4 Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Schools & Nonprofits
As schools are in the final planning stages of reopening for the new school year amid Covid-19, whether it is virtual learning or in-person, most schools are facing budget cuts and wondering where funding is going to come from. Here are 4 fun virtual fundraiser ideas you can host and are easily adaptable for in-person events if your school chooses that direction.
1 – Virtual Walk/Run/Bike-a-thon
There are many benefits to hosting a virtual walk or run, and they are easy to organize. Your participants can walk/run/bike at any time within your predetermined timeframe and then take photos to share with the community when they have crossed the finish line. Simply determine your donation goal, set up your registration page and tracker – either on your website or through a 3rd party like GoFundMe Charity or Dojiggy – and then spread the word! Most events have concession stands to help raise additional funds for their cause, and you can also do that for a virtual event. Create a concessions package that participants can purchase when they register, then they can pick up their concessions, along with any medals or t-shirts, after they have completed the walk/run/bike-a-thon.
2 – Curbside Concessions
PTAs and sports teams can still raise money and keep students and families connected – through your concession stand! You can easily set up your concession stand to operate offering: express order, carry-out, or contactless delivery. Orders can be taken online utilizing social media channels, your website, or even setting up an online order app using sites like fanfoodapp.
To operate at top efficiency and gain the most profit, keep your menu offering simple. Concession foods are quick and easy to make but offering great grab-and-go, prepackaged items like caramel corn, popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, pretzels, and more will keep things moving even quicker.
3 – Online Auction
If you were planning on having an auction this fall, setting up an online auction is a great alternative. Create fun food gift baskets made from your concession stand to auction off. You can even add in a few gift cards from local businesses to sweeten the deal and support your community! Start a live stream on YouTube or Vimeo and have those attending bid in the comment section. Or you can look at online auction management platforms like Bidding for Good or schoolauction.net.
4 – Virtual Craft Night Fundraiser
Similar to a virtual cooking class and based on “wine and design” events, you can offer a virtual craft night fundraiser to your community. This idea is entertaining and gives adults and kids the chance to create fun art for a good cause. This type of fundraiser does require advanced registration because you will need time to allow pick up or deliver the craft supplies to each participant.
To get started, first come up with what your craft will be and what supplies you will need. You can also offer select items from your concession stand as a snack for each person to purchase and enjoy during the event. Make sure to offer prepackaged items so they stay fresh until your virtual crafting night. Next, you will need to create an event page where people can register, pay, and even invite their friends. You will also need to select your platform, like Zoom, for participants to log on to. Then send out emails and create an event on your social media pages. Consider coming up with a catchy name for the event that includes your cause, such as “Crafting for (your school name).” Make sure to also send clear instructions to the registrants before the event so they know how to log onto the event and set up their crafting supplies. And don’t forget to thank everyone for supporting your cause during your live event.
Whatever direction you take your fundraising event, just keep your goal in mind as you work through the planning and execution. Remember that all your work is for a great cause!