After many years of experience with their established annual fundraiser, most nonprofits have a solid idea of the amount of donations they can realistically expect.

However, when pivoting to a virtual event, we often hear executive directors and directors of development ask if they can still expect to raise that same amount of money... or less, when it comes to a virtual fundraiser.

Based on our experiences with Happily fundraiser events for Equality Now, 826 Valencia and LEAP, the answer is; ‘you can expect the same amount of money - if not more!’

GIF: From 826 Valencia's Bookeaters' Bash

Here are some pro tips on how to optimize donations for a virtual fundraiser

1. Start asking for funding commitments before the event

Think of the virtual fundraiser as a place where you can visibly recognize and celebrate those who give donations, and having a few pledges already helps others feel comfortable to donate online during the event, too

2. Silent auctions should start before the event

This will allow people to start bidding on them and raising money, and then you can close the silent auction right before the start of the event, encouraging people to show up for the live virtual fundraiser

3. Engage your donors with a live chat

Make sure to have a few staff on hand to bring the chat to life, to share comments to encourage others to do so, and, of course, thank people for coming. Also, if you have an audience larger than a few hundred, spring for even more engagement and consider dedicated viewing rooms where people can watch together.

4. Make sure the method of donating does not take away your audience's attention

Text to donate and opening donation windows in a new browser really helps keep attendees watching the screen while donations are happening. You do not want to move people completely from the platform of your virtual event, and lose the energy and momentum of the experience.

5. It is all about watching, donating, or joining

The user experience design of the website needs to be simple and draw attention to only one of three calls to action at a time; watch, donate, or join. Use a main stage broadcast for live auctions and give the live MC cues for what to do next, eg; donate or join an interactive networking space.

6. The secret sauce is storytelling

For the content of the virtual fundraiser experience, work with our Happily specialists to tell the story of your program. A good mixture of emotive stories, a few words from any notable guests, celebs, employees, and the constituents of your nonprofit, is a winning recipe.

7. Show all those donations

A rolling ticker at the bottom of the broadcast can help keep the focus of the event on your story, on the all important mission of your nonprofit, and connect the money given with what it is going towards. Plus, it will build excitement as donations flow in throughout the event, and the numbers tick closer and closer to your goal.