How to Keep Fundraising During a Crisis

The COVID-19 pandemic has touched every aspect of our lives, with fundraising being no exception.

We haven’t been in a situation quite like this situation in recent years, and it’s natural to feel anxiety over what to do next. However, it’s important to remember world events have affected fundraisers before and the innovators find a way to adapt to the changing landscape and emerge on the other side of a crisis even stronger.

Luckily, we have the tools now to make your fundraising lives a little easier as we recover. This is where Paybee can help, with the Paybee Virtual Fundraising Platform we can combine forces with your charity and help kick this crisis.

Follow these important steps to keep your fundraising efforts going as we continue to reach for a common goal of helping those in need.

Stay calm

First of all, it’s really important to stay calm even when the economy is struggling. Try to avoid a complete break in your fundraising efforts, as it can be very hard to catch up afterwards.

People are still keen to support the causes that are close to their hearts, so don’t make assumptions about their financial situation. They might be in a position to donate financially, and those who aren’t may be willing to help out in other ways.

Keep communicating

Make sure that you keep in touch with the members of your fundraising team and with your supporters.

Let them know how your organization is coping, how your plans have altered, and any new plans that you have got lined up. Check in to see how they are feeling as well, as this will help to strengthen your relationship with them.

Your supporters are probably spending more time online at the moment, which makes it a good time to develop your social media networks and web presence. You could try posting background info and fundraising updates as well as entertaining stories, polls and surveys.

Move events online if possible

Social distancing doesn’t have to mean the end of your fundraising plans. So instead of cancelling your events, try to find ways of moving them online. This can help to cut your running costs and it’s also a great way to find new donors as you’re not limited by a physical location and can market to new audiences.

There are lots of different events that you can try, from online auctions and talks to virtual craft workshops and wine-tasting evenings. Click here for more inspiration for your next virtual fundraiser.

And using the Paybee virtual fundraising platform makes it really easy to run a virtual fundraiser. It handles every step from selling tickets to live streaming the event and collecting donations, quickly and securely.

Make the best of cancelled or postponed events

It’s a last resort, but sometimes you have no option but to cancel your event.

If this happens, it’s worth asking if your donors would like to donate the cost of their tickets to your fund instead of receiving a refund. You could offer a full or partial refund, or to transfer their ticket over to a future event.

Thank donors for their support

Whether your event is cancelled or moved online, follow up with your donors to thank them for their support. If they’re unable to donate financially, thank them for their past support and remind them how important they are to you.

Remember that however stressful things are now, this time will pass. Reassure your supporters that despite the current uncertainties, you have exciting plans for the future and still need their support.

Charities and non-profits are vital in times of crisis and your donors will want to support you as much as they can. PayBee’s virtual fundraising platform is here to help you keep your fundraising on track.