Let’s be honest: the phrase "virtual event" doesn't always spark excitement. Too often, they’re seen as a less-than-ideal substitute for the energy of an in-person gathering. We’re here to challenge that idea. A well-planned online fundraiser can be just as dynamic, emotional, and impactful as a traditional gala—and often, even more so. It’s all about choosing the right format and focusing on genuine interaction. Forget boring webinars and passive livestreams. We’re going to show you how to create memorable experiences that your supporters will be talking about for weeks, starting with these engaging virtual fundraising event examples.

Key Takeaways

• Expand Your Reach and Your Impact: Virtual fundraising lets you connect with supporters anywhere, not just locally. By cutting major costs like venue and catering, more of every donation goes straight to your cause.
• A Solid Plan is Non-Negotiable: A successful virtual event is built on a clear strategy. Define your goals, choose the right technology for your audience, and create a promotion timeline to build excitement well before the event begins.
• Prioritize Connection Over Clicks: The key to engagement is making your audience feel seen and heard. Use tools like live chat, social media groups, and personalized direct messages to create a genuine sense of community and turn passive viewers into active supporters.

Virtual vs. In-Person Fundraising: What's the Difference?

The most obvious difference between virtual and in-person fundraising is the setting. One happens entirely online, while the other requires a physical venue. But the distinctions go much deeper, affecting everything from your budget to the community you build. Understanding these differences will help you choose the right approach for your next campaign.

In-person events, like galas or charity runs, create a powerful sense of connection through shared physical experience. There’s an energy in a room that’s hard to replicate online. However, they are limited by geography, and attendance depends on who can physically show up. They also come with significant overhead costs, including venue rentals, catering, and staffing.

Virtual events, on the other hand, break down those geographical barriers. They allow you to connect with more donors from all over the world, reaching a much wider audience than a local event ever could. This accessibility, combined with lower costs, means more of the money you raise goes directly to your mission. While you might miss the face-to-face interaction, virtual events offer incredible flexibility and creativity. You can host anything from an online auction to a virtual cooking class, engaging supporters in new and exciting ways. Plus, events like Facebook Challenges prove you can build a vibrant, dedicated community completely online. The choice isn’t about which is better, but which format best serves your specific goals and audience.

15 Virtual Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work

Moving your fundraising events online doesn’t mean sacrificing connection or engagement. In fact, it opens up a whole new world of creative possibilities to reach supporters wherever they are. The key is to choose an idea that aligns with your mission and gives your community a fun, meaningful way to get involved. Whether you’re looking to host a large-scale virtual gala or a simple, activity-based challenge, there’s an option that fits your organization’s size, budget, and goals.

These 15 ideas are more than just concepts; they are proven strategies that nonprofits are using right now to build community and drive donations. From turning passive social media followers into active fundraisers to hosting intimate, mission-focused gatherings, these virtual events can help you create a sustainable fundraising channel that works for today’s digital-first supporters.

GoodUnited Facebook Challenges

Facebook Challenges are timed, peer-to-peer fundraising events that have become a powerhouse for nonprofits. You invite supporters to join a private Facebook Group and complete a specific activity—like walking 10,000 steps a day or reading for 30 minutes every day for a month. Participants create their own Facebook Fundraiser and ask friends and family for donations. These Challenges on Facebook are incredibly effective because they build a strong sense of community within the group and empower your supporters to become advocates for your cause, all on a platform they use daily.

Online Auctions

Bring the excitement of a silent auction directly to your supporters’ screens. With a virtual auction, you can list items online and let people bid from the comfort of their homes. You can feature anything from donated gift baskets and unique experiences to exclusive merchandise. The bidding can happen over several days, culminating in a live-streamed event where you announce the winners and make a final fundraising appeal. This format eliminates geographical barriers, allowing anyone, anywhere, to participate and support your mission.

Virtual Galas and Awards

Who says a gala has to be in a ballroom? A virtual gala can be just as elegant and impactful. You can sell tickets, host a formal program with keynote speakers and award presentations, and feature live entertainment—all through a high-quality livestream. To make it special, consider sending attendees a "gala-in-a-box" with a meal, a bottle of wine, or branded swag. This approach allows you to maintain a high-touch, premium event feel while reaching a much broader audience than a physical venue ever could.

Interactive Challenges

Get your supporters up and moving for a good cause. Interactive challenges are all about participation and shared goals. Think beyond just a virtual run; you could host a dance-a-thon, a cycling challenge, or even a "plank-a-day" contest. Participants track their progress, share updates on social media, and collect pledges from their network. These events are great for fostering a sense of camaraderie and friendly competition, all while keeping your organization top of mind.

Livestream Fundraisers

Turn your social media feed into a fundraising stage with a livestream event. You can host a virtual concert with a local band, a comedy night, an expert Q&A session, or a behind-the-scenes tour of your work. Throughout the broadcast, you can share compelling stories, interview special guests, and encourage viewers to donate in real-time using a simple link or text-to-give number. The key is to provide genuine entertainment or value, making the ask for donations feel natural and earned.

Virtual Walks and Runs

A classic fundraising event, the virtual walk or run is flexible and accessible to everyone. Participants sign up, pay a registration fee, and complete a set distance on their own time, wherever they are. They can run in their neighborhood, on a treadmill, or at a local park. Encourage them to track their time, post photos of their journey, and use peer-to-peer fundraising pages to gather support from friends and family. It’s a simple yet powerful way to promote health and wellness while raising critical funds.

Online Game and Trivia Nights

Tap into your community’s competitive spirit with a virtual game or trivia night. Supporters can form teams with friends and family, pay a small entry fee, and compete for bragging rights and prizes. You can host the event over a video conferencing platform and use breakout rooms for teams to deliberate. Trivia themes can be tailored to your mission or a fun pop culture topic. It’s a low-cost, high-engagement event that’s perfect for building community.

Digital Talent Shows

Everyone has a hidden talent. Give your supporters a platform to share theirs with a digital talent show. Participants can submit videos of themselves singing, dancing, performing magic tricks, or showcasing any unique skill. You can stream the submissions during a live event and have viewers vote for their favorites by making a small donation. It’s a fun, lighthearted way to engage your community and let their personalities shine.

Virtual Cooking Classes

Partner with a local chef or a talented home cook in your community to host a virtual cooking class. Participants pay a fee to receive the recipe and a shopping list in advance, then tune in to a live-streamed lesson where they can cook along from their own kitchens. This is an experience-based fundraiser that offers tangible value and a fun, interactive activity for a date night or family evening at home.

Online Fitness Events

Promote well-being while raising money with an online fitness event. You can host a virtual yoga class, a high-intensity interval training (HIIT) session, or a guided meditation workshop led by a certified instructor. Participants can donate to join the live class or access a recording later. These events are a great way to connect with supporters who are passionate about health and wellness and offer them a valuable experience in return for their contribution.

Peer-to-Peer Birthday Fundraisers

Empower your supporters to dedicate their special day to your cause. Platforms like Facebook make it incredibly easy for individuals to create a birthday fundraiser and ask their friends for donations instead of gifts. You can encourage this year-round by sending automated reminders and thank-you messages. GoodUnited helps nonprofits manage these relationships through direct messaging, making it simple to thank fundraisers personally and show them the impact of their efforts.

Virtual Scavenger Hunts

Create a fun and interactive adventure with a virtual scavenger hunt. Teams pay to enter and receive a list of items to find, photos to take, or riddles to solve within a set time frame. The tasks can be completed from home or around their local neighborhood. The first team to complete the list wins a prize. This event encourages teamwork and creativity and is a fantastic way to get families involved in your fundraising efforts.

Online Bingo

Bring a classic game night online with virtual bingo. It’s easy to organize and appeals to a wide range of ages. Participants can pay for their virtual bingo cards, and you can host the game over a livestream. Offer fun prizes for the winners to add to the excitement. You can even theme the bingo cards around your organization’s mission to add an educational element to the fun.

Digital Storytelling Sessions

Your organization’s impact is your most powerful fundraising tool. Host a digital storytelling session where you share compelling narratives from the people you serve. You can feature live interviews with beneficiaries, staff, or volunteers, or share pre-recorded videos. These events create a deep emotional connection with your audience, reminding them why their support matters. You can see how other nonprofits tell their stories by looking at customer stories that highlight real-world impact.

Virtual Book Clubs

Build a dedicated community of supporters with a virtual book club. Members can pay a small monthly or annual fee to join. Each month, you can select a book related to your mission or a topic of interest to your community. Host a live-streamed discussion, invite authors for a Q&A, and create a dedicated online group for members to connect between meetings. It’s a great way to foster long-term engagement and create a space for meaningful conversation.

What Tech Do You Need for an Engaging Virtual Event?

Pulling off a great virtual event isn’t just about having a compelling idea; it’s about having the right tools to bring it to life. The technology you choose is the backbone of your event, handling everything from the live broadcast to collecting donations and keeping your audience hooked. A clunky or confusing experience can cause people to drop off, while a seamless setup lets your mission shine through.

Think of your tech stack as your virtual venue and event staff all rolled into one. You need a stage (a streaming platform), ushers to guide people (social media and messaging), a way to collect donations (a donation page), and fun activities to keep guests entertained (interactive features). Getting these pieces right is the key to creating an event that feels professional, engaging, and, most importantly, makes it easy for your supporters to give. The good news is, you don't need a Hollywood budget to make it happen.

Livestreaming and Video Platforms

Your livestreaming platform is your virtual stage, so it needs to be reliable and easy for your audience to access. You can use popular free options like Facebook Live or YouTube Live to reach supporters where they already are. For more complex events like galas or auctions, you might want a dedicated virtual fundraising platform. These specialized tools are built to help nonprofits manage the entire process, from ticketing and guest check-in to running auctions and processing donations in one smooth workflow. Choosing the right platform depends on your event's complexity and your budget, but the goal is always a high-quality, buffer-free stream.

Social Media and Direct Messaging Tools

Social media is more than just a promotional tool—it’s a community hub for your event. Use it to build excitement beforehand, engage attendees during the event, and follow up afterward. A great example of this in action is a Facebook Challenge, a timed fundraiser where participants complete a task and ask their network for support. To make these events even more powerful, use direct messaging to connect with participants one-on-one. You can send automated messages to welcome new fundraisers, share tips, and celebrate milestones, creating a personal connection that keeps them motivated and engaged from start to finish.

Mobile-Friendly Donation Pages

When inspiration strikes, your supporters need a quick and easy way to give. Most of your attendees will be watching from their phones, so your donation page must be mobile-friendly. A complicated form is a guaranteed way to lose donations. Keep your donation page simple, with clear instructions and as few fields as possible. It’s also a great practice to suggest different giving amounts and offer a recurring donation option. This removes friction from the giving process, making it effortless for supporters to contribute the moment they feel moved to do so.

Interactive and Gamification Features

A virtual event shouldn't be a passive experience. The best way to keep your audience from tuning out is to give them something to do. This is where interactive and gamification features come in. Use tools like live polls, Q&A sessions, and real-time chat to let your audience participate directly in the event. You can also create a sense of friendly competition by using leaderboards and badges to recognize top fundraisers. Helping participants set and track their own goals gives them a personal stake in the event’s success and makes the experience more rewarding for everyone involved.

How to Keep Your Virtual Audience Engaged

Holding your audience’s attention is the biggest challenge of any virtual event. Unlike an in-person gathering where you’re all in the same room, your virtual attendees are just a click away from a dozen distractions. To make your event a success, you need to be intentional about creating an experience that’s not just watched, but felt. The key is to make your supporters feel seen, heard, and connected to your mission and each other. It’s about turning passive viewers into active participants who are excited to be there.

Build in Interactive Elements

The best way to keep people from tuning out is to give them something to do. Passive viewing leads to distraction, so build moments of interaction directly into your event schedule. You can use polls to get instant feedback, host a live Q&A with your speakers, or use breakout rooms for smaller group discussions. Some of the most creative virtual fundraising ideas include things like scavenger hunts or themed video nights. These activities break up the monotony of a single speaker and invite your audience to become part of the show, making the entire experience more memorable and fun.

Use Real-Time Communication

Nothing makes a virtual event feel more distant than silence. Real-time communication is your best tool for closing that gap and making your audience feel like they’re right there with you. Have a dedicated host or moderator who can engage with the live chat, give shout-outs to attendees by name, and acknowledge donations as they come in. This constant conversation makes people feel seen and appreciated. You can also use direct messaging to send personalized check-ins or thank you notes during the event, creating a one-on-one connection that makes a big impression and keeps your supporters tuned in.

Create a Community with Social Media Groups

Your event’s engagement shouldn’t be limited to the live broadcast. A dedicated social media group, like a Facebook Group, can serve as a central hub for your community before, during, and after the event. It’s the perfect place to build excitement, share important updates, and answer questions ahead of time. During the event, it becomes a second screen where attendees can share photos, chat with each other, and cheer each other on. This is especially powerful for Facebook Challenges, where a strong community helps participants share ideas, support each other, and work toward a common goal together.

Offer Exclusive Content

Make your attendees feel like insiders by giving them access to content they can’t get anywhere else. This creates a powerful incentive for people to not only register but to stay engaged until the very end. Exclusive content could be a behind-the-scenes virtual tour of your facilities, a special Q&A session with a guest speaker, or a downloadable guide that provides real value. By offering something special, you’re rewarding your most dedicated supporters for their time and attention. You can find inspiration for valuable content by checking out different nonprofit playbooks and guides to see what resonates with your audience.

How to Promote Your Virtual Fundraising Event

Once you’ve planned your virtual event, your next job is to get the word out. A great promotional strategy ensures you have a full house (virtually, of course) and hit your fundraising targets. Promotion isn’t a one-and-done task; it’s about building momentum and excitement in the weeks and days leading up to your event. By using a mix of channels and creating compelling content, you can turn passive followers into active participants. Let’s walk through a few key strategies to make your event a can’t-miss occasion.

Use Social Media to Build Hype

Social media is your command center for event promotion. It’s where you can reach your existing supporters and attract new ones. Start building excitement early by creating a content calendar dedicated to your event. Use a unique and memorable hashtag to tie all your posts together and encourage user-generated content. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your event preparation, introduce speakers or special guests, and post a regular countdown to build anticipation. This is especially effective for events like Facebook Challenges, where a sense of community and shared excitement is crucial for success. The goal is to make your followers feel like they’re part of the journey from the very beginning.

Create Shareable Teaser Content

Your supporters are your best advocates, so make it easy for them to spread the word. Create eye-catching, shareable content that clearly communicates the what, when, and why of your event. Think short video clips, quote graphics from your team, or testimonials from people your organization has helped. Infographics that highlight your fundraising goal and the impact of a donation can also be very powerful. Package these assets into a digital toolkit for your board members, volunteers, and partners. When your content is compelling and easy to share, your community will do the promoting for you. You can see how other nonprofits have done this successfully in our customer stories.

Engage Supporters with Direct Messages

While public posts are great for broad awareness, direct messaging is where you can build personal connections. Use DMs to send personalized invitations to loyal supporters, event reminders, and exclusive updates. This one-to-one approach makes people feel seen and valued, which can significantly increase their likelihood of attending and donating. With automated messaging tools, you can manage these conversations at scale without losing that personal touch. A simple message checking in or sharing a sneak peek can make a supporter feel like a VIP and strengthen their connection to your cause long after the event is over.

Partner with Influencers

When you hear "influencer," you might think of celebrities, but your most powerful partners are often right in your own community. Your board members, dedicated volunteers, corporate sponsors, and local community leaders all have networks of their own. Reach out to them with a clear ask to help promote the event. Provide them with the shareable content you’ve already created to make it simple. A genuine post from a trusted community figure can add a layer of credibility and introduce your event to an entirely new audience that might not have seen your organization’s posts otherwise.

How to Plan a Successful Virtual Fundraiser

An engaging virtual event doesn’t just happen by magic. It’s the result of thoughtful planning and a clear strategy. While it might seem like less work than an in-person gathering, a successful online fundraiser requires just as much attention to detail. The good news is that with the right plan, you can create an experience that not only meets your fundraising targets but also builds a stronger connection with your community. Breaking the process down into manageable steps is the key to pulling off an event that feels seamless, fun, and impactful for your supporters.

Define Your Goals

Before you send a single invite, you need to know what you’re trying to achieve. Your goals will shape every decision you make, from the type of event you host to the platform you choose. Think beyond just a dollar amount. Are you trying to attract new donors, re-engage lapsed ones, or build awareness for a new program? A great framework is to ensure your event is designed for donors who show the three Cs: Capacity, Commitment, and Connection. Focusing on an audience that has the means to give, a belief in your mission, and a genuine link to your cause ensures your efforts are aimed at the people most likely to help you succeed.

Choose the Right Platform

Your event platform is your virtual venue, and picking the right one is critical. The best virtual fundraising platforms do more than just replicate an in-person event online—they create a new, dynamic way to connect with donors and maximize your impact. The ideal platform depends entirely on your event. A livestreamed gala needs different tools than a peer-to-peer Facebook Challenge. Look for features that match your goals, such as integrated donation pages, live chat for real-time engagement, and mobile-friendly design. The right tech should make it easier for your supporters to participate and donate, not create a barrier.

Create a Promotion Timeline

A solid promotion plan is what builds momentum and gets people excited to show up. Don’t wait until the week before to start spreading the word. Map out a timeline that starts at least four to six weeks before your event. Use a mix of channels to tell people about your fundraising, including social media, email newsletters, and direct messages. Start with "save the date" announcements, then follow up with speaker reveals, sneak peeks of auction items, and stories about the impact of your work. Consistent, engaging communication is what turns a passive follower into an active participant.

Prepare Your Tech Support

Technical glitches can happen, but they don’t have to derail your event. The best way to prevent issues is to prepare for them. Before the event, run a full tech rehearsal with your team and speakers to iron out any kinks. It’s also a great idea to create a simple FAQ guide for attendees with instructions on how to join and participate. During the event, have a dedicated person or team ready to help. Some donors might not be comfortable with new technology, so it's important to be ready to offer support to help them participate. A little preparation goes a long way in ensuring everyone has a smooth and positive experience.

Why Go Virtual? The Benefits of Online Fundraising

If you've ever felt limited by the logistics of in-person events, you're not alone. Planning a gala or a 5K run takes a ton of resources, and your reach is often confined to your local area. Virtual fundraising changes the game entirely. By moving your events online, you can connect with supporters in a way that’s more flexible, cost-effective, and scalable. It’s not about replacing in-person connection but adding a powerful, modern channel to your fundraising strategy that meets people where they already are: online. Let's look at some of the biggest advantages of taking your fundraising efforts virtual.

Reach a Wider Audience

One of the most significant benefits of virtual events is their ability to transcend geographical boundaries. When your event is online, anyone with an internet connection can participate, whether they live across the country or around the world. This instantly expands your potential donor pool far beyond your local community. Think about it: supporters who have moved away, friends and family of your core community, or people who simply discovered your cause on social media can all join in. This broader reach not only helps you connect with more donors but also builds a more diverse and widespread community around your mission.

Lower Your Event Costs

Let’s be honest: in-person events are expensive. Venue rentals, catering, staffing, and printed materials can quickly eat into your budget, reducing the net funds you raise for your cause. Virtual events eliminate many of these major expenses. With no need for a physical space or on-site logistics, your overhead costs drop dramatically. This means a much larger percentage of every dollar donated goes directly toward funding your programs. This financial efficiency allows organizations of all sizes, especially those with tighter budgets, to host impactful fundraising events and maximize their return.

Offer Flexible Ways to Participate

Life is busy, and attending an in-person event isn't always feasible for your supporters. Virtual fundraising offers the flexibility people need to get involved on their own terms. Participants can join from the comfort of their homes without worrying about travel, childcare, or conflicting schedules. Events like month-long Facebook Challenges allow people to contribute whenever it works for them. This convenience removes common barriers to entry, making it easier for more people to say "yes" to supporting you. By making participation simple and accessible, you can expect to see higher engagement rates from your community.

Gather Better Data and Insights

When you host a fundraiser online, you gain access to a wealth of valuable data. Digital platforms automatically track key metrics like registration numbers, donation amounts, social media shares, and real-time engagement. This information gives you a clear picture of what’s working and who your most engaged supporters are. You can see which promotional messages drove the most sign-ups or what time of day saw the most donations. These insights are goldmines for refining your future strategies, personalizing your outreach, and building stronger, more meaningful relationships with donors over time.

Did Your Virtual Event Succeed? Here's How to Tell

The event is over, the livestream has ended, and the last donation has trickled in. Now what? It's time to measure your success. Figuring out if your virtual event hit the mark goes beyond just looking at the final fundraising total. A truly successful event not only raises money but also deepens supporter relationships and provides valuable insights for your next campaign. It's about understanding what resonated with your audience, who showed up, and how you can build on that momentum. Think of it as the final, crucial step in your event planning process.

By looking at a few key areas—from donation data and social media buzz to participant feedback and your overall return on investment—you can get a complete picture of your event's impact. This isn't just about creating a report to share with your board; it's about gathering the intelligence you need to make your next fundraiser even more effective. Did you attract a new demographic? Did a specific part of the event generate the most conversation? Answering these questions helps you refine your strategy, prove the value of your work, and build a stronger, more engaged community for the long haul. Let's break down exactly what to look for.

Track Donations and Participation

This is the most straightforward metric, but it’s more than just the final number. Look at the total amount raised, of course, but also dig into the number of individual donors and the average donation size. Did you attract new supporters or primarily engage your existing base? Online fundraising platforms give you a clear view of who is donating and how they’re participating. This data is gold because it helps you understand your audience better and refine your strategy. For example, if you see a lot of small donations from new names, your event was great for acquisition. If you see larger gifts from longtime supporters, it was effective for donor stewardship.

Analyze Social Media Engagement

Since your event happened online, your social media channels are a treasure trove of data. Go beyond vanity metrics like likes and look at shares, comments, and saves. How many people joined your event’s Facebook Group? How many participants started their own fundraisers? Platforms like Facebook provide rich data on fundraiser activity and donor engagement. Analyzing this information shows you which parts of your event truly connected with your audience. Did a specific speaker get a lot of comments? Did a particular call to action get a ton of shares? Use these insights to double down on what works for your next Facebook Challenge or virtual campaign.

Collect Participant Feedback

Numbers tell one part of the story, but your supporters' experiences tell the rest. What did they think of the event? Was the platform easy to use? What was their favorite moment? Gathering this feedback is crucial for making improvements. You can send out a simple post-event survey via email or use direct messaging to ask for thoughts in a more personal way. You can also create a poll in your Facebook Group. Not only does this provide you with actionable ideas, but it also shows your community that you value their opinion, strengthening their connection to your cause. Keep an eye out for testimonials you can use (with permission!) to promote future events.

Calculate Your Return on Investment

A major advantage of virtual events is their potential for a high return on investment (ROI). With no venue, catering, or travel costs, your overhead is significantly lower than an in-person gala. To calculate your ROI, tally up all your event-related expenses—platform fees, marketing spend, staff time—and subtract that from your total funds raised. The resulting number is your net revenue. A high ROI means more of every dollar donated goes directly to your mission. This is a powerful metric to share with your board, stakeholders, and supporters to demonstrate the efficiency and impact of your virtual fundraising efforts. It proves that you’re making smart, strategic decisions to maximize support for your cause.

Related Articles

• Top Online Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits in 2025
• Virtual Fundraising Ideas for Nonprofits: Creative Online Events | GoodUnited
• 12 Best Virtual Fundraisers That Actually Work

Frequently Asked Questions

We're a small nonprofit with a limited budget. Can we still host a successful virtual event? Absolutely. In fact, that’s one of the biggest advantages of going virtual. You don’t need a huge budget for a venue or catering, which means you can host an impactful event without the high overhead. You can start with low-cost options like a Facebook Challenge or a livestream fundraiser using tools you likely already have. The key is to focus on creating a meaningful experience rather than a high-production show. Your mission and the community you build are what will truly drive donations.

How do we choose the right virtual fundraising idea for our organization? Start by thinking about your community and your goals. Are you trying to reach a new, younger audience? An interactive challenge or a trivia night might be perfect. Do you want to deepen connections with existing major donors? A more intimate digital storytelling session could be more effective. Also, consider your team's capacity. It's always better to execute a simple idea flawlessly than to attempt a complex virtual gala without the resources to pull it off smoothly.

Is it possible to build a real sense of community online? It absolutely is, but it requires being intentional. Community doesn't just happen because people are watching the same screen. You build it by creating shared experiences and fostering genuine interaction. Events like Facebook Challenges are so powerful because they bring people together in a dedicated group to work toward a common goal. Using direct messaging to personally thank and encourage participants also makes a huge difference in helping people feel seen and connected to your cause.

What's the most common mistake to avoid when planning a virtual fundraiser? The biggest mistake is treating a virtual event like a television broadcast where your audience just sits back and watches. People have endless distractions at home, so you have to earn their attention by making them active participants. Forgetting to build in interactive elements like polls, live chat, and Q&A sessions is a surefire way to lose your audience. Plan for engagement from the very beginning, not as an afterthought.

Our supporters aren't very tech-savvy. How can we make sure they can participate? This is a really important consideration. The key is to choose user-friendly platforms and provide clear, simple instructions. Before the event, send out a step-by-step guide with screenshots or a short video showing them exactly how to join. During the event, have a designated person ready to answer tech questions via phone or email. Choosing an event on a platform they already use, like Facebook, can also significantly lower the barrier to entry and make everyone feel more comfortable.