How to Host a Livestream Virtual Fundraising Campaign

Live streaming or (livestreaming) refers to online video streaming simultaneously recorded and broadcast in real-time. Live streaming gained popularity with nonprofits during COVID-19 as a means of hosting or enhancing virtual fundraising campaigns.

If your organization is looking for new and innovative ways of reaching your supporters and fundraising online, you should look into live-stream fundraising.

How Do Organizations Use Livestreaming for Virtual Fundraising?

Live-streaming video allows organizations to connect with their supporters and tell their stories. Making a real connection with supporters is how effective live stream fundraising works. Streaming on social media provides the added benefit of increased reach when shared on social media platforms.

Here are some ways nonprofits use live streaming in virtual fundraising campaigns: 

• Live Stream Campaign Kick-Offs or Virtual Pep Rallies (especially for P2P campaigns to motivate fundraisers)
• Live Stream Events, such as Happy Hours, Galas, or Concerts
• Live Stream to Draw Raffle Winners
• Live Stream in the Field for Research or Conservation Organizations
• Live Interviews and Q& A Sessions with a Panel or Expert

DoJiggy’s Virtual Fundraising Platform Supports Live Streaming

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Turn Social Media Followers Into Donors

Turning your organization’s Social Media followers into donors is an effective social media fundraising strategy that we can all get behind. Live streaming can make this happen by allowing organizations to make a genuine connection with supporters and state a clear call to action.

Livestreaming allows you to interact with potential donors regularly, even during COVID. When done well, supporters will see your team regularly and form a relationship with you. 

To increase revenue with Live Streaming events, add a Text to Donate option and promote it during your livestream. Text to Donate allows your donors to easily support your organization anytime and anywhere, from their mobile phones. Supporters will text your organization or fundraising campaign’s keyword to a designated phone number. In return, they will receive a link to your website, auction item, or other feature to make a mobile donation.

Which Social Platform Is the Best for Livestream Fundraising?

There are so many options to live stream that it can be challenging to know which platform to use. Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Twitch, and Vimeo are some of the most popular platforms your group might wish to review.

So which is the best? It depends on your supporters. What social media platforms are you using now? You may need to research what your constituents use and which platform they prefer. Livestream videos are generally stored within the platform where they were created for later viewing. Of course, they can also be downloaded and used again on your nonprofit website or blog.

If you aren’t sure, Facebook Live is always a good bet as it’s, well, Facebook. Facebook Live videos go straight to the top of your constituents’ news feeds, and your followers can share the streaming content while it is live. They’ll enjoy watching the same presentation with their loved ones and colleagues – even while remaining socially distant. When done right, it is a much richer, more interactive experience than sharing a photo or video. 

Check Out DoJiggy’s Free LiveStream Fundraising Platform

DoJiggy includes a free live streaming platform for virtual and hybrid fundraising campaigns. Unlike the other options listed above, our platform was designed specifically for fundraising campaigns with advanced features to enhance fundraising.

Here are some things your organization can accomplish with DoJiggy’s platform as part of virtual and hybrid events.

• Share featured donation amounts that encourage donors to give at a designated level
• Offer trivia questions that allow supporters to answer from home and see the results on their screens
• Share surveys that let everyone share their thoughts and opinions
• Run paddle raises that work just like they do at live events: you share a need, and donors raise their paddle to give
• Run fund-a-needs to communicate with donors exactly how their gift will impact your goals
• Host gated or private livestreams where participants must purchase tickets to attend
• Spotlight an auction item, raffle prize, or sale item to build excitement and sales
• Thank your donors and inspire more giving with the live donations feed

How Do You Livestream?

Streaming is easy to do and most everyone with a new phone or computer and a good internet connection can do it. Still, there are tools and costs to consider for live streaming, mainly webcams, microphones, and lighting or backdrops. Also, check your bandwidth, as live streaming (especially music) takes quite a bit of bandwidth. 

Tips and Strategies for Nonprofit Livestream Fundraising

Follow these best practices for live-streaming events:

Stick to a Livestream Schedule

If you have the bandwidth, try to create a regular weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly live stream schedule during your fundraising campaign. Your supporters will get used to the schedule and your attendance will grow.

Make it Exciting and Interactive

You’ve got the platform to interact, so be sure you do. Otherwise, you might as well just post a video. Keep your supporters engaged and coming back for more with contests and clear calls to action.

Always Test It Out First

Be sure to test the platform and your tools before the live stream. How does it sound? Do you have enough bandwidth, or do you need a new microphone? Know what you plan to say – especially if you’re new to live streaming. Also, test lighting before the big event.

Know What You Want

Be sure to have a clear Call to Action. Tell viewers to click on your website to donate or call in to share their stories. Make sure you have a clear idea of your goals for the event.

Conclusions on Using Livestream for Fundraising Campaigns and Virtual Nonprofit Events 

If your goal is to cultivate deeper relationships with your supporters and to get more exposure for your cause, a live-streaming campaign is definitely a nonprofit strategy to consider.

Allow Social media to be a force for good in your organization with live streaming. Use our virtual fundraising platform to set it all up for free. 

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