Associations often relied on their annual meetings and other signature fundraising events like awards dinners and golf tournaments to raise money, but as we all know too well, the pandemic upended these in-person gatherings. This has led associations to look to increasingly creative ways to generate the revenue they need in a virtual environment.

But to improve the success of these events, it’s important to make them as appealing as possible. Here are five creative ideas for fun virtual fundraising events.

Game night. Just about everybody loves playing Scrabble, Monopoly, and other board games. Everybody can get involved and have fun and, depending on the game, people of all ages can take part. You can play over a video call, with one device’s camera aimed at the game board so everyone can see it on their screen at all times. Ask people to pay a small entrance fee to participate and make a competition out of it. You can also consider something a little more niche like Dungeons & Dragons, chess, or bridge, and your game night may become a regular occasion.

Gala dinner. While a virtual gala dinner may skip the catering and white tablecloths, you can still engage those in attendance with entertainment, speakers, and even a live auction. Use video-conferencing technology to get everyone involved and engaging with one another. A gala dinner can be a great way to get people involved with making donations while also adding a little fun to the process. If you can, look for industry gurus or celebrities who can attend to generate excitement and attract more people to the event.

Before settling on an idea, test the idea first to see what sort of interest there is.

Trivia night. Trivia nights, or pub quizzes, are popular all over the world, as they are a great way to have a drink, relax, and test your general knowledge. Set an entrance fee, and to help entice donors and to make it a fun competition, arrange prizes for the winners. Attendees can group together in teams to see who knows the most collectively or go it alone. While the funds you raise can contribute to the prizes, also reach out to sponsors who might be willing to donate prizes in return for benefits.

Don’t forget that you’ll need a quiz master and questions to ask. Look online and you should have no difficulty finding questions and answers for the evening. You could try general knowledge, or focus questions on a particular area that’s related to your association or industry.

Cooking classes. For those keen to learn new things, an online cooking class could be the ideal solution—and a great way to raise funds. Find a well-known local or regional chef or somebody with the right credentials. More people will be willing to learn from the best and pay a fee for the opportunity to do so. Determine if ingredients will need to be purchased by participants or it they will be shipped to participants as part of the class fee.

Talent show. For associations with more outgoing members, a virtual talent show can be a lot of fun. Use your sales skills to find sponsorships or charge participants a fee for the chance to win a great prize. You can also consider charging a small fee for people who want to watch the show. Remember you will need to have a system in place that allows people to vote online for their favorite acts. Most video conferencing platforms offer polling features, and that can be the best way to collect votes while staying organized.

The Possibilities Are Endless

Above is just a small selection of ideas for virtual fundraising events. Before settling on an idea, test the idea first to see what sort of interest there is. Then, look to see what equipment you will need to help make the event a success.

You should also consider how you will make money from your events. Having participants pay a fee is one idea, although you can also seek sponsorships. Whichever monetization option you choose, a well-organized event could help generate significant revenue for your association.