Six Ways to Gamify Year-End Fundraising
As year-end fundraising campaigns hit inboxes and phones, standing out from the digital clutter is harder than ever. That’s why incorporating gamification strategies into your digital-only campaigns can be a powerful way to boost engagement, increase conversions, and add an element of fun to your final fundraising push.
This blog explores six proven gamification tactics nonprofits can implement across email, SMS, and landing pages—ranging from low-lift options you can integrate today to creative ideas that feel fresh and exciting. Whether you’re looking to re-engage lapsed donors, motivate peer fundraisers, or nudge last-minute gifts, these strategies can help turn passive supporters into active participants.
Let’s dive into the game plan.
1. Countdown Challenge Emails
Why it works
The urgency of a ticking clock motivates action.
How to do it
Use a series of emails with countdown clocks (static or dynamic GIFs work!) to unlock specific challenges:
- Day 5: “Help us reach 100 donors today and unlock a surprise gift match!”
- Day 3: “The next 25 gifts will receive a thank-you eCard from a program participant.”
- Final Day: “Donate by midnight and double your impact!”
Check out more year-end fundraising tips here: 5 of Our Favorite Year‑End Fundraising Emails.
2. SMS-Triggered Mini Games
Why it works
SMS campaigns consistently deliver around a 98% open rate*, making them one of the most effective outreach channels in digital fundraising. Most messages are read within minutes, making SMS ideal for time-sensitive giving appeals and gamified interactions.
How to do it
Create an interactive text series that plays out like a “choose-your-own-adventure”:
Text 1: “Do you want to DOUBLE your impact or SHARE the campaign? Reply A or B.”
- Text A: Sends a matching-gift donation link.
- Text B: Sends a pre-filled social share link and a thank-you gif.
For an out-of-the-box twist, try a “text-to-spin” mechanic: supporters text a keyword and receive an immediate perk like a campaign sticker, impact-themed digital badge, or exclusive content link.
*Sources: https://www.constantcontact.com/blog/sms-for-nonprofits.
3. Mystery Matching Gift Reveal
Why it works
Mystery engages curiosity and encourages repeat visits.
How to do it
Instead of revealing your match upfront, tease it with messaging like:
“A generous donor is matching gifts up to a secret amount. Make your gift to reveal your match!”
Tip: Include personalized progress bars (many ESPs now support this!) to show how close the donor is to completing a milestone—like reaching a personal giving goal.
On the landing page, reveal a scratch-to-reveal area (or simple animated box) after a donation is made. Use values like:
- Double your gift
- Triple match for the next 10 minutes
- Surprise prize unlocked!
4. Leaderboard of Impact
Why it works
Friendly competition + social proof = increased giving.
How to do it
Embed a real-time donor leaderboard on your year-end landing page or in a campaign microsite. Options include:
- Top donors
- Most gifts by ZIP code
- Fastest gifts during a challenge hour
Add badges or digital trophies for recurring donors, first-time donors, or donors who give multiple times.
Tip: Platforms like Funraise and Givebutter support dynamic donor displays.
5. Interactive Quiz with a Giving Twist
Why it works
Quizzes are highly engaging, trackable, and easily shareable. They can educate, segment, and convert users—all while offering a fun experience.
How to do it
Create a short, interactive quiz (4–6 questions) themed around your mission, using platforms like Typeform, Outgrow, or SurveyMonkey. Each result leads to a personalized ask and donation page.
Example themes:
- “Which of our programs matches your giving personality?”
- “What kind of impact hero are you?”
- “Can you beat our holiday trivia?”
Each result page should include:
- A brief personalized message
- A donation CTA (“Make an impact as a Literacy Leader today!”)
- Social share buttons to challenge friends
- Email capture for new visitors
Tip: Use UTMs and tags in your email/SMS sends to track who starts and finishes the quiz. Most platforms also let you export quiz data for segmentation and retargeting.
Bonus: You can even reward completions with entry into a raffle, early access to a digital campaign, or a thank-you download (e.g., a holiday recipe from your community).
6. Interactive Giving Cart or Wishlist
Why it works
Visualizing impact makes giving tangible.
How to do it
Instead of a static donation form, create a giving cart where users “shop” for impact:
- $10 = 1 week of meals for a senior
- $25 = new books for a classroom
- $100 = holiday gifts for a family
Gamify it by assigning points to each item and displaying “impact badges” based on donor selections. It’s playful, easy to understand, and scalable across all donor levels.
Platforms like Tiltify and Classy support donation catalog-style experiences
Final Thought
Gamifying your year-end fundraising campaign doesn’t have to be complex. A simple progress bar, a challenge email, or a text-based interaction can go a long way toward boosting conversions and delighting donors. Start with one small idea and test its performance. The more fun and frictionless you make giving, the more your supporters will want to come back and play again next year.
