At the heart of every nonprofit is the desire to connect people to a cause that matters. Fundraising events are one way to do that, but livestreaming takes it a step further. It offers supporters a view of the work as it happens. Going live on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube allows nonprofits to share stories, celebrate community, and inspire generosity in real-time.
Why Live Video Builds Donor Trust and Boosts Giving
Algorithms often prioritize live content, making it more likely to be seen by supporters. For nonprofits, that means more eyes on campaigns and greater opportunities for giving.
Live streaming on social media may be a great way to increase reach, but it is also an important tool for establishing real connections with potential donors. Donors respond to authenticity. They want to see staff, volunteers, and community members, and seeing them live builds trust and inspires generosity in ways that polished content can’t.
Building Excitement Before a Fundraising Event
The days leading up to a fundraiser are a prime opportunity to capture attention and encourage early giving. Live video helps nonprofits turn preparation into promotion.
Show supporters a behind-the-scenes look at volunteers setting up or staff preparing auction items. Use short countdown livestreams to reveal raffle prizes, spotlight sponsors, or share fundraising goals. Go live with impact stories from beneficiaries or team members to connect donations directly to outcomes, reminding viewers why their support matters.
Partnerships can also expand reach: co-hosting a live session with a sponsor, board member, or community partner introduces your campaign to new audiences and lends credibility to your mission.
Driving Donations While the Event Is Live
Going live during the fundraiser turns online viewers into active participants. Open with a kickoff stream that welcomes virtual supporters and invites them to donate right away. Highlight progress by celebrating milestones in real time, giving personal shout-outs to donors whenever possible. Stream short clips of auctions, raffles, or performances, and incorporate quick interviews with attendees or volunteers to capture the energy in the room. The aim is to create urgency and make online viewers feel like they’re part of the excitement and motivate them to give before the moment passes.
Keeping the Momentum Going After the Event
A fundraiser doesn’t have to end when the lights go down. Post-event livestreams give nonprofits a chance to thank donors and volunteers, celebrate the total raised, and show exactly what those dollars will make possible. Sharing updates on funded programs or upcoming initiatives keeps supporters connected to the mission. Recap streams are also a natural moment to encourage “second chance” gifts from those who missed the event and to gather feedback through comments or live Q&A that can strengthen the next campaign.
Engagement Tactics That Boost Event Promotion
Livestreams work best when they feel like a conversation, not a commercial. The more interactive the stream, the more excitement it creates around your upcoming fundraiser.
Nonprofits can:
- Shout out supporters by name. Thank early registrants, volunteers, or sponsors who sign on during the stream. This builds momentum and shows that people are already getting involved.
- Use polls and Q&A. Ask viewers what part of the event they’re most excited about — the keynote speaker, raffle prizes, entertainment, or a special announcement. Polls and questions give your audience a sense of ownership and foster a sense of anticipation.
- Encourage shares and watch parties. Remind viewers that spreading the stream helps bring new people to the fundraiser. More shares mean more potential attendees.
- Ask direct, welcoming questions. Prompts like “Where are you watching from?” or “Have you attended this event before?” spark conversation and make newcomers feel included.
These interactive touches make livestreams more than just announcements — they generate buzz, expand reach, and get supporters eager to show up when the fundraising event arrives.
Choosing the Right Platform to Promote Your Fundraising Event with Live Video
Not every platform will be the right fit for every nonprofit. The best choice depends on your audience, the type of event you’re promoting, and how your supporters like to engage. Here’s how different platforms can help generate buzz and drive attendance:
Facebook Live
A strong option for nonprofits with older or multigenerational audiences.
Use Facebook Live to make event announcements, spotlight sponsors, or host Q&A sessions. Since streams connect easily to event pages, you can guide viewers straight to registration links while engaging the community that’s already active there.
Instagram Live
Ideal for visually focused audiences.
Instagram Live is great for sharing behind-the-scenes sneak peeks, hosting short countdown streams, or conducting interviews with speakers and volunteers. Co-hosting with board members, influencers, or partners expands reach and credibility, helping more people hear about the fundraiser in advance.
TikTok Live
Perfect for generating buzz with younger donors through authentic, high-energy content.
Use TikTok Live for quick challenges tied to your event, fun reveals of raffle items, or mission-driven storytelling. Its viral culture can help nonprofits reach entirely new audiences who may become first-time attendees.
YouTube Live
Best for longer promotional content.
Stream rehearsals, host panel discussions with event participants, or walk viewers through what to expect on the big day. Because replays remain searchable and accessible, YouTube Lives continue to promote your fundraiser well after the stream ends.
Though not designed for public broadcasting, WhatsApp is powerful for private, relationship-driven promotion.
Share live updates or short broadcasts with small groups of volunteers, major donors, or community partners. These intimate touchpoints build stronger buy-in and encourage word-of-mouth promotion.
Snapchat Live (Stories & Spotlight)
Content that disappears is built for urgency.
Making it useful for event countdowns, quick behind-the-scenes clips, or exclusive sneak peeks. Younger audiences respond well to casual, real-time updates here, and nonprofits can use it to create FOMO that drives attendees to register before the chance disappears.
Livestreaming is no longer just a novelty; it has become a staple. It’s one of the most effective ways nonprofits can build anticipation and visibility for their fundraising events. By going live, organizations can turn everyday preparation into engaging promotion, highlight the voices and stories that matter most, and create a sense of urgency that gets supporters excited to attend.
Each platform offers its own advantages, from Facebook’s event integration to TikTok’s viral energy, Instagram’s visual storytelling, YouTube’s long-form reach, and even WhatsApp or Snapchat for more personal updates. The key is to choose the channels where your audience is already active and use live content to spark conversation, answer questions, and grow momentum.
At its best, going live isn’t about polished production; it’s about showing your mission in action. A few minutes of authentic, real-time connection can do more to promote your fundraiser than any flyer or post. The sooner nonprofits embrace live video as part of their event promotion toolkit, the more likely they are to fill seats, increase participation, and create lasting excitement around their cause.
Want to learn more tips for your nonprofit? Check out some of our past blogs on the topic here: Nonprofit Blog Posts
Contact aJuxt today to learn how we can help your nonprofit promote fundraising events with live streams!