Let’s clear up a common misconception: a virtual fundraiser isn’t just a lesser version of an in-person event. When done right, it’s a strategic tool that can reach a wider, more diverse audience and build a stronger sense of community online. The challenge isn’t the format; it’s the execution. How do you keep an audience engaged through a screen? How do you create genuine connection? This article provides the answers. We’ll walk you through a step-by-step plan for how to host a successful virtual fundraiser that not only meets your financial goals but also strengthens relationships with your supporters where they already spend their time.

Key Takeaways

• Plan with purpose: A successful virtual fundraiser is built on a solid foundation of clear goals, a realistic budget, and a detailed timeline that guides every decision from promotion to the final thank-you.
• Make it a conversation, not a presentation: Keep your audience tuned in by making them active participants. Use compelling stories, live polls, and real-time chat to create an interactive experience that holds their attention and inspires them to give.
• Solidify relationships after the event ends: The work isn't over when the stream stops. Secure long-term support by sending prompt, personal thank-yous, sharing the final impact, and using attendee feedback to make your next event even better.

What Is a Virtual Fundraiser?

At its core, a virtual fundraiser is any event you host online to connect with your community and raise money for your cause. Think of it as taking the spirit and purpose of a traditional gala, walk-a-thon, or auction and moving it into a digital space. Instead of gathering in a ballroom, your supporters join from their living rooms. This can look like a live-streamed benefit concert, an online auction, a peer-to-peer fitness challenge, or even a simple, powerful giving day campaign powered by social media.

The goal remains the same: to share your mission, inspire generosity, and make it easy for people to donate. What’s different is the execution. Virtual events rely on digital tools like streaming platforms, social media, and online donation pages to create an engaging experience. When done right, they aren’t just a substitute for in-person events; they are a powerful way to build relationships with supporters where they already spend their time—online. By removing physical barriers, you open the door for more people to participate, share, and support your work, turning a local event into a potentially global one.

Why Host a Virtual Fundraiser?

So, why should your nonprofit consider a virtual fundraiser? The most compelling reasons are reach and efficiency. Virtual events are often significantly cheaper and easier to plan than in-person gatherings. You can say goodbye to costs like venue rentals, catering, and printed materials. This means more of every dollar raised goes directly to your mission.

Beyond the budget, virtual events help you reach a much wider audience because there are no geographical limits. Anyone with an internet connection can attend, allowing you to engage supporters who live across the country or even the world. This is especially powerful for campaigns like Facebook Challenges, which bring new people into your community. Just remember, while they can be simpler to organize, a successful virtual event still requires the same careful thought and strategic planning as any in-person fundraiser.

Virtual vs. In-Person: Which Is Right for You?

The return of in-person events doesn’t make virtual fundraising obsolete. Instead, it gives you more options to create a fundraising strategy that fits your unique needs. The incredible flexibility of virtual events means you can tailor them to your specific goals and audience. You can host a quick, 30-minute live stream or a month-long peer-to-peer campaign.

Even if you’re planning a live gala, adding a virtual component can help you include supporters who can't attend in person. This hybrid approach ensures you don’t miss out on donations from people who live far away, have scheduling conflicts, or simply prefer to engage from home. The choice isn’t about picking one over the other; it’s about understanding how each format can help you connect with your community and deciding which approach—or combination of approaches—will best serve your mission and your supporters.

How to Plan Your Virtual Fundraiser

A good plan is the foundation of any successful fundraiser, and virtual events are no exception. While you might save on venue costs, you'll be investing in technology and promotion. Thinking through the details upfront will save you headaches on event day and help you create an experience that truly connects with your supporters. Let's walk through the key steps to build a solid plan for your virtual fundraiser.

Define Your Goals and Budget

Start with the "why." What do you want to achieve? Set clear, measurable goals. As OneCause suggests, you need to "figure out your budget and what you want to achieve (like how much money to raise or how many people to reach)." Go beyond just a dollar amount. Are you trying to acquire new donors, re-engage lapsed ones, or simply build community? Your goals will shape every other decision you make. Then, create a realistic budget. Factor in costs for streaming platforms, marketing ads, any guest speakers or entertainment, and online payment processing fees. Knowing your numbers from the start ensures your event has a strong potential for a positive return on investment.

Assemble Your Team

You can't do this alone. A successful virtual event requires a dedicated team with clearly defined roles. As the team at OneCause puts it, "Don't try to do it all yourself! Get staff and volunteers to help with different tasks." Assign specific responsibilities to avoid overlap and ensure nothing falls through the cracks. You’ll need a project manager to keep everything on track, a tech lead to manage the streaming and fundraising platform, a marketing lead to promote the event, and an engagement lead to interact with the audience in real-time through comments and DMs. Make sure everyone knows their role and how to communicate with each other before, during, and after the event.

Pick Your Date and Format

Choosing the right format and time is crucial for maximizing attendance. Consider your audience's schedule—are they more likely to tune in on a weeknight or a weekend afternoon? When it comes to the format, Donorbox advises to "Stick to Your Usual Event Style (Mostly)." If your community loves your annual gala, consider a virtual version with breakout rooms and entertainment. If you're known for active events, a Facebook Challenge could be a perfect fit. The format should align with your goals and brand, creating an experience that feels authentic to your organization and engaging for your supporters. Don't be afraid to poll your audience to see what they'd be most excited about.

Map Out Your Timeline

A detailed timeline is your roadmap to a smooth event. This includes both a long-term project plan and a minute-by-minute schedule for the event itself. Your project plan should work backward from the event date, outlining key deadlines for marketing, tech setup, and content creation. For the day of, Donorbox recommends you "Create a detailed minute-by-minute schedule for the event, including who speaks when." This run-of-show document is essential for your host and production team. It should script out every segment, from the opening welcome to speaker transitions, video roll-ins, and donation appeals. Rehearsing this schedule is key to keeping the energy up and the event on track.

The Tech You'll Need for a Virtual Fundraiser

Choosing the right technology is one of the most important steps in planning your virtual fundraiser. The right tools work quietly in the background, creating a smooth and enjoyable experience for your guests while making event management a breeze for your team. Unlike in-person events, virtual fundraisers help you reach more people because there are no travel limits. They also save money on things like event spaces, food, and staff, allowing more of every dollar to go directly to your cause.

Your tech stack doesn't need to be complicated, but it does need to be reliable. The goal is to remove any friction that might stop someone from participating or donating. Think of it as building a digital venue. You’ll need a place to collect donations, a stage to present from, and a system to keep track of everyone who showed up. The key is to select tools that integrate well with each other and with the social platforms where your community is already active. By connecting with supporters through the channels they already use, you can build a powerful and sustainable fundraising pipeline. GoodUnited helps nonprofits turn social followers into donors by creating these connections directly inside social media. Let's look at the key pieces of technology you'll need to pull it all together.

Fundraising Platforms

Your fundraising platform is the digital heart of your event. It’s where your supporters will go to make their donations, so it needs to be user-friendly, secure, and reliable. Look for a platform that offers customizable donation pages that reflect your organization's branding and story. The best platforms make giving easy with features like mobile-responsive design, simple payment options, and the ability to set up recurring donations. This central hub should integrate smoothly with your other tools, ensuring all your data flows into one place. A seamless donation process is key to capturing the generosity of your audience in the heat of the moment.

Live-Streaming Software

To bring your virtual event to life, you'll need live-streaming software. This technology lets you show live video during your event, which is essential for keeping people engaged and creating a shared experience. You can use it to broadcast speeches, share impact stories, and interact with your audience in real time through comments and Q&A sessions. Popular and accessible options include Facebook Live, YouTube Live, and Zoom. The best choice often depends on where your audience already spends their time. For example, hosting a Facebook Challenge and streaming directly on the platform meets your supporters exactly where they are, making it easy for them to join and participate.

Mobile Bidding and Auction Tools

If a silent or live auction is part of your virtual event, dedicated mobile bidding tools are a must. These platforms recreate the thrill of the auction floor on your supporters' devices. If you have an online auction, these tools let people bid easily from their phones, receive instant notifications when they've been outbid, and check out securely once the auction closes. This technology keeps the energy high and encourages friendly competition, which can significantly increase your fundraising totals. Look for software that offers a clean interface and makes it simple for guests to browse items and place their bids without any hassle.

Donor Management Systems

Your donor management system, or CRM, is your single source of truth for all supporter information. This is where you keep track of all your donor data, from contact details to giving history and engagement levels. A robust CRM is critical for planning your event, segmenting your audience for targeted communications, and analyzing your results afterward. After the event, you can use this information to send personalized thank-you messages and nurture those new relationships. This system is the foundation for building the kind of lasting, one-on-one connections that turn one-time event attendees into lifelong supporters of your mission.

Virtual Fundraising Ideas That Actually Work

The best virtual fundraiser is one that resonates with your community and aligns with your mission. You don’t need to reinvent the wheel; you just need to adapt proven fundraising concepts for an online audience. The key is to choose a format that allows you to tell your story, connect with supporters on a personal level, and make giving easy and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking for a high-energy event or a more intimate gathering, there’s a virtual idea that will fit your goals and resources.

Below are a few popular and effective formats that nonprofits are using to drive donations and engagement online. Think about what your audience would genuinely enjoy participating in and build from there.

Virtual Auctions and Galas

Taking your annual gala or charity auction online can feel like a huge undertaking, but it opens the door to a much wider audience. A virtual gala lets you transform your signature event into an engaging online show, complete with live-streamed speeches, mission-focused videos, and direct calls for donations. You can pair this with a virtual auction, where guests can bid on exciting items right from their phones. The flexibility is a major plus—supporters who couldn’t attend in person can now join from anywhere, making your event more accessible than ever.

Online Challenges

Online challenges are a fantastic way to mobilize your community around a shared goal. Think virtual 5Ks, read-a-thons, or creative social media campaigns where participants complete a task and ask their networks for support. These events are built on a peer-to-peer model, empowering your supporters to become active fundraisers. The most successful campaigns, like Facebook Challenges, create a strong sense of community by bringing participants together in dedicated groups where they can share progress and cheer each other on, all while raising critical funds for your cause.

Digital Viewing Parties

A digital viewing party is a simple yet powerful way to connect with supporters. The concept is straightforward: host a virtual gathering to watch a movie, documentary, or even a pre-recorded presentation that relates to your nonprofit’s work. You can ask for a small donation to register and use the event as a platform for education and conversation. After the screening, host a live Q&A or a guided discussion to help your audience connect more deeply with your mission. It’s a low-cost, high-impact way to share your story and inspire action.

Peer-to-Peer Campaigns

At its core, peer-to-peer (P2P) fundraising is about empowering your most passionate supporters to raise money on your behalf. While it’s the engine behind online challenges, you can also build standalone P2P campaigns. The key to success is making it incredibly easy for your fundraisers. Host a virtual kickoff session to get everyone excited and informed. Then, provide them with plug-and-play resources like email templates, social media posts, and messaging they can customize. By equipping your supporters with the right fundraising tools, you turn them into confident and effective ambassadors for your cause.

How to Promote Your Virtual Fundraiser

You’ve planned an incredible virtual event, but that’s only half the battle. Now, you need to get people to show up. A thoughtful marketing strategy is the key to maximizing attendance, driving engagement, and hitting your fundraising goals. Promotion isn’t just about broadcasting information; it’s your first opportunity to build excitement and connect with your community around the event.

Think of your promotional period as the warm-up act. It’s where you start telling the story of your event, highlighting its impact, and giving people a reason to care—and to register. A great promotional plan doesn’t just fill virtual seats; it primes your audience to participate and give generously. By using a mix of channels and creating a consistent, compelling message, you can build momentum that carries you through event day and beyond. The following steps will help you create a promotional plan that ensures your virtual fundraiser is a can’t-miss event for your supporters.

Create a Multi-Channel Promotion Plan

Your supporters are everywhere, so your promotion should be, too. A multi-channel plan uses a strategic mix of communication methods to reach different segments of your audience where they’re most active. This means going beyond a single email blast or a few social media posts. Map out a timeline that includes email marketing, organic social media content, paid social ads, updates on your website’s homepage, and even direct mail for certain donor segments. The key is to create a cohesive experience. Your messaging, branding, and calls-to-action should be consistent across every channel, creating a clear and recognizable campaign that builds trust and excitement as your event date approaches.

Engage Your Audience on Social Media

Social media is your virtual stage for building buzz. Use your platforms to do more than just announce the event; create a conversation. Share behind-the-scenes glimpses of your planning, spotlight your speakers or special guests, and run countdowns to build anticipation. Interactive content like polls (“Which auction item are you most excited about?”) or Q&A sessions can draw your followers in and make them feel like part of the event before it even starts. This is also the perfect place to leverage direct messaging. You can personally invite key supporters, answer questions in real-time, and send reminders, creating a personal touch that automated posts can’t match.

Craft Your Email Marketing Campaign

Email is your direct line to your most dedicated supporters, so use it wisely. Plan a series of emails that guide your subscribers from awareness to registration. Start with a "save the date" to get on their calendars early, followed by an official invitation with a clear story about why this event matters. As the date gets closer, send reminders that highlight different aspects of the event, like a sneak peek at auction items or a message from your keynote speaker. To make your emails even more effective, segment your audience. You can send a slightly different message to past event attendees, major donors, or volunteers to make the invitation feel more personal and relevant to their relationship with your organization.

Design Compelling Promotional Materials

Your marketing materials are a vital part of your fundraising and donor outreach. In the virtual world, this means creating a suite of high-quality digital assets. This includes eye-catching graphics for social media, branded email headers, short promotional videos, and a professional event landing page that makes registration simple. Ensure all your materials use consistent branding—your logo, colors, and fonts—so your event is instantly recognizable. To extend your reach, create a simple digital toolkit for your speakers, sponsors, and board members. By providing them with pre-written posts and graphics, you make it incredibly easy for them to share the event with their own networks.

How to Keep Your Virtual Audience Engaged

Holding someone's attention through a screen is one of the biggest challenges of a virtual event. Unlike an in-person gala where you have a captive audience, your virtual guests are just one click away from their email, social media, or the latest show they’re binge-watching. That’s why creating an engaging experience isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for keeping your audience tuned in and inspired to give. The key is to make your event feel less like a webinar and more like an interactive experience. You want your supporters to feel like active participants, not passive viewers.

By weaving in opportunities for connection, sharing powerful stories, and keeping the energy high, you can create a memorable event that achieves its fundraising goals. It’s about being intentional with every segment of your program to draw your audience in and hold their focus from the opening remarks to the final thank you. This means thinking beyond the presentation and considering the entire attendee journey. How can you make them feel valued? How can you surprise and delight them? Answering these questions will help you design an event that not only raises money but also strengthens your community and builds lasting relationships with your supporters. We’ll cover a few practical ways to make that happen.

Incorporate Interactive Elements

Passive viewing leads to distraction. To keep your audience focused, you need to give them things to do. Think about ways to prompt participation throughout your event. You can use live polls to ask fun questions or get feedback, run a Q&A session with your guest speaker, or encourage attendees to use the chat to share their thoughts and connect with each other.

These interactive moments break up the program and make your audience feel seen and heard. Simple tools like a virtual photo booth or a real-time fundraising thermometer that visibly climbs with each donation can also add a layer of fun and urgency. The goal is to create a two-way conversation that makes your supporters feel like they are truly part of the event.

Tell Stories That Connect

Facts and figures can inform, but stories are what truly move people to act. Your virtual fundraiser is the perfect stage to share the human impact of your work. Instead of just talking about your mission, show it in action. Feature pre-recorded videos or live testimonials from the people your nonprofit serves. Share a heartfelt message from a board member about why they’re so committed to the cause.

These personal narratives create a powerful emotional connection that statistics alone can’t replicate. When potential donors can see the faces and hear the voices of those they’re helping, your mission becomes tangible and urgent. Weaving these stories throughout your program will remind everyone of the "why" behind their support and is often the final nudge someone needs to make a donation.

Maintain High Energy From Start to Finish

The energy of your virtual event starts with your host. Choose someone who is charismatic, comfortable on camera, and genuinely passionate about your cause. Their enthusiasm is contagious and will set the tone for the entire experience. To keep the momentum going, structure your program with short, dynamic segments. Mix up serious moments with fun, lighthearted ones.

Use upbeat music during transitions and celebrate fundraising milestones as they happen. A live shout-out to a recent donor can make them feel appreciated and encourage others to give. Keeping the pace brisk and the atmosphere positive will help you hold your audience’s attention. Remember, a high-energy event feels like a celebration, and people are more likely to stay—and give—when they’re having a good time.

Communicate Effectively with a Virtual Audience

Clear communication is the backbone of a smooth virtual event. Before the fundraiser, send attendees simple, step-by-step instructions on how to join and use the platform. A quick "know before you go" email can prevent technical headaches and ensure everyone can participate fully.

During the event, continue to guide your audience. Use on-screen graphics to display donation instructions and have a team member active in the chat to answer questions. You can also use social direct messaging to send reminders or personalized thank-yous in real time. By communicating clearly and consistently, you remove any friction that might stand in the way of engagement or donations, making it easy for your supporters to participate.

Nailing the Logistics on Event Day

Event day is when all your careful planning comes to life. A successful virtual fundraiser hinges on a seamless experience for your audience. When attendees can focus on your mission instead of wrestling with technology or confusing donation forms, they’re more likely to give. A smooth event builds trust and shows your organization’s professionalism. To get there, you need a solid day-of plan that covers everything from the donation process to unexpected tech glitches, ensuring your team is ready for anything.

Make Donating Easy

When a supporter feels inspired to give, you want to make that process as simple as possible. Any friction—a confusing form or too many clicks—can cause them to drop off. Your goal is to close the gap between inspiration and action. Embed a simple, clear donation form on your website and link to it directly from your event. Use strong calls-to-action throughout the broadcast, telling people exactly where to go. You can also send direct messages with a donation link to attendees, making it incredibly easy for them to contribute without ever leaving the conversation.

Run a Tech Rehearsal (and Have a Plan B)

You wouldn’t put on a stage play without a dress rehearsal, and your virtual event is no different. Schedule a full run-through with all speakers and tech support at least a week out. This is your chance to test the platform, check audio and video, and practice transitions. On event day, have everyone log in 30 minutes early for a final check of their microphones, cameras, and lighting. More importantly, always have a Plan B. What happens if a speaker’s internet drops? Having a co-host ready to step in or a pre-recorded video to play can turn a potential disaster into a minor hiccup.

Prep Your Team to Handle Anything

Your on-screen host can't do it all. You need a dedicated behind-the-scenes team to keep things running smoothly. Before the event, assign specific roles: someone to manage the technical production, another to moderate the chat, and a designated troubleshooter for attendees needing tech support. This frees up your host to focus on connecting with the audience. By preparing your team to handle questions and technical issues, you ensure every supporter feels seen and supported. This level of organization is key for building the 1:1 relationships that turn viewers into long-term donors.

How to Overcome Common Virtual Event Challenges

Let’s be honest: virtual events come with their own unique set of hurdles. From tech glitches to keeping a distracted audience tuned in, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a little foresight and planning, you can turn these potential problems into opportunities to shine. The key is to anticipate the challenges before they happen and have a solid plan in place to handle them.

Think of it this way: a smooth, engaging virtual event doesn’t just happen by accident. It’s the result of thoughtful preparation. By focusing on the three most common challenges—technology, engagement, and connection—you can create an experience that feels seamless for your guests and stress-free for your team. This proactive approach not only prevents day-of disasters but also shows your supporters that you value their time and attention. When attendees feel cared for and connected to your mission, they’re far more likely to give generously and stay involved long after the event ends. Getting ahead of these issues demonstrates professionalism and respect for your audience, setting the stage for a successful fundraiser that builds lasting relationships and strengthens your community.

Solving Tech Issues

Nothing stops a virtual event in its tracks faster than a technical meltdown. To keep things running smoothly, start by choosing user-friendly platforms for streaming and donations. Before the event, do a full tech rehearsal with your speakers and team to test audio, video, and internet connections. This dry run helps everyone get comfortable with the software and identify potential issues ahead of time.

On event day, have a designated tech support person on standby. This individual should be ready to help attendees who are having trouble logging in or experiencing other technical difficulties. Providing a clear contact point for support—like a dedicated email or chat—shows your audience you’re prepared and helps resolve problems quickly without disrupting the main event.

Tackling Low Engagement

Keeping an online audience focused can be tough when they’re just a click away from other distractions. The best way to hold their attention is to make your event interactive. Incorporate live polls, Q&A sessions, and chat features to encourage participation. Instead of just talking at your audience, create a two-way conversation.

You can also use social media to build excitement and a sense of community. Create a unique event hashtag and encourage attendees to post photos or share their thoughts during the event. This not only keeps them engaged but also extends your reach to their networks. Following up with attendees through social direct messaging can continue the conversation and make each person feel seen.

Building Real Connections Online

A screen doesn't have to be a barrier to genuine connection. The most memorable virtual fundraisers are the ones that tap into emotion and build a sense of community. Share powerful, personal stories from the people your nonprofit serves. Hearing directly from those impacted by your work is far more compelling than simply listing statistics. You can also feature messages from board members and key sponsors to show the breadth of support for your cause.

Make sure to build in time for your audience to interact with you and each other. A live Q&A session or a virtual "meet and greet" in a breakout room can help attendees feel more connected. After the event, send personalized thank-you messages. Acknowledging each donor’s contribution reinforces the relationship and shows them how much their support truly matters.

What to Do After Your Fundraiser Ends

The virtual confetti has settled and the live stream has ended, but your work isn’t quite done. The post-event phase is where you solidify donor relationships and gather insights that will make your next fundraiser even more successful. Taking the right steps now can turn one-time participants into long-term supporters and build momentum for your cause. Think of it as the final, crucial lap in your fundraising race—finishing strong makes all the difference.

Measure Your Success (Beyond the Bottom Line)

While hitting your financial target is a huge win, it’s not the only measure of a successful event. True impact is about more than just the dollars raised. Before your event, you should have set specific goals, and now is the time to see how you stacked up. Compare the amount raised to your initial projections, but also look at other key metrics. How much did your social media engagement grow? How many new followers or email subscribers did you gain? These numbers tell a fuller story about your event's reach and resonance. Tracking these outcomes helps you understand the full return on your efforts and share a more complete picture of success with your team and stakeholders.

Keep Your Donors Engaged Post-Event

The moment your fundraiser ends is the perfect time to deepen your connection with attendees. Start by sending a prompt and personal thank-you message to everyone who participated, donated, and volunteered. This is a great opportunity to share the final fundraising total and remind them of the impact they’ve made. You can also share stories and testimonials from the people your organization serves to bring that impact to life. By using automated tools like social direct messaging, you can send these follow-ups instantly, ensuring no one slips through the cracks. This immediate, thoughtful communication shows your supporters they are valued and keeps the positive energy from your event going long after it’s over.

Use Feedback to Improve Your Next Event

Every event is a learning opportunity. To make sure your next virtual fundraiser is even better, you need to know what worked and what didn’t. Send out a post-event survey to gather honest feedback from your attendees. Ask about their experience with the platform, the program content, and the donation process. A simple survey can provide invaluable insights that go much deeper than a simple poll. Once you’ve collected the responses, compile your findings and share them with your team. This data is your roadmap for planning future events, helping you replicate your successes and refine your strategy for even greater impact next time.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should my virtual fundraiser last? There's no magic number, but the sweet spot for a live virtual event is typically between 45 and 75 minutes. This is long enough to share impactful stories, feature your speakers, and make a clear ask, but short enough to hold your audience's attention. If your format is more of a peer-to-peer campaign, like a fitness challenge, that can run for a month or longer to give participants plenty of time to fundraise.

Can my small nonprofit pull off a successful virtual event on a tight budget? Absolutely. One of the best things about virtual fundraisers is their low overhead. You can host a powerful event using accessible tools like Facebook Live or YouTube Live for free. Focus your resources on what matters most: telling a compelling story and making it incredibly easy for people to donate. A heartfelt, well-organized event will always outperform a flashy one that lacks a clear message.

Should I pre-record parts of my event or do everything live? A hybrid approach is often the safest and most effective strategy. Going live creates a sense of energy and immediacy, which is great for your host segments and donation appeals. However, pre-recording key elements like mission stories or testimonials from beneficiaries minimizes the risk of technical glitches. This ensures your most important content is delivered smoothly and professionally, no matter what happens on event day.

What's the biggest mistake to avoid when planning a virtual fundraiser? The most common mistake is treating it like a long, formal webinar. People have limited attention spans online, so you need to create an experience that is dynamic and interactive. Avoid long, uninterrupted speeches and instead break up your program with videos, live polls, audience shout-outs, and Q&A sessions. The goal is to make your supporters feel like active participants in a shared experience, not just passive viewers.

How soon should I start promoting my virtual event? You should start building buzz about four to six weeks before the event date. Begin with a "save the date" announcement to get on your supporters' calendars early. Then, ramp up your communications with more detailed information about speakers, auction items, and the impact of their support as the date gets closer. A steady drumbeat of promotion across email and social media will build momentum and ensure a great turnout.