize your social channels (Facebook, Instagram, email, etc.) to share the word about your fundraiser.
Plus, in our nearly cashless society, online fundraising enables your supporters to give to your campaign anytime, anywhere. They are a great addition to your in-person events and other donor development strategies in your annual fundraising plan.
Additional benefits of hosting a virtual fundraiser for your center can also include:
- Saving money! Online fundraisers can be more cost-effective than traditional fundraisers, as you’ll cut down on overhead costs (like printing, mailing, etc.).
- Expanding your reach. Fundraising online makes your content more accessible to wider audiences and allows your donors to share it and spread the word.
- Flexibility. Need to make changes? Online fundraising allows you to adjust your content along the way..
Tips for Hosting Your Virtual Fundraiser
While the benefits of hosting an online fundraiser are undeniable, you might be thinking to yourself, This sounds great, but where do I start? We’re glad you asked!
Hosting an online fundraiser has never been easier. Here are some first steps to set you up for success:
- Build a team (at least two people) and define your fundraising goals.
You’ve likely already taken these steps when hosting a traditional fundraiser, so this one should be easy. Just like your brick-and-mortar campaigns, you will want to ensure that your fundraising goals align with your overall strategic marketing plan (what is your monetary goal, what are you raising funds for, etc.).
- Identify your marketing channels.
One of the best parts of an online fundraiser is the seemingly unlimited capabilities. For example, whereas your traditional campaign would rely on mail, flyers, etc., your online fundraiser can utilize any part of the web.
For your online campaign, identify your center’s available online channels (your social media accounts, websites, and email lists). You will want to take advantage of each of these online channels to extend your reach as far as possible.
You will want to ensure that your social media posts, emails, and other online marketing messages will lead your donors to a central giving page—this can be as simple as a hyperlink that goes to your donation portal or a landing page that includes all the information about your campaign.
- Start writing your copy!
Once you know your goals and the channels you will use to share your fundraising campaign, it’s time to write your copy and tailor it for each channel.
Keep in mind that your social media copy will differ from your emails. For example, social media posts are typically short and can utilize video, while your emails can be longer and more explanatory.
- Above all, make it easy to give online.
We can’t stress this enough. Your donors want to give, but if there is even the most minor hurdle in the giving process, it could prevent donations.
Whenever you post your fundraising content on your different channels, make sure your supporters can see exactly where to give (include a clearly labeled giving button or hyperlink that will take them to your giving page/portal).
Plus, don’t forget to turn on the ability to include recurring/monthly donations.
Our Virtual Fundraising Packages & Resources
Whether you’re new to online fundraising or want to maximize your virtual campaign’s effectiveness, Choose Life Express has what you need to succeed.
At Choose Life Express, we offer a variety of virtual fundraising tools and resources for your pregnancy center to help you easily and quickly get your fundraiser up and running!
Our fundraising packages include videos, email content, social media graphics, and more, which means you can leave the work to us. After making a few minor changes to the materials, such as adding your center’s name, you can launch your campaign.
Some of our most popular online fundraising packages include:
Our Give Life, Hope, and Love Giving Tuesday marketing package offers the virtual fundraising tools you need, including a video, email content, social media captions, and a recommended marketing plan! It has a variety of items to help you raise funds for your center and kick off a successful giving season.
Connect online with your church partners and plan your donor communication before the holidays start with our Made in His Image | Sanctity of Human Life Package. This SOHL marketing package includes a SOHL video, social media graphics, church email content, a PowerPoint slide, donor email content, and a recommended marketing plan!
Maximize Your Online Impact Today
Choose Life Express is in your corner and here to partner with you to save and change lives.
Contact our team today to learn how a ready-made online fundraising package can enhance your organization’s message and help you gain even more support.
