The Results Are In: What We Learned by Going Virtual
The transition from in-person to all-virtual fundraising events over the past several months was the understandable source of confusion, anxiety, and even full-blown panic among non-profit professionals, especially those whose long-planned events had to be cancelled, postponed, or transitioned to virtual over a period of days or weeks.
We heard the same questions over and over again: Is this really going to work? How can I reassure my Board and leadership that our fundraising will remain strong? Will our supporters rise to the occasion, or do the dramatic changes in our lives mean people are primarily focused inward?
Well, the results are in. Based on an analysis of the results of recent virtual auctions supported by C2Auctions, we developed the following key insights:
Be Confident! Your constituents recognize that there is likely both an increased need for your organization’s services and that funding has become more uncertain. Donors are stepping up to help.
C2Auctions clients raised 96% of in-person auction revenue and 72% of in-person Fund-a-Need revenue.
Be Creative! This is new for everyone, making NOW a perfect opportunity to experiment with out-of-the-box ideas and new ways to engage your constituents.
C2Auctions clients experienced a 39% increase in bidder engagement, and 22% more ‘viewers’ reached as compared to their last live event.
Be Flexible! A high-caliber virtual event will require a reallocation of your expense budget. While there are real and substantial costs associated with a level of production that honors your and your donors’ expectations, all of our clients experienced a decrease in total expenses as compared to their last in-person event.
One outstanding C2Auctions client experienced a 30% increase in net revenue through a combination of reduced overall expenses and a systematic effort to pre-solicit Fund-a-Need gifts.
Plan with confidence – contact us today to see how our expertise can help you achieve your virtual fundraising goals.