{"id":22621,"date":"2021-01-28T10:19:19","date_gmt":"2021-01-28T15:19:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/?p=22621"},"modified":"2025-07-31T18:20:41","modified_gmt":"2025-07-31T22:20:41","slug":"creative-virtual-fundraising-ideas-for-arts-organizations","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.qgiv.com\/blog\/creative-virtual-fundraising-ideas-for-arts-organizations\/","title":{"rendered":"Creative Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Arts Organizations"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

When the COVID-19 pandemic changed the fundraising industry in 2020, we heard from a lot of people who were concerned about securing funding for arts organizations. Many of those people were worried: would people still donate to arts organizations during a pandemic, or would they direct their support somewhere else? How can arts organizations engage and inspire donors when there was so much else happening in the world? And how on earth can we connect donors with the arts without in-person events? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Luckily, nonprofit fundraisers are creative by nature! Add in the creativity that comes from working with arts organizations and you\u2019ve got a group of fundraisers who are great at thinking outside the box. Nonprofit arts organizations pulled together some outstanding virtual campaigns<\/a> in 2020. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you\u2019re an arts-focused organization and need some examples and ideas to get your own ideas flowing, you\u2019ll love this article! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Virtual campaigns will be key to finding funding for arts organizations<\/strong> <\/h2>\n\n\n\n

 In-person events are some of the most common ways for arts organizations to connect with their supporters. And, while the promise of a vaccine is encouraging, we still need to plan on using virtual campaigns to raise money this year. But what kind of campaigns can an arts organization run that will keep donors engaged? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Here are some practical and creative ideas you can use! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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  1. Launch a recurring donation program! <\/strong> 
    Funding for arts organizations can be seasonal by nature. Building a base of reliable income is huge. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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    1. Explore streaming events.<\/strong> 
      You might not be able to hold in-person performances, gallery openings, lectures, or art classes, but you can do those virtually. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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      1. Consider including remote-friendly events. <\/strong> 
        Try         planning virtual events<\/a> like silent auctions, creative peer-to-peer events, and challenge-based fundraisers (think along the lines of an Ice Bucket Challenge but tweaked to suit your mission) <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n
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        1. Try selling merchandise.<\/strong> 
          Consider selling items like nonprofit swag, sure. But consider tapping into the vast reserves of creativity and talent you have at your disposal. <\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n

          We hope you find an idea you\u2019ll love!  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Inspiring Examples of Virtual Campaigns for Arts Organizations <\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n

          It\u2019s all well and good to talk about campaign ideas. But it\u2019s more effective when you see examples, too! Here are some of our favorite examples of virtual fundraising campaigns from arts organizations that use the Qgiv platform. Some of these are so creative! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Run a campaign promoting recurring giving options<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Funding for arts organizations is often seasonal. That\u2019s a big hurdle to overcome if you\u2019re not able to hold events! If you rely on concerts, gallery openings, galas, or other in-person gatherings to raise money, this could be a good fit for you.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Building a solid base of recurring donors is a way to generate steady, reliable income. The secret to putting together a great recurring campaign is to make it seem appealing to set up a gift. Make your recurring program appealing by: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Creating a special group with its own name<\/strong> <\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Setting up a recurring donation is great. Setting up a recurring donation and getting into an exclusive club is even better! Create a named group for your sustaining donors and let them know they can join by making a gift. It really works! <\/p>\n\n\n

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          \"arts-organization-fundraising-example\"<\/a>
          Instead of asking people to make a recurring donation, ask them to join a club by setting up a recurring donation. It\u2019s a subtle difference, but it\u2019s an effective one!<\/em><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n

          Giving those donors special (virtual) access to programming<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          One of the best ways to encourage recurring donations is to give something back. Donors love feeling like they\u2019re getting something they value in return for their support! Try offering your sustaining donors special access to programming. Think along the lines of exclusive events (streaming or in-person), discounted rates for events, or discounts at your gift shop or merchandise page. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Tying a monthly donation amount to a tangible outcome<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n

          Donors give because they want to make a tangible difference in the world. Tie their monthly donation amount to a tangible outcome! This is a powerful way to take your ask to the next level. Check out this example: <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Good: We need your support! Make a bigger impact by setting up a monthly gift. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Better: Join the Museums Patron Club by setting up a monthly gift! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Best: Join the Museums Patron Club! Your monthly gift will provide art supplies for Museum students. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          If you haven\u2019t set up or promoted a recurring campaign, now\u2019s the time! Spend some time making your donors feel like they\u2019re doing something really special by supporting you on a regular basis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

          Switching your events and other programming to a streaming format<\/strong> <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

          Brainstorm how to transition your traditional events and programming to a streaming format. Some types of programs that lend themselves well to this include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n