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BlogVirtual Fundraising: A Hybrid Consideration for Fundraising Events

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Virtual Fundraising Event

Virtual Fundraising: A Hybrid Consideration for Fundraising Events

Virtual Fundraising EventFor some organizations, gone are the days of hosting a one-day, in-person event. Many people now expect a virtual fundraising option to participate in a meeting or fundraising event.

As you plan your organization’s fundraising calendar for 2022, you may need to consider enhancing the budget line item for event expenses to accommodate additional safety measures and hybrid events such as virtual fundraising events.

In-person vs. Virtual Fundraising Events

Numerous extra safety precautions need to be put in place for in-person fundraising event such as sanitation stations, a larger venue to spread out attendees, even shifting from a food buffet to plated meal. Implementing these extra safety measures will most likely increase your in-person event expenses, but is necessary to help your supporters feel safe enough to continue their involvement in future events.

Expenses also will be incurred by offering a virtual fundraising option for supporters to participate. Your organization is essentially creating another event, but strictly for an online audience. Where video production may not be needed for an in-person fundraiser, it may be essential in order to livestream the event and provide an interactive community online. Additional online software may need to be purchased to process registrations, online gifts, or auction items.

Reach More with Virtual Fundraising

Another great benefit of virtual fundraising events is that they allow interested people to support your organization, even if they do not live locally. Note, however, that although this is great in expanding your organization’s reach to new supporters, your nonprofit may not be compliant if it is not registered to fundraise to people living in other states.

Most states require nonprofits to register to solicit their residents; this includes through an online or virtual event. The cost to register to fundraise varies from state to state and could impact your event budget.

To help you plan your next fundraising event and to learn more about items to consider when offering hybrid options like a virtual event, contact one of our fundraising consultants at AMPERAGE Fundraising & Marketing at 319-268-9151.

Written by:

Melissa provides fundraising counsel for AMPERAGE’s nonprofit clients, leading feasibility studies and providing solutions that drive successful fundraising campaign results.

A Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), she uses her experience and extensive skill set to continually advance her fundraising practices and develop campaign-specific strategies, materials and training to help clients reach their campaign goals and advance their mission.

Melissa has vast experience working in the nonprofit sector, having served in development and leadership roles with Sisters of Mercy and the Alzheimer’s Association. In addition, she has served as a volunteer and board member with local nonprofits, such as the Catherine McAuley Center. Faith-based organizations and causes are of particular interest to Melissa.

Melissa moves the needle by always looking for new opportunities and ways to improve professionally. She is currently president of the Eastern Iowa Planned Giving Council and a past president of the Association of Fundraising Professionals-Eastern Iowa Chapter.

Melissa holds a Master of Strategic Leadership degree from Mount Mercy University.

This busy professional, wife and mother enjoys sports and live music in her free time. A fan of Cubs baseball and Iowa Hawkeye football, Melissa and family enjoy football tailgating, where she’s known for her breakfast burritos. She enjoys the local band scene but says a Foo Fighters concert is her all-time favorite.