The evenings spent at glitzy black tie charity galas are temporarily on pause in this new era of COVID. However, with the help of technology, nonprofits are turning to the world of virtual fundraisers. This pivot comes at a time when donations may be down, but the urgency to help those in need has reached new heights.

When the first charity gala was held on Zoom, brands across the country were watching and taking notes. Since then, a plethora of creative approaches to fundraising have emerged. Organizations can live stream, host virtual versions of their events, or even hold webinars.

Cubs Charities, the nonprofit subsidy of the Chicago Cubs, provides increased access to sports opportunities and safe places to play, and also targets improvements in health, fitness, and education. Due to the pandemic, the organization has made the decision to make their annual Race to Wrigley 5k Charity Run a virtual event. The virtual run encourages donors to map out a course of their own and register to run, for which they will receive exclusive items.

This year, the American Heart Association Hawaii Division also hosted their annual Oahu Heart Walk Fundraiser digitally. The event, renamed Oahu Heart Walk Digital Experience, became a weeklong virtual event with Zoom sessions hosted by sponsors. Participants were encouraged to walk on their own or just enjoy the Zoom sessions.

Our Houston-based client Living Water International – a global NGO providing sustainable water, sanitation, and hygiene programs for communities around the developing world – chose early in the pandemic to hold their annual gala, Behold, online. This decision was especially difficult given the fact that 2020 marks the banner occasion of the organization’s 30th anniversary.

Raising the Bar & Going Global

In the past, Living Water International has hosted the annual gala in Houston and raised between $2-3 million with up to 1,000 attendees in a hotel ballroom. Despite the change in venue, the organization has maintained an ambitious goal of raising $3 million at Behold.

Living Water has also set in motion the plans to make this virtual gala not only memorable, but global as well. To cultivate an engaging event, Living Water will be hosting COVID-19-friendly watch parties (as conditions safely allow) in the countries where they work.

These creative pandemic-friendly watch parties are also open to donors, who are encouraged to host watch parties of their own. To assist donors in creating watch parties that truly feel like the event of the year, Living Water is providing hosting tips, instructions for a seamless experience, and a Behold-themed party box with regional coffee, decorations, party favors, and photobooth props.

Churches that wish to participate in a meaningful way are encouraged to become Church Broadcast Partners. This opportunity will allow church partners to tap into their networks and congregations, utilize their platforms and tools to spread the word, and set fundraising goals.

Determined to Help

COVID-19 may have brought a deluge of challenges, especially for nonprofits working hard to stay financially afloat, but that has not stopped these organizations from finding creative ways to maintain engagement with donors and the beneficiaries of their charitable efforts.

If your not-for-profit or nongovernmental organization needs support to amplify an upcoming virtual event, please reach out to us at hello@wilksgrp.com.