by Jillian Schranz
As we wrap up our Collaboration Drives Innovation blog series, we reflect on the 2020 peer-to-peer fundraising events season that could have been, and the reality of the year we got instead.
What is usually a bustling, productive spring packed with fundraising events became the season of the “pivot”. Pivoting from office work to working from home, pivoting from in-person events to online or virtual fundraising experiences, and pivoting from a “flat is the new black” revenue mindset to throwing all expectations and budgets out the window.
As we look ahead to the future, organizations have begun to settle into the new normal, and created strategies and tactics that will sustain peer-to-peer fundraising programs through the fall. We are hopeful that live events will return in 2021, because we at Event 360 know that there is no replacement for live, in-person experiences. The longer we’re apart, the more we crave interaction. The impact of live events cannot be understated – the connection and shared experience on-event is what drives participants to get involved, and drives their donors to support them. That’s the magic of peer-to-peer networks, and the fundraising generated by peer-to-peer events will be more important than ever as organizations look to fuel their missions in 2020 and beyond.
In the meantime, we’ve offered some solid advice and tips to navigate these shifting times. Here is a recap of some of the highlights of our Collaboration Drives Innovation blog series – check them out! And if they resonate with you and your team, we’re here to chat.
Creating Engaging Digital Experiences: If you’re a peer-to-peer fundraiser responsible for supporting constituents, this blog post is for you. We explore the importance of facilitating connection and the tactics we’ve used to foster community for our fundraisers who are craving social connection.
Hard Event Decisions: We’re not out of the woods yet, and this blog post explores the tough decision of canceling, postponing, or virtualizing the event. Key takeaway? Ask yourself these three guiding questions: Is it legal? Is it safe? Is it right?
Rethinking Events: As some areas of the country begin to reopen and we look to the late fall, when some events are still tentatively scheduled, this blog post is particularly relevant. How do you navigate the waters of an ever-shifting set of rules around live events? We’ve got you covered with our three-step process.
How to Support Constituents on Social Media: Social media is the #1 relationship connection point right now, but it’s important to follow four key guidelines in the era of COVID-19. First, use a sensitive social media calendar that provides value to your audience. Next, make sure you’re transparent and authentic with your audience. Most importantly, focus on your mission and engage with your community.
Thank you for joining us for this 14-week blog series. We hope our team provided useful, actionable tactics to help you “pivot” this spring. As your organization moves forward with canceling, postponing, or virtualizing your events, the Event 360 team is here to help.
