I would like to include a "virtual" category for some of my fundraisers...any tips?

Fee Sepahi

Our fundraisers include walks, car show golf, etc. I would like to include those who cannot participate because of their illness or distance from the event in a "virtual" way. Any tips on how to do this?

Kent Gilliam

Christine,

 

I'm suspecting this would be using TeamRaiser for this so I have moved your question to the TeamRaiser board.

 

Virtual events are done all of the time. Basically organizations just setup another participation type. This option may have some different settings such as: no reg fee, lower recommeded fundraising goal, different suggested messages and others. With a non-participatory option you have to remember that your communication to these constituents needs to differ from your runners/walkers. You want these people to raise funds although they are not going to be involved in the excitement of the event so you have to communicate that. One example I recall is an animal welfare group that did a virtual cat walk. Most walks/runs by an animal welfare group really appeal to dog owners. Yes I have seen a cat on a leash at one of these events but traditionally cat owners are a little bit on the outskirts of the actual event. So this org did something to really make them feel involved. This should be your strategy too. Make them feel involved.

 

Here is a great (live) example of a virtual event: http://www.foodbankcentralflorida.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=1040. I hope this will give you some guidance. I would definitely reach out to this org and ask them about their strategy in setting up a virtual event.

 

Hope this helps!

Kent