How can live streaming improve your non-profit's fundraising efforts?

1 Choose your platform

When live streaming your non-profit's fundraising efforts, the first step is to select a platform that meets your objectives, budget, and target audience. Options include Facebook Live, YouTube Live, Instagram Live, Twitch, Zoom, and specialized fundraising platforms like Givebutter or CauseVox. Each has its own features, benefits, and restrictions, so you should investigate and compare them before making a decision. Aspects to take into account include the size and preferences of your audience, the type of content and interaction you want to offer, the ease of use and technical requirements, the integration with your website and donation tools, and the analytics and reporting capabilities.

2 Define your purpose and format

The next step to live stream your non-profit's fundraising efforts is to define your purpose and format. What do you want to accomplish? How can you effectively convey your message and story? How can you involve your viewers and donors? Depending on your answers, you can select a format that best suits your purpose. For example, a virtual event such as a gala or concert, a Q&A session to answer questions from supporters, a workshop to teach or demonstrate something related to your cause, or a behind-the-scenes tour of your office, field, or project site.

3 Plan your content and logistics

The third step to live stream your non-profit's fundraising efforts is to plan your content and logistics. You need to create a script or an agenda for your live stream, outlining the main points, segments, transitions, and calls to action. You also need to prepare your visuals, such as slides, images, videos, or graphics, and make sure they are clear and relevant. Additionally, you need to arrange your equipment, such as your camera, microphone, lighting, and internet connection, and test them before you go live. You may also want to assign roles to your team members, such as the host, the moderator, the technician, or the donor relations manager.

4 Promote your live stream

Promoting your live stream is a key step to ensure successful fundraising efforts. You should use various channels and strategies to spread the word and generate excitement and interest, such as sending email invitations and reminders, posting on your social media accounts, creating a landing page or registration form on your website, asking partners, sponsors, influencers, or volunteers to share your live stream, and offering incentives or rewards for attending or donating. By doing so, you can attract as many viewers and donors as possible.

5 Execute your live stream

The fifth step to live stream your non-profit's fundraising efforts is to execute your live stream. You need to follow your plan and deliver your content and message in an engaging and authentic way. You also need to interact with your viewers and donors, by acknowledging their comments, questions, feedback, and donations. You can use tools like polls, quizzes, chats, or live donation trackers to create a sense of community and urgency. Moreover, you need to make it easy and appealing for your viewers to donate, by providing clear instructions, links, buttons, or QR codes, and by highlighting the impact and urgency of your cause.

6 Follow up with your viewers and donors

The sixth and final step to live stream your non-profit's fundraising efforts is to follow up with your viewers and donors. You need to thank them for their participation and support, and provide them with a summary and a recording of your live stream. You also need to collect and analyze the data and feedback from your live stream, such as the number of views, donations, comments, shares, or conversions. You can use this information to measure your success, identify your strengths and weaknesses, and improve your future live streams. Additionally, you need to nurture your relationships with your viewers and donors, by sending them updates, stories, or invitations to join your community or other events.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?