2022 in Review

As 2023 begins, you need to take a break from the net budget codes and mundane, uninspired excel math that you do to patch together a path to your goals. The best plan to achieve a goal involves examining trends and standout data so that you and your team can make informed, strategic decisions.

We surveyed 640 organizations—nonprofits supporting animal welfare, health and human services, arts and culture, and the environment as well as K-12 schools, universities, religious institutions, and others—to get a better understanding of their experiences in 2022.

Trends

Adding fundraising tactics tackles a fluctuating economy and inflation

More than eight in 10 respondents shared that their organization felt the impact of the economy in 2022. As you look ahead to the next three to five years, things won’t always be consistent and predictable. But, there are things you can control!

If you have an online fundraising platform that doesn’t limit the number of fundraisers you can host, many organizations are adding turnkey campaigns to achieve their goals. The relative majority of respondents host two to four annual campaigns.

Those surveyed shared that they added in things like an online-only community giving day, sold ads for event programs online, and hosted kickoff events, such as photo scavenger hunts and virtual bingo, to increase engagement and revenue.

There are lots of opportunities to expand your fundraising, from annual events like auctions and golf tournaments to giving days, peer-to-peer campaigns, voting competitions, and more. Don’t forget about the virtual audiences you’ve built. Check out our Hybrid Fundraising Events Guide for more ideas.

Ticketed, in-person events are exceeding pre-pandemic levels

In 2022, there was a resurgence of in-person fundraising events. After a long few years of waiting, pivoting, and trying to make your mission succeed through the ups and downs of a pandemic, it’s exciting that we all get to gather and celebrate missions in person again!

It’s also encouraging to see that despite inflation and the state of the economy this year, event ticket prices stayed relatively the same. And, more tickets were sold via GiveSmart in 2022 than in 2021, 2020, and 2019.

Your donors are there, they’re engaged, and trends show they’re ready to return to in-person events!

Revenue enhancers yield fundraising growth

At some point, you tap the number of people who will be in the room or on the course at your fundraising events. With limited staff and volunteers who are busy planning, budgeting, and stewarding donors, coming up with and executing engaging revenue enhancers can be a challenge. If it is the first time your team is adding revenue enhancers and games, it might feel impossible.

Revenue enhancers are worth it, and we have insights on which performed best.

Respondents shared that getting creative and trying new things to raise money made a significant impact on their bottom lines. And, many ideas that respondents shared augment and improve their existing plans, and do not involve starting totally from scratch. Some fresh ideas include a golden ticket raffle, table captains, last paddle standing, and more.

State Raffle Regulations

Because raffles are games of chance and can be considered lotteries, they’re heavily regulated in many states as a form of gambling. Are raffles legal in your state? Read more for what you need to know.

Freshen Up Your Fundraising

Add excitement and increase engagement to your event(s) by improving what you already do. Or, if revenue enhancers are new to your events, these proven options are certain to wow your guests.

It’s All a Game

If you’re looking for simple fundraising games for your upcoming school event, gala, or other campaigns that will delight your donors, check out our guide today! It covers ideas that work for fundraising games both online and in-person.

Curious how you can find success and boost revenue with adding fundraising games, no matter if your fundraisers are virtual, hybrid, or in-person? Check out customer examples today!

Diversity in your auction inspires bidding

Both silent and live auction revenue saw significant growth when comparing 2022 to 2021, 2020, AND 2019.

Respondents shared some items that performed best for them. These include tools, gift cards, grills, and prime parking spaces or lockers. Looking for even more ideas? Check out 30 Auction Items That Don’t Cost a Dime today!