A Guide to COVID-19-Safe Fundraising
On this page:
- Fundraising Online during COVID-19
- How to Choose an Online Fundraiser
- Tips for Online, COVID Safe Fundraising
- Hosting Contactless Events
- Choosing a Fundraising Company during COVID
- Request a Free Information Kit
After almost two years since COVID made headlines around the world, many groups and organizations are tired of the ‘wait and see approach’ to fundraising. As many say, the show must go on – and that includes fundraising.
But with regular changes to restrictions, case numbers and delivery delays, you may feel uncertain in regards to fundraising. What if you plan an awesome event, but it cannot go ahead? How will you collect donations if cash-handling is ill-advised? But if you don’t fundraise, how will you provide for your community?
With so many questions, fundraising may feel overwhelming. But it doesn’t have to be! You’ve discovered a one-stop shop with all the best strategies for fundraising in a COVID-19 world.
Restrictions can make fundraising feel difficult, if not impossible!
Online Fundraising During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Is COVID friendly fundraising possible? Yes!
Luckily, new technologies have come to the rescue, enabling fundraising schools and community organisations to continue with their activity without jeopardising anyone’s wellbeing. Online fundraising for schools and other groups has delivered excellent outcomes and is considered a solid approach towards accomplishing the goal, regardless of the conditions.
Online, Online, Online!
Most fundraising and non-profit organisations across the globe have reported negative outcomes as a result of the coronavirus pandemic and the social distancing measures introduced to curb the spread of the virus.
Numerous non-profits have been making good use of virtual fundraising throughout the duration of lockdown and quarantine measures. While any entity can engage in online fundraising there are a couple of specifics to keep in mind.
Choose wisely.
Lots of fundraisers or programs may offer online fundraising. You may even be considering an online event as a way to fundraise, such as an online trivia night. However, it is important that you choose a fundraising provider or online platform that is cybersafe, secure and designed for the age group you are serving. This is particularly important if you are in school fundraising.
Your school fundraising platform should be exciting, protect children’s identities, and store information here in Australia (not offshore, where it can be stolen). Learn more about cybersafe online fundraising today!
Fundraising online can help you continue fundraising despite restrictions.
Remind your community – often!
In the absence of direct contact, impactful messaging becomes more important than ever before. It’s crucial to keep on communicating – donors and supporters should be hearing from your organisation during difficult times. If you choose a fundraiser with Australian Fundraising (like the Colour Explosion School Run 4 Fun), you will be able to email your participants directly from the online platform!
Highlight the need.
Know your strengths and the reasons why your message is still important in the midst of a pandemic. These should be the core values built into your virtual fundraising campaign. Timelessness and relevance always matter, and they will be even more vital when the fundraising opportunities are somewhat limited due to circumstances. Needing more support? Contact Australian Fundraising to discuss fundraising ideas, products and prizes.
Read More about Online Fundraising
Fundraise near and wide with a versatile online fundraiser.
Contactless events? No problem!
Online fundraising is one thing, but how do you host your event? Whether it’s a Slime Spectacular School Run 4 Fun or a Billy G’s Cookie Dough collection, you might be wondering how these activities can be COVID-19 safe!
Here are three ways you can ensure your fundraising event can go ahead regardless of the circumstances.
Run in-class groups
If you host a fun run or Billy G’s Gourmet Cookie Dough Fundraiser and are impacted by COVID social distancing restrictions, hosting your event in class groups can be a good way to go! Separating race and/or Cookie Dough collection times into class or grade groups means that students and parents do not mix and can maintain social distancing rules.
Having students race in class groups is one way to manage COVID 19 social distancing rules.
Raise now, run later
Sometimes fundraising is urgent! If lockdowns are severe and children aren’t onsite, you may be able to raise funds now, but host your fundraising event when students return to school. Because Australian Fundraising provides materials when required, you can move your date to a time when circumstances suit. It’s never been easier to Raise Now and Run Later with Australian Fundraising.
Choose a company that understands!
More than anything, it’s important that you choose a fundraising company with empathy. Working alongside a company with over 20 years in the industry means that you will be understood! Rather than trying to manage everything on your own, choose to fundraise with a company that can deal with every hiccup along the way. Australian Fundraising has helped schools raise more than $20 million in 2020 and 2021 – in the middle of a pandemic! Learn how we can help you host a COVID-Safe Fundraising program today.
Host Your COVID-Safe Fundraiser!
Looking for COVID-Safe Fundraising options for your school or group? Australian Fundraising have exactly what you’re looking for. Submit a contact form below to request your free, non-obligatory information kit today!
What is the perfect online fundraiser?
Not only is online fundraising for schools a good approach in a COVID-19 world, it also happens to be one of the most affordable and least challenging projects to put together! Especially if you work with a company that has been doing this for more than 20 years (like Australian Fundraising!).
An online fundraiser gives you optimal reach because you aren’t limited to those you see in person. The range of set-up challenges you’ll potentially face is limited in comparison to putting together a real-world event.
Still, you should be prepared for the potential of change. Being ready to modify your fundraising campaign on the go is one of the biggest essentials in the current socio-economic situation. But if you are patient, flexible and well-supported, you can overcome any challenge with confidence!
Australian Fundraising has a custom-built online fundraising platform, perfect for cybersafe school fundraising!
Strategies for Effective Virtual Fundraising
Starting out with a great virtual fundraising idea is obviously the first essential. Once you have the concept in place, you can move on to exploring other steps for effective Covid friendly fundraising:
- Optimise online donation forms: your website is one of the most powerful tools in your possession. There should be a visible donation button and a streamlined form that necessitates just seconds to complete. Understand the fact that people have to put some effort into completing a virtual donation. It’s up to you to eliminate obstacles and hindrances standing in the way of engagement.
- Employ crowdfunding platforms: a crowdfunding platform provides you with additional opportunities to reach a large audience and maximise the spread of your campaign. In addition, this fundraising methodology allows you to set a particular goal, track progress and inform supporters of the steps being made towards accomplishment (which can keep morale levels high).
- Consider incentives for your supporters: a good incentive for virtual fundraising doesn’t have to be massive or expensive. Offering supporters some form of recognition and an enhanced social standing within the community can be equally attractive forms of motivation.
- Ensure the safety of online payments: this final strategy is probably the most practical one, but it’s imperative for building and maintaining the reputation of your organisation. Numerous payment platforms offer effortless integration into digital channels for fundraising. Choose the one that ensures the most security and convenience. If you’re not confident about the specifics, do consult a professional!
Types of Online Fundraisers + A Few Additional Tips
There are so many types of online fundraisers that you could lose some focus in an attempt to do COVID-friendly fundraising.
When choosing the right approach, however, you should consider several essentials.
What is your primary goal, and what’s the timeframe for hitting that milestone? What is the demographic profile of your supporters and sponsors? How can you reach them in the easiest and most convenient way?
There’s no such thing as a cookie-cutter virtual fundraiser. You can tweak just about every aspect of the campaign to make it more palatable to the specific group of individuals you’re targeting.
Some common types of online fundraisers you may want to consider experimenting with include:
- Peer-to-peer fundraising
- Online giving days dedicated to specific causes
- Text-to-give campaigns
- Online auctions
- Fundraising email campaigns
- Social media fundraising events
- Online contests
- A partnership with an online business for proceeds
Needless to say, these are just a few of the options. Depending on your goal and knowledge of the audience, the campaign specifics can be tweaked further.
Remember that the number one thing you have to do first is determine your ultimate goal. You really cannot do effective virtual fundraiser planning if you don’t know what you’re trying to accomplish.
Start COVID-Safe Fundraising Today!
Looking for COVID-Safe Fundraising options for your school or group? Australian Fundraising has exactly what you’re looking for. Request your free, non-obligatory information kit today!
