Learn about the fundraising Components that RallyUp offers and choose the one(s) that best suit your needs.
The RallyUp Fundraising Portfolio is organized into two categories: Core Components and Advanced Components. All Core Components are available with the Free plan, while the Flex plan includes both the Core Components and Advanced Components.
Each fundraising Component provides a unique way for donors to engage with your organization. You can run one Component at a time or combine them to create a multi-component fundraising Campaign.
Note that RallyUp cannot be used to fundraise for personal causes. RallyUp is a fundraising platform for nonprofits and other charities only.
What are the Core Components in RallyUp’s Fundraising Portfolio?
Raffles
Raffles allow donors to purchase entries into a drawing for a chance to win a prize.
- Raffles are highly regulated and regulations differ based on locality. Always consult your legal team before running a Raffle.
- You can set up your Raffle so that donors can purchase entries for a chance to win any of the prizes listed, a specific prize, or a cash prize.
- Raffle winners can be drawn randomly by the RallyUp system, or you can draw them manually.
- Raffle entries can be sold online and in person. Entries sold offline will need to be manually entered into the system.
Sweepstakes
Like Raffles, Sweepstakes also allow donors to purchase entries into a drawing or enter for free for a chance to win a prize. Unlike Raffles, Sweepstakes must give donors the option to enter for free.
Understand: Charity Sweepstakes
Understand: Raffles vs. Sweepstakes
- RallyUp allows one free entry request per unique email address. RallyUp takes care of entering all free entries.
- Sweepstakes must have official rules displayed on your Campaign Page. These official rules are generated automatically during setup and can be edited by RallyUp to include specific eligibility requirements, if needed.
- The RallyUp system must draw the winner randomly to comply with Sweepstakes regulations; manual drawing is not permitted.
Online Auctions
Online Auctions allow donors to place bids on items from the Campaign Page, and the highest bidder wins the item.
- You can choose between an English Style (traditional) Auction or a Proxy Bidding (E-bay style) Auction based on the needs of your organization and donors.
- When a donor is outbid, they are automatically notified by email. They can also opt for text notifications.
- The winning bidder’s credit card is automatically charged at the end of the Auction.
- If you include the fair market value when you add an item, the winner’s notification email can be used as a tax receipt.
- RallyUp creates a unique link for each item to replace cumbersome bid sheets.
Ticketing & Registration
Ticketing allows donors to purchase tickets for an in-person or virtual event such as (but not limited to) a gala, festival, or charity livestream.
Understand: Charity Ticketing & Registration
- Donors can easily go online and purchase tickets from your Campaign Page.
- You can sell individual tickets, allow donors to purchase multiple tickets at a time in packages, or both.
- You can also sell a limited number of tickets or offer certain ticket types for a limited time.
- Attendees can be checked in online.
- If you’re running a Livestream, you can require donors to purchase tickets to access it.
Crowdfunding
Crowdfunding allows donors to directly donate to your organization for as long as the fundraiser is live.
Understand: Charity Crowdfunding
- You can accept one-time donations, recurring donations, or both.
- Offer merchandise or perks for higher donation levels to incentivize donors and boost the funds you raise.
A-Thons
A-Thons allow your supporters to help you fundraise by completing a certain number of units of an activity (e.g., run 100 laps) in exchange for donations. Donors can then sponsor participants by pledging to donate a certain amount of money per unit of activity completed (e.g., $1 per lap).
- Your A-Thon can feature just one or multiple participants. If you allow multiple participants, Peer-to-Peer is automatically enabled (see below).
- You can add whatever activity you like. You can add multiple activities to one A-Thon and let participants choose which one they want to complete.
Peer-to-Peer
This feature is not a stand-alone Component, but can be added to any other Component except solo Auctions. Peer-to-Peer allows individuals and groups to participate in the fundraising Campaign and help promote the fundraiser.
Understand: Peer-to-Peer Fundraising
- You can allow supporters to sign up as individuals, teams, or both.
- You can enable Personal Fundraising Pages that each participant or team can share with family and friends through social media, text, or email.
- Offer prizes and display leaderboards to foster friendly competition and incentivize participants.
Storefront
An online Storefront allows you to sell items that benefit your organization.
Understand: Charity Storefront
- You can include an unlimited number of items in your Store.
- You can also add variations to each item (e.g., color, size, style).
What are the Advanced Components in RallyUp’s Fundraising Portfolio?
Live Auctions
Live Auctions take place in person, with an emcee or auctioneer leading the Auction. In-person guests raise paddles or cards with their Guest Numbers on them to indicate they want to place a bid, while spotters use RallyUp’s system to enter their bids in real time.
- Use the Live Display feature (see below) to spotlight Auction items and show a bidding feed to encourage participation.
- Quickly enter bids on guests’ behalf using the Guest Numbers displayed on their paddles or cards.
Silent Auctions
Silent Auctions take place in person, but there is no auctioneer, verbal bidding, or paddle raising. Instead, guests bid “silently” online or via bid sheet.
How Does a Silent Auction Work?
- You can create QR codes for each Auction item so guests can place bids online.
- (Coming soon!) Print out dedicated, fully branded bid sheets for each Auction item.
Fund-a-Needs
Fund-a-Needs allow you to request specific donation amounts for specific needs. In-person guests raise their paddles or cards with their Guest Numbers on them to indicate that they will donate the requested amount.
- Use the Live Display feature (see below) to spotlight each need or donation level and show a donation feed to encourage participation.
- Add images, descriptions, and more to highlight how the donation amount will impact your cause.
Paddle Raise+
The Paddle Raise feature can also be used to feature other Campaign items, such as Storefront merch, Raffle entry levels, and more.
Event Balances
Event Balances work similarly to bar tabs. Guests can donate more than once and pay for everything when the event ends, making them ideal for events where attendees have multiple chances to contribute.
Understand: Event Balances and Guest Numbers
- Each guest receives a unique Guest Number that you can use to add purchases or donations to their balance.
- Guest Numbers also allow you to track and enter bids or donations during Live Auctions or Fund-a-Needs.
- Choose between self-checkout (donors receive an email when it’s time to check out so they can review their balances before they pay) and automated checkout (see below).
Automated Checkout
Automated checkout allows you to charge guests’ saved payment methods automatically when the event ends.
How do I enable automatic checkout?
- To use this option, you’ll first need to require pre-registration for all attendees so they can create a RallyUp account and save a payment method: Understand: Campaign Pre-Registration.
Live Display
When you run a Live Auction, Fund-a-Need, or Paddle Raise on RallyUp, the system will automatically generate a Live Display with information about the Paddle Raise, including organization information, spotlighted items or donation amounts, real-time donation feed, fundraising thermometer, QR codes, and more.
- You can project the Live Display on monitors and screens throughout your venue to keep guests engaged and encourage donations.
- Change the colors, fonts, and logos to match your organization branding or your event theme.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the difference between Core Components and Advanced Components?
Core Components are available with Free pricing and include Raffles, Sweepstakes, Online Auctions, Ticketing & Registration, Crowdfunding, A-Thons, Peer-to-Peer, and Storefront. Advanced Components require Flex pricing and are designed for in-person events, including Live Auctions, Silent Auctions, Fund-a-Needs, Paddle Raise+, Event Balances, Automated Checkout, and Live Display.
Can I combine multiple Components in one campaign?
Yes, you can combine multiple Components to create a multi-Component Campaign. For example, you can run Ticketing & Registration alongside a Silent Auction and Fund-a-Need for a comprehensive gala fundraiser.
Which Components are best for in-person fundraising events?
Advanced Components like Live Auctions, Silent Auctions, Fund-a-Needs, Event Balances, and Live Display are specifically designed for in-person events. You can combine these with Core Components like Ticketing & Registration for a complete event solution.
What’s the difference between a Raffle and a Sweepstakes?
Raffles require payment to enter and are considered gambling by the IRS, while Sweepstakes must offer free entry options and are not considered gambling. Both offer donors a chance to win prizes through a random drawing.
Can I use RallyUp for personal fundraising?
No, RallyUp cannot be used for personal causes. RallyUp is a fundraising platform exclusively for nonprofits and other registered charities.
How does Peer-to-Peer work with other Components?
Peer-to-Peer is not a stand-alone Component but can be added to any other Component except solo Auctions. It allows individuals and teams to create Personal Fundraising Pages, helping spread your Campaign through their networks so you can gain new donors and raise more funds.