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Last week, I asked my most recent newsletter subscribers for suggestions on topics that would be most helpful to them. One request was for more fundraising ideas.
I understand the challenge of fundraising during the pandemic. It isn’t easy to hold public events while social distancing.
In response to my reader’s request, today I’m sharing seven creative online fundraising options. You’ll also want to check out ten more ideas I shared back in July.
1. Fashion Show
Enlist local boutiques to provide clothing and accessories, then recruit employees, volunteers, and family members as models. Each model can be filmed individually, or you can film the entire show at one time using social distancing protocols.
Charge a fee for access to the online fashion show. To make watching the show even more lucrative, encourage the boutiques to provide a discount code for use when attendees shop online or in-person after the show.
Another option that I think you’ll find even more fun is a silly fashion show. My favorite ideas come from the Red Hats Club. Regardless of the format, you’ll also need an enthusiastic emcee to introduce each model and describe their outfits.
If guidelines at your nursing home allow it, I hope you’ll also do the fashion show for your residents. Perhaps it could be a hallway activity, or you can even host the show outdoors.
2. Wish List
Some people enjoy giving a physical gift instead of donating money to an organization. You’ll find this an especially effective way to get activity supplies for your nursing home.
For example, you can create a wish list on Amazon. Supporters can shop for gifts for your nursing home, and they’ll be shipped directly to your organization. Be sure to include items at a variety of prices to accommodate any budget.
3. Crime Mystery
Some of you may have attended a murder mystery theater event to raise money for an organization. It’s also possible to do this successfully online.
Recruit staff and volunteers to act out a suspenseful, but not-too-scary crime. They need not be talented actors; sometimes, the funnier the better!
Film your production, then charge a fee for participants to watch online and try to solve the mystery. If you need ideas on how to create a show, you’ll find a variety of kits on Amazon.
4. Scavenger Hunt
Create a long list of items that someone might find in a house, but not in every house. You don’t want to make it too easy! Better yet, get your residents involved by inviting them to make lists of potential items to find in the scavenger hunt. Here are a few possibilities:
- red toothbrush
- bonsai tree
- football
- can of cat food
Charge a fee for participants to access your list online at a specified time. The hunt begins, and after a pre-determined time frame, participants must check in and post how many items they found.
Participants reporting the most finds must present their items online for review by a person serving as a judge. The judge’s determination is final if there are questions about the validity of an object. You’ll also need a couple of extra items to find in case of a tie.
Offer prizes donated by local businesses for whoever finds the most items. (If you feel uncomfortable asking for donations, you’ll find helpful guidance here.)
5. Dance Classes
Many of us find it hard to stay physically fit while social distancing. That’s why online dance classes work well as fundraisers.
Poll your staff, family members, and other potential donors to learn what types of classes they would enjoy. Possibilities might include dances that a person can do without a partner like salsa, line, or belly dancing. Or, you might offer lessons for couples in a variety of dance styles like the waltz, foxtrot, or polka.
Find enthusiastic instructors willing to donate their time to create the most often requested classes. You can charge a flat fee to access the lesson or request a freewill donation. Since people can find similar courses online at no cost, you’ll want to stress how this fundraiser will benefit your residents.
One advantage of an online dance class is that you’ll recruit people who would love to learn to dance but feel uncomfortable attending group lessons.
6. Pet Gala
Invite people to submit pet videos, then put them together to create an online pet gala. You can also include photographs of pets.
Money can be raised through several means. For example, invite local businesses involved in pet care such as vet clinics, groomers, or pet food distributors to sponsor your show. Then offer brief, humorous commercials in-between your videos.
Besides a fee to watch the show, consider charging a small fee for people to submit their videos or photos. Offer fun prizes donated by businesses. Consider various categories such as cutest pet costume, best pet trick, funniest video, cutest pet, or most unique pet.
7. Kids’ Class
With kids spending more time at home because of social distancing, parents appreciate positive online activities for them to enjoy. As an alternative to cartoons or video games, consider creating a fun virtual class for kids.
The best people to recruit to develop your class are often college students. Many need to do community service projects, and you can’t beat their creativity and enthusiasm. Plus, they’ll help spread the word about your fundraiser and increase attendance.
You can either charge a flat fee for access to the class, or consider requesting freewill donations. You’ll often get more participation if you’re raising money for something of interest to children. One example might be funding to care for animals living at the nursing home.
I would love to hear your ideas for virtual fundraisers. Please share them with my readers in the comment section!
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