Virtual fundraising isn’t just a backup plan anymore, it’s one of the best ways to connect with donors, raise money, and grow your mission.
Over the past few years, we’ve seen nonprofits shift from in-person events to online formats, not just out of necessity, but because virtual events work. They’re flexible, lower-cost, and open up your cause to people who might never walk into a gala or a bake sale, but will gladly show up online.
Whether you're running a one-person shop or part of a big team, online fundraising can feel easier and more efficient once you have the right tools and some fresh ideas. That’s where we come in.
Looking for a smarter, scalable way to raise funds online? Harness empowers nonprofits with tech-enabled fundraising campaigns that work. Let’s grow your impact, together.
What is a virtual fundraiser and why it matters
A virtual fundraiser is just what it sounds like, an event or campaign that happens online to raise money for your cause. Instead of hosting people in a room, you're meeting them where they already are: on their phones, laptops, and social feeds. And the beauty of it? You don’t need a huge budget, a big team, or a fancy venue. You just need a good plan, the right tools, and a clear reason for people to give.
So why are virtual fundraisers a big deal now? Because they help you reach more people, faster. When you're not tied to a physical location, anyone can join in, friends and family across the country, donors on vacation, or new supporters who find you on social media. They're flexible, cost less to run, and are easy to repeat or scale. Plus, you can track results in real time and tweak things as you go. That kind of control is a game-changer.
How to host a virtual fundraiser that drives online donations
Hosting a virtual fundraiser might sound like a big project, but it’s honestly easier than you think, especially once you’ve done it a couple of times. The key is to keep it simple, clear, and centered on your mission. Donors want to help, but they also want to understand exactly what they’re supporting and how they can get involved.
Start by picking an online fundraising idea that fits your audience. Are your supporters more into fun social events or thoughtful storytelling? Match your event to what they’ll actually enjoy. Then, set up your fundraising pages. This is where people will donate, so it needs to be clean, mobile-friendly, and quick to use. Use impact amounts or short stories to show how their gift helps.
Promotion is where the magic happens. Spread the word through email, social media, and text. Remind folks more than once, it’s not nagging, it’s helping them remember. And when people do give, thank them right away. A simple automated message goes a long way.
Finally, don’t forget your tools. Platforms like Harness help you run everything in one place, from donation forms to campaign pages to impact posts, so you’re not juggling five different systems.
Top virtual fundraising ideas to try this year
Finding the right online fundraising idea doesn’t have to be a guessing game. We've tested what works and what doesn't, and when you match the right idea with the right people, great things happen. Below, you’ll find creative, proven virtual fundraiser ideas grouped by audience and style. Start with what feels doable, then build from there.
For friends and family networks
These ideas work best when your community is small but tight-knit. Perfect for local causes, school fundraisers, or when you're just getting started.
1. Online trivia night
Pick a theme (pop culture, local history, your mission) and host it on Zoom or Google Meet. Charge an entry fee, offer a small prize, and keep it light and fun. Great for all ages.
2. Virtual bake-off
Invite supporters to show off their baking skills live or by sharing videos/photos. Ask participants to donate to enter, and let your audience vote with dollars. More votes = more donations.
3. Video message campaign
Ask supporters to record short videos about why they give. Share them on social media and your donation page to inspire others. It’s personal, powerful, and easy to pull off.
4. Social media “pass the challenge”
Start a challenge that’s fun and tied to your mission. Think: “Share your first pet pic and donate $5.” Then tag 3 friends to do the same. These spread fast with the right hashtag.
5. Birthday fundraiser pages
Encourage supporters to set up donation pages for their birthdays instead of asking for gifts. Make it super simple for them to share the link and tell their story.
Interactive fundraising ideas for nonprofits
These ideas are perfect when you want your supporters to show up, participate, and feel connected, even from behind a screen. They're fun, engaging, and help deepen relationships while raising money.
6. Virtual gala or concert
You don’t need a ballroom. You just need a livestream. Invite local artists, musicians, or speakers to perform. Add a donation button right on the screen and encourage giving throughout the event.
7. Online silent auction
Gather donated items or experiences, then run your auction on a platform where people can bid from their phones. Add some urgency with countdowns and end it with a livestreamed winner reveal.
8. Talent show for kids
Let kids take the stage from home. Whether it’s singing, dancing, or telling jokes, families will love tuning in, and donating to support their rising stars. Charge a small entry fee and add online voting.
9. Digital scavenger hunt
Create a list of things people can find or do in their home or neighborhood. Participants submit photos or videos, and winners get a prize. Ask for a donation to play. Bonus: it works great for teams.
10. Themed virtual escape room
Use free tools like Google Forms or partner with a vendor to build a digital escape room. Participants pay to join, solve clues together in breakout rooms, and compete to finish first.
Peer to peer fundraising campaigns
These ideas turn your biggest supporters into fundraisers. With a little encouragement and the right tools, they can help you raise more than you ever could alone.
11. Fitness challenges
Set a goal, like walking 10,000 steps a day or doing 100 pushups by the end of the month. Supporters ask friends and family to donate for every milestone they hit. It’s healthy, social, and shareable.
12. Virtual walk or run
Participants pick their own route and pace, then raise money by asking for donations or pledges per mile. Share photos, leaderboards, and finish-line shoutouts online to build momentum.
13. Matching gift drives
Ask a generous donor to match all gifts for a set time or dollar amount. Promote it hard on social media and email. People love knowing their gift will go twice as far.
14. Crowdfunding blitz days
Pick a 24-hour window and rally your whole network. Everyone sets a small goal, like $100, and shares their personal fundraising page. Add hourly updates and mini-challenges to keep it exciting.
15. “Adopt-a-[Cause]” micro-campaigns
Let donors “adopt” a project, supply, or person served, like “adopt a backpack,” “adopt a meal,” or “adopt a classroom.” Each mini campaign can have its own donation page and story.
Creative fundraising ideas for remote teams
These ideas are built for collaboration, even when your team isn’t in the same room. They’re simple to run, encourage connection, and can turn any virtual meeting into a moment of impact.
16. Online art contest
Invite supporters to submit artwork based on a theme connected to your mission. Display submissions in a digital gallery and ask people to vote with a donation. The piece with the most dollars wins.
17. Virtual pet show
Everyone thinks their pet is the cutest, and now’s their chance to prove it. Ask for a donation to enter, then share photos or short videos on social media. Offer fun award categories like “Best Zoom Crasher.”
18. Fundraiser game night
Host a casual night with games like bingo, trivia, or Jackbox. Ask for donations to join and offer small prizes. It’s easy to run and a great way to bring people together after hours.
19. E-card donation drives
Supporters donate and get to send a thank-you, birthday, or “just because” e-card to someone they care about. Offer a few mission-themed designs and make the process feel personal.
20. Online cooking class with a chef
Partner with a local chef or foodie supporter to host a live cooking night. Sell tickets, send out ingredient lists ahead of time, and give donors a fun way to connect (and eat) for a cause.
Recurring or seasonal online fundraising ideas
These fundraisers are perfect for special dates or regular giving moments. They create habits, build anticipation, and help turn one-time donors into lifelong supporters.
21. Giving Tuesday livestream
On the biggest giving day of the year, go live with updates, donor shoutouts, and mission moments. Use short, engaging segments and keep donation links front and center.
22. Virtual holiday markets
Invite local makers or supporters to donate products for a virtual pop-up shop. Supporters shop online, and proceeds go to your cause. Works great in December but can be themed year-round.
23. Birthday donation pages
Set up an easy way for supporters to dedicate their birthday to your nonprofit. Give them tools to create a fundraising page and ask friends and family to donate instead of giving gifts.
24. Recurring “coffee chat for a cause” series
Host monthly or quarterly virtual meetups with staff, volunteers, or people impacted by your work. Keep it casual and invite donors to drop in and give. These events build real relationships.
25. End-of-year storytelling campaign
In December, launch a series of emails, videos, or posts sharing impact stories. Each one ends with a strong ask and a reminder that gifts are tax-deductible. Great for driving final-day donations.
Peer to peer fundraising: how to encourage supporters to spread the word
Here’s the truth: your supporters want to help, but most of them don’t know how. Peer-to-peer fundraising gives them a simple, personal way to raise money by sharing their own connection to your cause.
The first step is to make it easy. Give them ready-to-go fundraising pages, short messages they can copy and paste, and a clear goal to shoot for. The less they have to figure out, the more likely they are to jump in.
Next, make it feel personal. Ask them to tell their story, not yours. Why do they care about your mission? Why should their friends and family care too? That kind of real talk beats polished marketing every time.
And don’t forget the cheerleading. Celebrate every milestone: first donation, goal reached, most shares. A quick shoutout in an email or on social media makes a big difference.
Finally, say thank you, and mean it. When someone puts their name behind your cause, that’s a big deal. Send a thank-you video, handwritten note, or even a small gift if you can swing it. It’s not just about this fundraiser, it’s about building long-term loyalty.
Fundraising campaigns vs one-time events: what works better?
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here, but understanding the difference helps you choose what works for your goals, your team, and your donors.
One-time virtual events are great for quick wins. Things like livestream concerts, trivia nights, or virtual auctions give people something to show up for, and something to talk about. They’re fun, focused, and usually bring in a wave of donations fast. The downside? Once it’s over, it’s over. You have to plan the next thing to keep momentum going.
Ongoing fundraising campaigns work better when you’re playing the long game. These are things like monthly giving pushes, peer-to-peer fundraisers, or story-based series. They give you room to build relationships and invite supporters in slowly. You don’t need to rely on a single night, you get time to share more about the impact of giving and follow up in meaningful ways.
Here’s what we’ve seen work: start with a one-time event to grab attention, then follow it up with a campaign that keeps the conversation going. That way, you're building energy and sustainability. It's not about choosing one over the other, it’s about using both smartly.
How to raise funds with social media platforms
Social media isn’t just for spreading the word, it can be a powerful tool for raising real money, fast. The key is using each platform the right way and making it easy for people to give when they’re inspired.
On Instagram and Facebook, use stories and live video to share behind-the-scenes moments, donor shoutouts, or real-time updates during an event. These platforms also support built-in fundraising tools, like donation stickers and Facebook fundraisers. Keep your calls to action clear: “Donate now to help us reach $5,000 by tonight.”
On TikTok, short, creative videos can go viral quickly. If your organization has younger supporters or volunteers, get them involved in making mission-focused content. Hashtag challenges, dance trends, or quick testimonials can all build traction, and bring in donors you might not reach otherwise.
On LinkedIn, focus on professional supporters and corporate partners. Share impact stats, success stories, or matching gift opportunities. This is a great place to talk about long-term giving or company-sponsored fundraisers.
No matter the platform, remember this: social posts need to be quick, clear, and visual. Use short captions, bold graphics, and direct links to your donation page. And always follow up, after someone gives, tag them (with permission), thank them publicly, or update them on what their gift made possible.
From virtual event to real-world results: measuring success
Just because a fundraiser happens online doesn’t mean it’s any less real, and your results shouldn’t be a mystery. When you measure what’s working, you can make smarter decisions, raise more money, and grow stronger relationships with your supporters.
Start by looking beyond the total dollars raised. That number matters, of course, but so do things like:
- New donors added
- Recurring donations started
- Average gift size
- Donor retention rate
- Social shares or campaign reach
These numbers tell the full story. Maybe your gala didn’t raise the most, but it brought in a ton of first-time donors. Or maybe your peer-to-peer campaign had fewer participants, but most became monthly givers. That’s valuable insight.
Use the tools in your fundraising platform to track this. (Harness makes it easy with built-in dashboards and donor data views.) Set benchmarks before your event, then review results after, and don’t forget to share them. Supporters love to know their impact in real numbers.
And finally, write down what you learned. What was hard? What surprised you? What would you do again? This turns every fundraiser into a step toward better ones down the road.
Virtual Fundraising That Lasts
If there’s one thing we’ve learned, it’s this, virtual fundraising isn’t just a temporary fix. It’s a powerful way to build community, reach new donors, and keep your mission moving forward, no matter what.
The tools are simpler than you think. The ideas are already in front of you. And your supporters? They’re ready. All you need is a plan, and a platform that can grow with you.
With Harness, you can launch campaigns, engage donors, and build real momentum, all from one place. Whether you’re running your first online fundraiser or ready to scale, we’ve got your back. Let’s raise more, reach further, and make it easier for people to give to what matters.
