The playful name catches your attention right away: Boobyball. Last year Rethink Breast Cancer , a non-profit organization which aims to empower young people affected by the disease, threw four of these interactive fundraisers across Canada.

The theme worked both aesthetically and symbolically: “Into the Ocean” explored the idea of a diagnosis sometimes feeling like being “lost at sea,” and prompted attendees to “dive into” fighting back. Sea-themed photo ops, sponsor activities, and custom gifs accessed through Instagram rounded out the vision.

Plus you could dress like a mermaid, with a Pinterest board for inspiration.

It was a fun approach with a serious message for a specific demographic, and while it might not work for everyone, the Boobyball illustrated a truth: In the events world the goal is to make an impression, and that goes doubly so for non-profits who rely on donors passionate about their causes. But how do you stand out without being too ostentatious? Here are four trends we’re seeing for non-profit events, for 2020 and beyond.

Gone are the days of passive soirées; today’s non-profits immerse attendees in their mission, facilitating understanding of fundraising goals with photo ops, activations, and even science experiments. At the Ontario Science Centre’s 50th RBC Innovators’ Ball last year guests were thrust into the future: welcomed by a robot, addressed by a hologram, and given the opportunity for enviable photos against an anti-gravity green screen and with a Van de Graaff generator. The installations were lively, amusing, and directly correlated with the museum’s science-forward message.

But experiences aren’t limited to the event themselves.  Auctions increasingly include experiential prizes, backed by multiple studies concluding that memorable adventures hold increasing value for consumers. A new term even sprang up around it, the “experience economy,” and it’s obvious why:  Goods spark fleeting happiness while experiences open you up to new worlds and facilitate meaningful connections.  And besides, which one makes you look cooler on social?

Tech is an important ally and Charity: Water has long led the way, dabbling in virtual reality.   At last year’s gala, the non-profit surrounded guests with a 360-degree video experience, transporting them to an Ethiopian woman’s trek for clean water. Donations were made through an app on personalized iPads, and the totals were displayed in real-time.

On a smaller scale, consider those that are passionate about your mission that aren’t able to attend your event. Live streaming enables you to reach that audience, potentially turning them into donors and in the long term, attendees.  Any number of things can be broadcast: speeches, presentations, award ceremonies, interviews and Q&As, and viewers can even submit their own questions in real time. Investing in a tech forward way can also   create interesting short-form content which may attract new donors through various other platforms.

Marketing budgets can be challenging but creating a hashtag for social media costs nothing. Whether you design it to highlight one specific event or for repeat use, keep your mentions in one place. Encouraging attendees to use a hashtag also allows repurposing of their posts for later recaps. Preview or recap the affair with Instagram stories, or video — one of the best-performing content types on social — interviewing key players and perhaps highlighting the food and design. Grab the attention of those not in attendance with Instagram Live, attracting and engaging social media users and possibly inspiring new donors. Diversify and use all the tools to deliver your message, then tack on your call to action.

Nothing says “we do good” like doing your part to save the planet, a small step that goes a long way in impressing your audience and clearing your conscience. Choose a city with public transportation and partner with local vendors to minimize your carbon footprint. Eliminate bottled water and use less packaging, send evites or use an app instead of paper invitations. There are plenty of little ways to make a big difference.

The post Non-Profit Fundraiser Refresh: Igniting Passion in Donors appeared first on Glasshouses.