Giving in Response to the Coronavirus Crisis

​In the wake of the coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis, we’ve witnessed businesses, organizations, economies, health care systems, individuals, and more suffer on a global scale. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has cast a grim outlook on almost everything, many are still committed to doing good deeds. Take for example New York veterinarians donating ventilators to hospitals in need, or Disney executives taking salary cuts to sustain employees’ wages. These days, you don’t need to be a billionaire to make a difference. Whether you lead an organization or are simply an individual looking to do your part, online tools can help.

Ways to help with online fundraising
Coordinating an online fundraiser is one way to aid an organization or individuals in need. Online fundraising utilizes payments technology that makes it convenient for donors to give when they want, where they want, and how they want. For example, someone could give by accessing a donation website while sheltering in place using their credit card. Consider some of these different types of donation campaigns:

Day of giving: A giving day is a one-day donation campaign that raises funds in the span of 24 hours. The GivingTuesday organization recently announced May 5, 2020, as #GivingTuesdayNow, a global day of giving and unity in response to unprecedented need caused by COVID-19. The organization is known for launching #GivingTuesday during the holiday season, however, its partners and leaders are actively galvanizing supporters to step up in any way they can right now. Giving days are successful for a variety of organizations and causes because concerted promotion efforts are focused on one day, usually on an anniversary.  Examples of a day-of-giving campaign include a Founders’ Day for fraternal organizations, Pi Day (3/14), and #GivingTuesday (the Tuesday after Thanksgiving holiday).
Note: memberplanet users can log in to use a #GivingTuesdayNow template.

Peer-to-peer fundraising: Also known as crowdfunding, this type of campaign leverages the reach of an individual’s relationships. Fundraising is personal; people donate because of their connection to an organization, whether that exists in the form of membership or someone they know who is affiliated with the organization. Usually, those who coordinate a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign will enlist the help of ambassadors – a volunteer or supporter – that can champion the fundraiser using their personal story on behalf of an organization. Utilizing social media, video, and photos help to drive the emotional connection with donors.

Online auction: In an effort to replace traditional jog-a-thons and live events that had to be canceled due to social distancing restrictions, some organizations have gotten more creative. Live online auctions can be facilitated using a technology solution that incorporates streaming or real-time updates, however, a silent online auction is a much simpler coordination effort that can be just as effective. One would only need to utilize a survey form to auction off merchandise, gift packages, and other items that can be delivered to winning bidders.

Ongoing donation campaigns: These types of campaigns can last for a few days, a school year, or continue indefinitely. To keep promotion efforts going over an extended period of time, it helps to tie in a theme to a fundraising initiative. Examples include Greek week, Autism Awareness Month, or a year-long centennial celebration. Organizations can increase their chances of receiving larger donations by offering installment payments. This allows donors to pay a sum of money in smaller parts over a fixed period of time. For a longer lasting donation campaign, installment payments are all the more appealing to both donors and charities.

Other ways to give
Giving monetarily is just one way of helping during the COVID-19 pandemic. Some individuals have taken it upon themselves to create DIY face masks or organize grassroots efforts to create enough to donate to shorthanded hospitals. Even one of memberplanet’s team members put her sewing abilities to use to create face masks with HEPA filters to donate to a local hospital. Another team member is utilizing Nextdoor, an app that allows him to connect with neighbors and do grocery runs for the elderly and others who are at higher risk for COVID-19. Others are also donating snacks, food, and writing thank-you letters for their community hospital staff.

Whichever way you choose to do your part, whether it’s by donating money, goods, your time, or just sheltering in place, modern technology has a way of making it easier. memberplanet can simplify online fundraising efforts for organizations of all sizes. Fraternal organizations can utilize the Funds Multiplier, a fundraising solution for fraternal communities to manage campaigns, engage supporters, and grow donations. To learn more, schedule a chat with our team.

About Matt Arnold

As our Vice President of Business Development, Matt is dedicated to serving member-based organizations and small to mid-sized associations. With over 10 years of experience wearing various leadership hats as an Alpha Tau Omega alumnus, Matt specializes in all fraternal organization matters. Whether a group is challenged with growing membership or struggling to engage members, he's got a solution.