Weird and wonderful virtual fundraisers happening near you
As the world locks down to combat COVID-19, more and more charities are looking for digital alternatives to community events. A few weeks ago, we touched on some of the more popular ways charities are using to do this. This week we’re delving deeper into the world of digital fundraising and have uncovered some weirdly wonderful virtual events charities are trialing. And why not? Never has the license to take a risk and try something different been more valid!
- Virtual dog show: It’s not exactly Crufts, but it made us smile! Access Ad Grants client Support Dogs is asking proud pooch owners to donate £2 and share snaps of their canine friends. Hosted on a bespoke web page, new categories are announced each week, with the 'Best in Show' in for a chance to win a VIP day as a Support Dog trainer!
- A virtual ‘Crafternoon’: A regular event for the Mind team, this year will see Crafternoon go virtual. The details are still being ironed out, but with online templates, resources and a Facebook group already in place, they’ve got a great recipe for a productive afternoon.
- Fortnite for a Fortnight: Gaming is an emerging trend in digital fundraising, and we’re excited to see organisations like Leukaemia Care trying it out. Jumping on the popularity of the online game, Fortnite, this event challenges gamers to set their target for 14 days. Whether you pledge to play one hour a day, or to be the last man standing at the end of a two-week timeframe, it’s easy for supporters to donate to your cause. They can even watch your progress through Twitch!
- Charity tip jars: It didn’t take long for the idea of a virtual pub to take off. But how about a virtual tip jar? The Camden Brewery is trying just that – partnering with Hospitality Action to test the success of virtual tipping during a series of online pub events.
- Virtual bucket collections: If you can’t go to the street, you’ll have to bring the street to you. Marie Curie certainly aren’t the only charity to be setting up virtual bucket collections. With collectors fundraising through the likes of JustGiving and Virgin Money the technology is there. All it needs now is some fancy dress, live social media updates and your drive to collect those donations!
- Easter Balloon Race: Sail through the skies with friends, family and colleagues and raise vital funds for St John’s Hospice - all from the comfort of your sofa. With balloons ‘released’ from Jerusalem Old City, real weather conditions will make or break your success. Sponsors can track their balloon’s progress through Google Maps, with prizes aplenty for the three that travel the furthest.
- The Viral Knit: Sitting at home, stuck for something to do? Not only is knitting now officially full-circle cool, it’s also a great way to raise money for charity. The Viral Knit is a new initiative calling for knitters across the country to lend their needles to the art of face masks. Share your snaps and inspire donations for the mental health charity, Mind.
Feeling inspired? We hope that like us, reading this post put a smile on your face. There are so many options in the world of digital fundraising, now is your chance to try them. You never know. You might just find your next ‘big thing’!
