Suppose you have been keeping track of fundraising trends throughout the pandemic. In that case, you will have noticed that concerts are one of the most effective ways organizations have raised money to bring awareness to advocacies and support causes.
A popular and wildly successful example of this is the concert organized by Global Citizen last September 2021. Named “Global Citizen Live,” the event aimed to bring the public’s attention towards pressing issues such as world hunger, climate change, and the current global pandemic and unite against it.
Over a period of 24 hours, some of the most prominent artists in the world, such as Coldplay, Billie Eilish, Lizzo, BTS, Elton John, and more, gave performances from different countries, which were then streamed on YouTube, Twitter, and other popular streaming platforms.
Of course, replicating events of this scale is difficult for smaller organizations. However, the concept is one that you can take note of as your organization seeks to find the best ways to raise funds for the causes it seeks to support.
Notes for Holding Online Concert Fundraisers
Fundraising concerts do not have to be held on such a large scale to be successful. Even if you are a small business hoping to help local nonprofit raise money for its projects in 2022, these planning tips will help you achieve your goals.
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Have an overarching theme
A theme is extremely important to pin down before everything else. This will guide the kind of artists you will get and the kind of people you will attract to send donations.
For instance, if your fundraiser seeks to mobilize young people to support important causes, it makes sense to go into genres such as pop and indie as a guide for your theme. If older audiences are your target market, “calmer” music, such as acoustic cover bands or jazz music, will be more appropriate for them.
Your theme also gives you an idea of the stage design, props, and even giveaways you will need to prepare. This is helpful, as it allows your planning committee to scout suppliers early, especially for needs such as LED screens, smoke machines, and even four-leg chain slings for lifting heavy equipment.
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Find the right artists for it
Having a theme narrows down the artists, you must seek out for your event. The country’s biggest stars may not be within your budget, but do not lose heart. There is a market for relevant local acts with a fanbase in your community.
Do some research and speak with interested musicians who also possess a genuine interest in supporting your cause. Since you will have a limited budget for the event, ensure that talent fees and other financial concerns are laid out on the table before closing the deal. Misunderstandings regarding whether they are to donate their time and music for the event or receive compensation can pose bigger issues, so avoid them altogether.
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Secure your venue and necessary equipment
A popular local bar, restaurant, or music hall will usually be enough for small concert fundraisers. It helps to also discuss with the venue that the concert is for a good cause, as this can qualify you for discounts. You and your team should also scout amongst your existing networks to see if you know anyone who can lend or rent out a private space just for the event.
Visit your venue to determine what technical equipment you need to fulfill the needs of your event. For example, outdoor events will usually require generators to power lighting, stage sets, and instruments, amongst other things.
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Finalize the ways in which people can donate
The great thing about technology is that it has made it much simpler to send donations to causes close to the hearts of people. For your virtual fundraising concert, there are numerous platforms from which people can send their donations.
If you host the event on YouTube, they have a feature that allows viewers to donate directly from the stream. You can also set up other platforms on websites such as Donorbox and GoFundMe that your partners can share on their own pages.
Well-known websites have more trust with audiences, so these may be preferable. Still, check how much their fees are and settle for the one that is both secure and falls within your budget.
As you straighten out the details for your virtual concert, always remember to promote as much as you can. These small events can get huge boosts through social media traction, so take the time to create eye-catching publicity materials that pique the interests of your audience.
