--- title: Using livestream fundraising to replace events description: Nonprofits continue to feel the impact of event cancellations as the coronavirus pandemic plays out. Livestream fundraising events offer a new-age alternative for those looking to virtually connect wi image: https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hubfs/210111-RKD-Using-livestream-fundraising-to-replace-events-Doodle-v2.jpg --- [![](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/210111-RKD-Groupthinkers-Rebranded-Logo-Blog-png.png?width=157&name=210111-RKD-Groupthinkers-Rebranded-Logo-Blog-png.png)](https://blog.rkdgroup.com) - [Solutions](https://rkdgroup.com/services/) - [Mid-Level Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/mid-level-giving/) - [Monthly Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/monthly-giving/) - [Lapsed Giving](https://rkdgroup.com/services/lapsed-giving/) - [Personalization](https://rkdgroup.com/services/personalization/) - [Connectors](https://rkdgroup.com/services/connectors/) - [Machine Learning](https://rkdgroup.com/services/machine-learning/) - [Marketing + Fundraising](https://rkdgroup.com/services/marketing-fundraising/) - [Audience Development](https://rkdgroup.com/services/audience-development/) - [Creative Services](https://rkdgroup.com/services/creative-services/) - [Data Management](https://rkdgroup.com/services/data-management/) - [Strategic Planning](https://rkdgroup.com/services/strategic-planning/) - [Analytics](https://rkdgroup.com/services/analytics/) - [Causes](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/) - [Animal Care](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/animal-care/) - [Food Banks](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/food-banks/) - [Health + Hospitals](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/health-hospitals/) - [Humanitarian](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/humanitarian/) - [Missions](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/missions/) - [Salvation Army](https://rkdgroup.com/causes/the-salvation-army/) - [Results](https://rkdgroup.com/results/) - [Acquisition](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=acquisition) - [Digital](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=digital) - [Mid-Major Programs](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=mid-major-programs) - [Advanced Analytics](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=advanced-analytics) - [Direct Mail](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=direct-mail) - [Multichannel Strategy](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=multichannel-strategy) - [Data Management](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=data-management) - [Media](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=media) - [Website Development](https://rkdgroup.com/results?cat=website-development) - [Resources](https://rkdgroup.com/insights/) - [Blog](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/) - [Benchmarks](https://info.rkdgroup.com/benchmarks) - [Webinars](https://info.rkdgroup.com/webinars) - [Ebooks + Research](https://info.rkdgroup.com/ebooks-research) - [Podcast](https://info.rkdgroup.com/group-thinkers-nonprofit-marketing-podcast) - [Field Guides](https://info.rkdgroup.com/field-guides) - [About Us](https://rkdgroup.com/about/) - [Leadership](https://rkdgroup.com/about/leadership/) - [Careers](https://rkdgroup.com/about/careers/) - [Let's Chat](https://rkdgroup.com/lets-chat/) #### Subscribe to our blog ### Subscribe to Email Updates ## Featured Post   [RKD Group](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/rkd-group) ## [RKD Group Acquires Whiteboard](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard) Premier Marketing Agency Bolsters Conceptual Creative Capabilities by Acquiring Award-Winning Agency PLANO, Texas, July 27, 2026 — Today, RKD Group, Nor\[...\] [Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [Direct Mail Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/direct-mail-fundraising) [Multichannel](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/multichannel) [Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/fundraising) [Nonprofit Industry](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/nonprofit-industry) [RKD](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/rkd) [Brand](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/brand) [Read More](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/rkd-group-acquires-whiteboard)   [Shane Thornal](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/shane-thornal) ## [Why nonprofits must unite SEO, social and paid media in one strategy](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-nonprofits-must-unite-seo-social-and-paid-media-in-one-strategy) Someone at your organization “owns” paid media. Someone else—often younger and under resourced—runs the social accounts. A third person (or maybe no one\[...\] [Digital Fundraising](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-fundraising) [SEO](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/seo) [Digital Media](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/digital-media) [Social Media](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/social-media) [Data & Analytics](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/data-analytics) [Read More](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/why-nonprofits-must-unite-seo-social-and-paid-media-in-one-strategy) ## Recent Posts [COVID-19](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/covid-19) [Mid-Major Donors](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/mid-major-donors) [Events](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/topic/events) # Using livestream fundraising to replace events By [Justin McCord](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/justin-mccord) As creatures of habit, many of us are still trying to wrap our heads around the rapid changes this pandemic is causing in our daily lives. Nothing like a global pandemic to force us into more creative avenues of socializing and meeting, right? None of us can predict when life will proceed in a somewhat-normal manner, which means [event cancellations](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/coronavirus-event-cancellations-mean-nonprofits-must-adapt/) and postponements will continue to pop up across the nonprofit industry. **But what if, instead of postponing or canceling, we turned to online livestream measures to host our events as planned?** If it’s even possible, people are [more connected to their devices](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/covid-19-provides-nonprofits-a-rare-opportunity-for-digital-ads/) than ever before. With a 22% spike in web traffic and a 12% increase in video streaming, people are flocking to online content while at home. Whether out of sheer boredom or in an effort to keep up with the outside world, we can use this to our advantage. Let’s take a look at some of the optics surrounding livestream fundraising and how organizations of all sizes can use different platforms to host online events. ### THE MODERN-ERA TELETHON Just like everything else right now, livestream fundraising has drastically changed in the last few years. Take the telethon, for example. This form of real-time fundraising first rose in popularity when [Jerry Lewis hosted a 16.5-hour live broadcast](http://content.time.com/time/nation/article/0,8599,1920674,00.html) for the Muscular Dystrophy Association that raised more than $600,000 in 1955. Since then, telethons have adopted many forms to help raise money for organizations of all types and sizes. Considered the more modern and digital version of a telethon, livestream fundraising has the same basic principles – real-time asks for donations, hosted by a nonprofit or influencer. There are even platforms out there, like [Tiltify](https://tiltify.com/) and [Twitch](https://www.twitch.tv/), that have created livestreaming efforts specifically with the purpose to aid nonprofit organizations in their fundraising efforts. ### LIVESTREAMING IN ACTION Most recently, United Way hosted [#HopefromHome](https://tiltify.com/united-way/hopefromhome), a multiplatform livestream fundraising event that took place on World Health Day to help raise funds to fight the impact of COVID-19. [Twitch Stream Aid](https://twitter.com/Twitch/status/1244116947857485827), another live event hosted on Tiltify, raised more than $2.8 million for the United Nations Foundation in the fight against COVID-19. **Don’t get discouraged by the fact that these are large-scale examples.** Like we said before, with all the resources out there, organizations of all sizes can host various types of live events to connect with donors and raise funds. Here’s what some of those might look like. ### CONDUCTING A LIVE EVENT Using a streaming platform, whether that’s Facebook Live, Twitch, Instagram Live or even YouTube, you can host a live event to connect with people and influence them to go someplace and donate. This can be hosted by you or someone well-known in your organization. The live event can feature discussion about your organization’s mission, what you’re raising money for and why you need donations at this time. Easier than planning an actual in-person event and more immediate than even a digital campaign, live events can reach a wide range of people and drive them to your site to donate. ### HOSTING YOUR PREVIOUSLY PLANNED GALA Imagine how cool it would be to get on a Zoom call or a private livestream with all your top donors to host your previously planned black-tie event. Just like you would be doing in person, attendees can get all dressed up to virtually attend. Things like silent auctions, celebrity appearances, speeches and videos can all still be held online. You could even take it a step further and mail centerpieces or swag that was supposed to be handed out at the event to donors’ homes. We’re all looking for human connection right now. Taking this extra step could help form a lasting impression with donors. ### USING INFLUENCERS TO SHARE YOUR MISSION The influencer world has grown exponentially in the last few years. Platforms like Twitch and Instagram have a host of influencers who have thousands (even millions) of followers. Best for targeting younger donors, influencers connect with their communities asking for donations to your organization during these livestream events. Gamers can host live videos for donations on their pages, musicians can play live music, or things can get a little more random. In 2017, Twitch host Cameron Aldous [raised $21,000 for Doctors Without Borders](https://www.philanthropy.com/article/How-Nonprofits-Are-Reaching/245240) while eating recipes made with pickles (which he hates) during the Pickle Challenge. Weird, but clearly entertaining and effective. ### TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE CHANCE TO TRANSFORM None of us have lived through a global pandemic before, so we’re all doing the best we can with what we’ve got. Don’t be afraid to take chances and try your hand at livestreaming. Start small with a Facebook or Instagram Live hosted by someone in your organization and see where it takes you. ### [Justin McCord](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/author/justin-mccord) Justin McCord is the Chief of Staff & EVP, Solutions at RKD Group. Justin oversees RKD’s solutions and delivery capabilities, including digital, direct mail, creative, technology, campaign management and consulting. He hosts the award-winning RKD Group: Thinkers podcast and is on the DMAW Board of Directors. He is also a regular speaker and contributor to nonprofit marketing events, helping shine a light on current issues and progressive strategies to align channels and improve connection. #### Leave a comment: Previous ##### [FAQ: Digital fundraising during COVID-19](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/faq-digital-fundraising-during-covid-19) Next Post ##### [Finding the right approach to creative messaging during COVID-19](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/finding-the-right-approach-to-creative-messaging-during-covid-19) ### Search GroupThinkers ![](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/459002/Assets%20Apr/magnifying-glass.png) [![GP FG - Blog Rail 340x340](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/GP%20FG%20-%20Blog%20Rail%20%20340x340.png?width=340&name=GP%20FG%20-%20Blog%20Rail%20%20340x340.png "GP FG - Blog Rail 340x340")](https://info.rkdgroup.com/givingpulse-field-guide-q1-2024-access) [![MidYear Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold](https://blog.rkdgroup.com/hs-fs/hubfs/MidYear%20Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold.png?width=340&name=MidYear%20Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold.png "MidYear Benchmarks-Sidebar_SolidGold")](https://info.rkdgroup.com/donor-trust-access) - 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