From apps to online gaming. Five top virtual charity fundraising ideas.
Digital transformation is a hot topic for charities, with the emergence of new tools and technologies fast changing the way we give and receive. With coronavirus fundamentally changing the way charities fundraise, the digital world has never been more present, and the need to embrace digital technology more important. Every day, new virtual charity fundraising ideas and tools are emerging. Here is a lo-down of the five techniques we think look set to survive the coronavirus pandemic:
- Apps: It’s been over 10 years since the ‘App Store’ went live. Not only does application technology create new potential for service delivery (check out Sea Hero Quest and ‘Mind of My Own’) it puts fundraising in the palm of your hands. We love that apps like Trac4GOOD make it quick and easy to connect budding virtual challenge event participants to causes they care about, that Roundup donates those extra online pennies to your chosen charity, and apps like iConnectX make virtual auctions and raffles a reality. The fact is that apps are fast becoming a charity staple. And as technology evolves, it seems the only limit is your imagination!
- Contactless moments: Contactless donations are a digital trend that has long been on the up. Quick, convenient, and with ROIs set to impress, the past few years have seen charities across the country embrace this digital disruption. Cancer Research UK has been using contactless technology as part of their World Cancer Day campaign since 2015. And who could forget the contactless points pinned to furry fundraisers at the Blue Cross, the glowing stag at Piccadilly Circus, or the storytelling statue at Hengistbury Head Nature Reserve? We knew that contactless donation points were a trend set to surge. But no-one could have foreseen the magnitude of the change that was about to happen. With a country intent on becoming COVID-secure, in April this year 90% of face-to-face transactions were made using contactless technology. As the world adapts to the ‘new normal’, cash carrying COVID fears mean that contactless donations are trend that is set to stay.
- Crowdfunding: The crowdfunding market has grown exponentially over the last 10 years, with a value of €10.4 billion in Europe (the UK accounts for more than two thirds of this). Donation crowdfunding might be the smallest of all the pies, but it is one that has grown steadily since 2014. There is argument of course, that the crowdfunding trend is a threat to traditional models of individual giving. But as Bill Borrows highlights, there is a win-win to be had in the overlap between the two. And with many charities now taking advantage of crowdfunding tools we think there is space for growth in this arena. Watch this space.
- Gaming: Did you know there are almost 40 million gamers in the UK? With lockdown seeing public spend on games and gaming up by 71% the team at UK Fundraising are right to highlight this unusual digital fundraising tool. But it isn’t just about market viability. As Howard Lake argues, with gaming comes passion, ‘and people will pay to watch, play alongside, learn and engage with people who are experts in their area’. Common fundraisers include live streaming, marathons, challenges and parties (think Macmillan #GameHeroes and War Child’s award-winning Armistice campaign). That’s just the beginning. Whether you’re ‘Gaming Pink’ for the National Breast Cancer Foundation, Getting your ‘Game On’ for Standup To Cancer, or ‘Gaming for Good’ with Dogs for Good, more charities are exploring the potential of this new income stream. There’s even a podcast dedicated to the endeavour.
- Virtual events: Where to start? Combining a range of technologies, we are big fans of virtual events, and not just because of COVID. Virtual events make it easy for donors to get involved – helping you break traditional barriers and get more people raising money for your cause. There are the trail blazers of course, with events like the British Heart Foundation’s My Marathon at the top of the event fundraising chart well before social distancing became the norm. A technological hub, it has its own app, microsite, video content and downloads – raising £1 million with 31,000 sign-ups in its first year alone (thanks for the details, SOFII). An inspired insight into what’s possible, COVID-19 has seen the bar raised even higher, with charities turning their community fundraisers digital overnight. And what weird and wonderful events we have seen! Virtual Balloon Races, Dog Shows and even ‘Lapping the Map’, the window of opportunity is wide open. We think virtual events – and hybrid virtual events – are a sure part of the fundraising future, COVID or no COVID.
Of course, not every virtual charity fundraising idea will be the right fit for you. Just because the Jones’ are dabbling with online gaming does not mean that you should. It is about finding the right tools for you. As Digital Transformation Expert and Consultant, Ian Patterson would argue, instead of hiding from disruptive technologies try and put some time aside each week to seek them out! It will eliminate the fear of the unknown. So when the right opportunity for your charity and supporters presents itself, you will be in a far better position to press ‘go’.
Speak to one of our Not for profit specialists to find out how you can use our Not For Profit solutions to help achieve your organisation's goals.
