Virtual Event Ideas

Circle of Friends

The Circle of Friends virtual fundraiser is an opportunity for Soroptimist members to introduce their nonmember friends to the mission and work of our organization and generate contributions.

Hosts are encouraged to:

• Send personalized invitations to 5-10 of their friends and/or colleagues.
• Use Zoom or another Video Meeting software to host a 45 minute gathering.
• Share your passion for our mission–talk about your volunteer experience and tell an emotional impact story.

Interested in hosting a virtual Circle of Friends fundraiser? Contact Erica Cheslock, Donor Relations Director at erica@soroptimist.org.

Tools Needed:

Consider creating a donation page using GiveLively and use Zoom to host a video meeting...

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Host a Virtual Movie Night

If we’re doing anything during this time, it’s watching a lot of movies. But this doesn’t have to be done alone! Set up a virtual movie night with Netflix Party. Encourage people to grab their favorite snack and join you Netflix party using a dedicated link.

This allows all your participants to watch a movie at the same time with a chat window for people to share thoughts, jokes, and more. This is the perfect way to create a community and drive people to your Donation Page or Crowdfunding page.

As a best practice, link to your donation page, and ask participants to donate the price of a “movie ticket” to your organization, using a link to your crowdfunding page or donation page.

Tools Needed:

"Sell movie tickets" / Collect donations using Give Lively and set up your Netflix Party using the Netflix Party App...

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Virtual Zumba or Dance Fitness Party

A virtual Zumba is a fun and unique fundraising event idea that encourages health and fitness as people exercise while raising money for our Dream Programs!

It is relatively easy to plan with low overhead costs and the Zumba dance can be customized to satisfy a variety of age groups and fitness levels and works for both large and small groups.

Note: Try to find some certified Zumba instructor(s) (perhaps those who are well known within the community) who would be willing to help your cause by donating their time to teach a class.

Create an event page, ask for a $10 donation to join, and then send participants a Zoom link to participate!

Tools Needed:

Consider creating a donation page using GiveLively and use Zoom to host your virtual dance party...

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Online Auctions

Online auctions are essentially digital silent auctions. To run an online auction, nonprofits use either mobile bidding or an online auction software to engage supporters. The software is used to:

• List out item descriptions
• Showcase item photos
• Track starting and current bid information
• Register bidders
• Easily collect payment information
• Automatically process credit card payments

Online auctions can help your club raise a lot of money! Because they’re completely digital, online auctions are cost-effective to plan and can be opened up to remote supporters, increasing fundraising potential. See a sample auction from RallyUp.

Tools Needed:

Choose one of the following applications to get started. For further assistance, seek help from the application provider's support team.

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Virtual Paint Night

Virtual paint nights are very popular and provide an easy way to engage with members and nonmembers. Consider starting the event with a 15-minute introduction about Soroptimist and our global Dream Programs (if you have nonmembers in attendance) or just by thanking participants for joining the online fundraiser.

Tools Needed:

Canva offers a free version to nonprofits you can use as a design tool for promoting your event. Consider using Zoom if you will be hosting the event or RallyUp for accepting event registrations!

 

Here are three ways you can get started:

• Reach out to local artist or company to donate their time or ask if they will lower their fee for a nonprofit organization.
• Ask a volunteer to lead the paint night on Zoom or any other virtual meeting website.
• Ask participants to purchase a ticket (you can use RallyUp to accept event registrations) and 
  • Provide a list of items they would need:
    • Table Easel (optional)
    • 2 Paint Brushes: Wide Flat, and Point
    • 1 Canvas Panel, 9x12 Inches
    • Acrylic Paints, 0.5 Oz of Red, Yellow, Blue, White, Black
    • Disposable Plate
    • Plastic Paint Cup

 

Companies offering Virtual Paint Night Services:

Staff at HQ contacted two companies who are offering an online, virtual fundraising paint night.