Based on data collected from hundreds of fundraising professionals, industry experts, influencers, and donors, this Congress 2021 session shared key trends, insights, and strategies to help event managers get ahead, by raising funds and engaging donors in 2022.
Based on feedback from more than 200 virtual, hybrid and in-person events, charities are doing A LOT to increase fundraising potential and donor engagement. Now is a great time to plan and discuss what it takes to be an organization that is leading the way with online fundraising.
A recent survey found that 92% of fundraisers think that fundraising events will continue to have virtual elements in the future. As a result, it is important to think about the advantages of both in-person and virtual events when planning for the upcoming year.
Virtual events present valuable opportunities
Organizations that used virtual events, hit their targets in 2020. Moving into 2021 and beyond, charities that had virtual events are interested in growing that success.
Advantages of virtual events
Why donors are loving virtual events
In-person events provide a different experience from virtual ones
In-person events were the hallmark of traditional fundraising events until recently. In-person events have many great aspects.
Why donors also love in-person
Reinventing in-person events while keeping the benefits of virtual ones
Since charities have already successfully adapted to online, the future is bright for continuing to have virtual elements in your event mix. Below are four possible models for you to consider.
In-person with virtual fundraising
In-person with livestream audience
This is perfect approach for and organization which has a lot of donors who are out-of-town.
VIP in-person with remote virtual
In this method, the charity runs two events simultaneously - one in-person and one virtual. This has particular appeals to a wider donor base.
Purely virtual
For some charities, purely virtual events are here to stay, particularly if your charity is in a large geographic area. In this format, you want a mix of pre-recorded and live videos throughout your event. Borrowing from the past, the classic thermometer can be used to show how close you are to hitting your goals.
In this approach, your event needs to be more than just a Zoom call. Element can include
What does it take to succeed today?
As we move into the next stage of re-opening, it is remains important to create a seamless donor experience. In considering your next event, you should think about giving your donors virtual and in-person options. By maximizing the benefits of both, you can build a better experience for your donors.
How to plan successful fundraising events in 2022 and beyond.
How to enhance donor engagement with your fundraising events.
Rebecca Alfred is the Charity Relationships Lead at Trellis Social Enterprise Inc. supports charities, hospital foundations, non-profits, and other organizations to find new online approaches to raising funds for the causes they care about. Rebecca’s supported hundreds of in-person, virtual, and hybrid events through her time at Trellis. She also holds specialized expertise in creating a seamless donor experience for signature events that allows organizations to raise more funds, engage donors, and save time while they’re doing it.
Cover photo by Joel Muniz on Unsplash
Session summary by Ann Rosenfield who thanks AFP for the media pass for Congress 2021.
