5 ways to reach more supporters - number 4 is popular right now!
A return to live events is exciting news, but don’t be too hasty to ditch your virtual fundraising tools just yet! Over the past two years, we’ve seen charity creativity for reaching audiences skyrocket.
Before the pandemic, the acceleration of a cashless society on such a large scale would have seemed impossible. Fortunately, fundraising platforms helped charities quickly adapt to change, respond to the cash-free movement, and implement new fundraising ideas.
Charities engaged supporters via online incentives that were more unique and reached those at -home during virtual live streams.
Now that in-person fundraising has its momentum back, hybrid fundraising ideas will take a front seat and provide charities with a sense of security and sustainability in 2022.
A hybrid fundraising event is an in-person fundraiser that supporters can also attend virtually. It allows for the furthest reach and most inclusive accommodation of supporter needs.
Here are 5 ideas for hybrid fundraising to take into 2022:
1. Livestream your Gala
Reach a wider audience in more regions by streaming your event live! Supporters at home can interact with additional charity incentives accessed by a QR code on-screen. This could be a digital raffle, competition, donation page, or live totaliser.
With donations and Gift Aid able to view in real-time on the platform, why not announce fundraising milestones on the night?
Example: Beatson streamed its Burns Night event live to hundreds of ticket holders. In between the traditional poetry readings and music, donors could participate in activities such as an auction, raffle, and a Burns-themed quiz from the comfort of their homes.
2. Expand your exhibitions
Having a physical exhibition with digital touch-points* will give supporters more ways to interact with you and the work you display.
You could present additional engagement opportunities like reading more about the art pieces, submitting positive feedback to artists, or donating to the cause.
For a hybrid event to really come together, create an online gallery of the exhibition for supporters to explore from anywhere. This also creates a reliable archive to interact with after the physical pieces get taken down.
Example: Koestler Arts created an online alternative to their physical art exhibition and reached supporters near and far. QR codes were used on each artwork for viewers to read more, submit their feedback, and opt-in to charity marketing.
The physical-digital exhibition reached more than 40,000 supporters and 11% chose to opt in (typical opt-in via websites is between 1-5% on average) .
3. Make outdoor athletic events possible anywhere
Outdoor fundraising events are a great way of bringing the community together to complete some fun fitness challenges. But why limit these events to one location?
Reach more supporters by giving them the option to take part in their own way.
You can enhance the engagement of your main event and remote participants by implementing an interactive map.
Give them a physical map with QR codes to scan for every milestone they reach. The experiences your individual codes link to can all be different. Like a commemorative selfie filter or thank you message from your charity.
Example: SSAFA’s 13 Bridges Challenge reached many more supporters with their adaptable bridges trail. SSAFA has consistently been at the forefront of charities that use digital collections at live events. Here’s some advice if you’re just getting started.
4. Transform your physical trails with digital prompts
The collectable trail template is one of the most popular Good Thyngs platform features, and it’s no wonder. The digital trails, unlocked by scanning QR codes in the real world, give instant rewards and gratification every step of the way.
The flexible time frame allows supporters and families to take part when it suits them. For those at home, why not hide collectable cartoons on your website or social media for supporters to collect?
Example: Dorothy House Hospice Care has created multiple holiday trails like the ‘Get Elfie’ trail and ‘Monster Halloween Hunt’. They hide unique characters around cities and on window shop displays for families to collect and take selfies with.
5. Give hosts the option to host a Coffee Morning in person or virtually
Virtual coffee mornings brought communities and families together as they shared stories and cups of coffee over video call. QR codes on virtual backgrounds are an effective way for hosts to share their fundraising page during calls or for your charity to give a special thanks.
Now that coffee mornings can also be in-person it’s a good idea to provide hosts with a selection of in-person and online resources and tips so that they can reach more people.
Example: Charities like Macmillan Cancer Support and RNRMC gave hosts a suite of coffee morning tools so that they could engage friends and family online and in person.
The Stand Easy campaign used digital raffles and selfie experiences to reach people on social media too.
Start now and reach more supporters
Nurture supporters, increase brand awareness and engage communities with experiences that go far beyond donations with our CorePlus experiences.
Digital touch-points can be created using QR codes or hidden NFC stickers on your physical marketing material. Supporters will be able to access instant charity experiences with their smartphones.