Digital vs In-Person Fundraising: What Works Best in 2026?

Fundraising used to be fairly black and white…and, well, boring. You’d set up a table, sell some cupcakes (although this bit isn’t boring!), maybe organise a raffle, then hope for good weather and deep pockets. Fast forward to 2026 and things look just a little different. Here’s how to tap into the best of both worlds – and with the convenience of platforms like GroupTogether, it’s shockingly easier than you’re imagining. 

Digital fundraising is rapidly overtaking in-person, and you might be surprised to find out why. It’s easy. Yep, it’s really that uncomplicated. People are tired of running around like chickens with their heads cut off just to collect funds and sell tickets – especially when that can be done in a matter of seconds online. Here’s why digital works.  

With digital fundraising, volunteers are saying goodbye to counting cash and chasing up signees – if they wanted to up their cardio, they’d join a gym! 

Digitally, people can contribute instantly, from anywhere, at any time. This means fewer drop-offs and more participation. Think about it this way – not everyone can attend an event, but almost everyone can click a link and chip in in their own time. 

Digital opens the door to:

• Busy parents
• Remote contributors
• Last-minute supporters

GroupTogether makes it easy to set up a shared collection, all the organiser needs to do is send out the link and the rest is auto-prompted. 

Is There a Case for In-Person Fundraising?

Yes, digital fundraising is infinitely more convenient, and yet…in-person fundraising isn’t going anywhere. The reason is threefold – for starters, it comes down to connection. Events bring people together, creating shared experiences, memories and a sense of belonging. Second, it drives energy and urgency. There’s something about being there in the moment that makes people want to join in and splurge a little. It could be a buzz in the air or possibly just the smell of the sausage sizzle nearby. And it shows fundraising in real time – you can see it happening, you can feel the impact, which then makes people more motivated to get involved.

So… which works best in 2026?

Short answer? Both. If you want the longer answer, we’ll explain why the most effective fundraising today is hybrid. Here’s what that looks like:

• A school event – you might use a QR code to get everyone to contribute digitally before they attend the talent show.
• A raffle – encourage online entries and payments so that the in-person BBQ flows smoothly.
• A group money collection – with GroupTogether, everyone can chip in online to a shared money pool. 

This approach keeps the community feel while removing the admin headache, and this is where platforms like GroupTogether stand out. Instead of collecting cash at events and chasing people when everyone’s leaving, you can:

• Create one simple collection page
• Share it before, during or after your event
• Let people contribute in their own time

What Actually Converts in 2026

If you’re looking for results, here’s what consistently works:

• Convenience: If it’s easy, people will do it.
• Clear purpose: People give more when they know where the money is going and why it matters – the Volcano Relief Fund of Krakatoa, for instance, won’t reassure anyone other than, well, Kramer.
• Social proof: When people see others contributing, they’re more likely to join in. With GroupTogether you can see who’s written on the group card, making it feel completely inclusive.
• Timing: Collecting funds, signatures and ensuring ticket and raffle sign-ups at the right moment is key – for the most success, strike during a campaign when engagement is already high. When it comes to rewards, ASAP is best. 

Is There a Winner for Digital vs In Person Fundraising?  

Digital vs in-person isn’t really a competition, it’s more like a collaboration. Digital brings ease and reach where in-person brings connection and energy. And together they create fundraising that is more effective, more inclusive and a lot less stressful to organise. But there is a major instance where digital should take centre stage. 

Don’t Forget the Thank You Card: Where Digital Really Wins

Hybrid is key for fundraising, but what about everything that comes after?  The organisers, the helpers, the ones who stayed back, showed up early and brought the caffeine – it’s just as important to thank them as it is to fundraise. And yet, thanking volunteers is often the part that gets rushed or forgotten entirely.

Look, it’s not just about being polite or good optics (unless you’re running a political campaign!) – it’s about making volunteers want to come back. They’re far more likely to help again when they feel recognised and appreciated, turning a one-off effort into an ongoing community.

In-person appreciation is valuable, sure, but not always practical. You might miss people who couldn’t stay back, run out of time at the event or struggle to find everyone for a chat and a thank you card. 

This is where digital puts everything together, without taking away the magic – with a platform like GroupTogether, you can create a group thank you card where:

• Unlimited people can add messages, photos and GIFs.
• You can choose the delivery date – yep, you can even schedule it to send on the night of the event.
• They can keep their card forever and there’s no risk of losing it, plus they can even enjoy a printed copy of their card if they’re the type to add things to the fridge.

If you want to go beyond words, you can pair the card with an eGift Card. Something small, say $5 to $20, is enough to make anyone feel special. Unlocked retailer options like the AnyCard give volunteers the flexibility to choose something they’ll actually enjoy.

FAQ: You Ask, We Answer

Q: Is digital fundraising more effective than in-person?

A: Digital fundraising often reaches more people and is easier to manage, but in-person fundraising can drive stronger engagement. A combination of both tends to deliver the best results.

Q: What is hybrid fundraising?

A: Hybrid fundraising combines online and in-person methods – for example, hosting an event while also collecting donations and scheduling eGift Card rewards digitally. 

Q: How can you collect money easily for a group?

A: Using a platform like GroupTogether allows you to collect contributions in one place, making it easy for everyone to participate without handling cash or manual tracking. This is perfect for raising funds for raffle rewards and collecting donations.

Q: What is the best way to fundraise for schools or groups?

The most effective approach is to combine community events with digital tools, making it easy for people to contribute while still creating a shared experience.

Q: What’s the best way to thank fundraising volunteers? 

A: A group card is a heartfelt way to say thanks, letting everyone sign and add photos. If you want to really show some love, adding a small eGift Card is the perfect way to treat volunteers and let them know you see how hard they work. 

Q: What are the best eGift Cards for raffle rewards? 

A: The AnyCard is the ultimate eGift Card, allowing recipients to choose from over 100 retailers – they can also mix and match. But, you may also want to give out specific eGift Cards like a Woolworths card to allow people to get their weekly shop done or a Restaurant Choice card to encourage a night out. With hundreds of options, the world is your oyster.