How to Successfully Fundraise Through Live Streaming!

Posted by Tim Stansbury on 23 April 2020

At a time when the world is at home and going to live events just isn’t possible, the events industry is filling the void with live streaming and virtual events. Just this weekend some phenomenal events took place, including:

• One World: Together at Home – featuring the likes of Lady Gaga, Elton John and Taylor Swift, to name a few
• ‘The Phantom of the Opera’ at the Royal Albert Hall
• Movie Night with Jamie Lee Curtis
• Robyn D.J.s Live

It’s a concept many are new to, but one we have realised for some time has a lot of potential. We’re learning new tricks quickly and wanted to offer some advice and support.

How it works:

Live streaming events is a fairly simple concept.  You really don’t need expensive or professional equipment, but the clearer the picture and sound quality of course the better it will be. Just make sure the backdrop for your shot is uncluttered, homely or fun, whatever your desire.

Content:

If you’re short on content; i.e. live music, comedy or interesting info, then do not fear – when fundraising it’s fine to be short and sweet.  You must have your Givergy fundraising platform set up where we can embed the live stream of the event, then show your fundraising targets, donation options and auction items (if applicable). Then you’re all set.

Timings:

The barebones are to invite your audience to participate at a specific time (say Saturday 6pm) and for a limited time (perhaps only 30 minutes to an hour).

The Host:

Then have your MC ready, an opening speech with your aims for the evening, drawing attention to the fundraising needs and how those at home can access the fundraising platform. For the more advanced, you can have multiple hosts, in different locations and these can include a speaker from the charity, videos, plus elements of entertainment such as a comedian or band. You could even include a celebrity chef with food suggestions or a wine connoisseur with a pre-agreed shopping list, for a fully interactive experience!

Platform options:

There are many different platforms that you can use to deliver your virtual event, some are free such as YouTube Live or Facebook Live. Others come with a cost such as GoToWebinar or one that we particularly like called Glisser. These offer better functionality and will allow you to create a more fluent and easier to manage event.

All platforms enable you to incorporate the live streaming of a host and presentation of your Givergy fundraising platform so your audience can use their phones, iPads or desktop computers to place bids on auction items, or make a donation. It’s genuinely interactive and fun for the MC to comment on and give thanks.

Limitations:

Guests can get distracted, or possibly confused if content doesn’t simply flow from one section to another. So, it’s crucial your content is simple, clear and structured.

How to fundraise:

We’ve already seen some great success stories supporting live streamed events. Again, it’s important to keep it clear and simple. Guests would have a giving platform on their computer, tablet or phone at the same time as having the live event open as well. Some suggestions for event fundraising:

Pre-Event Ticketing – You can sell tickets to attend the live event, either per person or per family / home. You can then share the link where the Live Event will be, or password protect to allow access. Learn more.

Donations – For most, a focus on donations throughout the event will be the main giving option. You can break this down to offer different levels with a clear explanation on what will be achieved with that amount. Or provide a simple ‘give any amount’ page where guests can choose the amount they want to donate. Check out an example. 

Silent Auction – Our bread and butter! Online silent auctions with eye catching imagery and descriptions is what we’ve been perfecting for 10 years. Include different categories, buy it now options and sealed bidding. If you need help sourcing some /all of your items , just let us know. Here is an example of a silent auction! 

Integrated Payment – Our online system includes integrated payment, so guests add in their card details at the time of giving or bidding to ensure that no money is lost. There is a payment processing fee, but you can ask your guests to cover at the time of the transaction.

We hope this helps. We believe now is the time to engage your donors to offer quality content, remind them of all the great things you are doing, and how they can help in this time of need.

For more information or any questions, please do get in touch.

Tim Stansbury

Director and Fundraising Consultant

Tim joined Givergy in 2010, overseeing the early stage growth of the business to 50 employees across five international regions, supporting over 4,000 events worldwide. With a passion for leadership, business growth and exceptional standards, Tim is at the heart of all clients needs both in the UK and worldwide.