At Varsity, we understand nonprofits are masters at generating fundraising ideas and reaching their goals, and we want to support you every step of the way. By integrating technology into your fundraising strategy, you will be well on your way to furthering your mission and impact. Here are five fundraising ideas to consider as we enter this giving season:
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding is an inexpensive tool that helps raise awareness about your fundraising goal through an online crowdfunding platform. It is particularly beneficial for small nonprofits, as crowdfunding campaigns have the potential to go viral through social media exposure. Crowdfunding sites can target specific categories such as charities, creative projects, or schools. Be sure to find one that meets your goals and fundraising strategy. Bonus points for having image and video sharing capabilities — this will increase donors!
If you’re looking for assistance when it comes to crowdfunding technology, Varsity can support you. Our trusted team of IT professionals understand the nuances of the nonprofit world as well as the tech world. We can help you decide which crowdfunding service is right for you and offer security services to protect your crowdfunding data. Learn more about our technology services.
Online Product Fundraisers
Product fundraisers are a long-standing tradition in the nonprofit community. This strategy involves selling various products to your community, such as branded merchandise, gift cards, and pet treats. Many supporters will be willing to purchase items knowing the proceeds are going to a mission they care about. Plus, including your logo on the products will help your nonprofit gain more exposure — especially with t-shirts!
When your nonprofit conducts e-commerce and collects personal information from donors, it’s imperative to have a security strategy in place, according to the National Council of Nonprofits. Varsity can help! We offer three levels of managed security services that build on each other to support growth and greater impact. We will work to meet your immediate security needs while planning ahead for the future.
In-Person, Online, or Hybrid Events
Whether your nonprofit is planning to host events in-person or online (or a mixture of both!), events are a great way to fundraise. Events can include classes, book clubs, 5K races, and more. For online or hybrid options, utilizing tools like video conferencing or recording software is key to ensure success. For example, the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Washington recently raised over $150,000 in an impressive three-day virtual event – just more fundraising ideas to consider!
Interested in software support, but don’t know where to begin? Varsity can be your trusted partner in all things tech. We can support a variety of video technologies or simply help find the best solution for you and your team.
Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
Peer-to-peer fundraising allows your current supporters to encourage donations on your behalf. These campaigns can be an excellent fundraising idea to consider for any nonprofit — all you need is a platform to accept donations and loyal supporters to help you fundraise.
When it comes to the technology your nonprofit needs to support a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign, Varsity is your go-to IT service provider. We will collaborate with you while adapting, evolving, and continuously improving to better serve you as well as the communities you serve.
Matching Gifts
According to Double the Donation, 1 in 3 donors indicate they would give a larger gift if matching is applied to their donation. This is why matching gifts are an excellent way for you to double your donations in the same amount of time. Matched gifts can be applied to most donations, including gifts made to specific fundraising campaigns. As long as the matching gift process is clearly outlined, your donors will be aware of their impact.
Varsity can be your partner in a matching gift campaign. We understand your dedication to the clients and causes you serve. We can help measure your impact with metrics that matter and ensure your technology keeps evolving to maximize that impact.
Regardless of which fundraising technology strategy your nonprofit decides to implement, Varsity can help. Technology should help drive your success — not hinder it. We will always work diligently to find the best solution for your technology needs. What’s more, social impact is in our DNA — Varsity was founded to help create social impact through the use of technology. Contact us to learn more about how we can help you choose or customize the right solution for your impact goals.
