How Nonprofits Can Benefit: Gaming Fundraising Strategy Insights from NTC25

The Nonprofit Tech Conference is one of my favorite conferences to attend because it's one of the few conferences that combine fundraising with technology (as opposed to marketing). It's one of the reasons I keep coming back!

This year, I came to speak about engaging gamers to nonprofit causes. Alongside me was Lane Buttons, Online Fundraising Specialist from one of my clients, Vibrant Emotional Health. I helped Vibrant create their charity streaming program, Vibin' With Vibrant last year, and we came to NTC to share our experience doing so, along with providing some strategies for how other organizations can get started in fundraising within the gaming space.

One of the things I love about the NTC is the diversity of attendee backgrounds, from tech innovators to nonprofit leaders. Moreover, I find that the attendees tend to be more curious about new ideas, so I am always happy to see people's reactions when they realize the potential of fundraising in the gaming space.

Understanding Gamers as Donors

Despite the increased awareness of the video game community as a viable and successful pool of fundraising (both as fundraisers and as donors), they are still largely misunderstood. On one hand, there are an increasing number of organizations that realize that there is power in gamers as influencers because they can reach an audience that an organization struggles to engage with. On the other hand, there is still a mindset that gamers are "young, broke teenagers" rather than a diverse, multi-generational group that includes professionals with disposable income. So how do we address this and build strategies that are intentional and have a mind towards creating community?

Tiered Fundraising Strategies for Gaming Engagement

Lane and I outlined a tiered approach to help organizations grow their gaming initiatives in a scalable, sustainable way. Here’s how it breaks down:

🎮 Level 1: Passive Fundraising — Low Lift, Easy Start

Start simple. Set up your presence on a fundraising platform like Tiltify or Streamlabs Charity. Pair it with a downloadable toolkit for streamers—graphics, talking points, and everything they need to represent your cause on stream.

✅ Pros: Easy to launch, minimal staff time.

⚠️ Cons: Harder for lesser-known brands to gain traction without strong marketing support.

Think of this as your entry point: low risk, low reward, but an essential first step to test the waters.

🤝 Level 2: Strategic Partnerships, Grants & Funding — Unlock Bigger Opportunities

Level up by exploring partnerships and grant opportunities:

• Social impact gaming can attract corporate partners and creative brand collaborations.

• Grants like Unity for Humanity and Epic Megagrants can fund game-related projects that spotlight your mission.

• Local economic development programs (like those in New York) may offer funding to nonprofits co-creating with game developers.

🚨 Note: Grant applications take time, and many nonprofits aren’t aware these opportunities exist. This level requires upfront investment in research and grant writing but opens doors to larger-scale impact.

🌍 Level 3: Peer-to-Peer Community Engagement — Build Your Army of Advocates

This is where nonprofits get personal. Building relationships with gamers and content creators turns them into long-term champions. Think community managers, regular engagement, and creating spaces where gamers feel like part of your mission.

✅ Pros: Authenticity, loyalty, and recurring support.

⚠️ Cons: Resource-heavy. Success takes time, and leadership needs to be patient and committed to the long game.

🚀 Level 4: Multi-Channel Gaming Fundraising — Become a Gaming Fundraising Powerhouse

Here, everything comes together: passive fundraising, strategic partnerships, grant-funded projects, and community engagement—plus integrating gaming into your traditional fundraising efforts like direct mail, major gifts, and even legacy giving (because yes, gamers grow up too).

At this stage, your organization isn’t just dabbling in gaming—you’re a recognized brand in the space.

✅ Pros: Diversified revenue, stronger brand presence, more partnership opportunities.

⚠️ Cons: Scaling requires thoughtful staffing—get clear on the skills you need before hiring.

Successful Case Studies: Vibin' With Vibrant

Lane and I also discussed Vibrant Emotional Health's journey in launching their gaming fundraising program, Vibin' With Vibrant. While putting this program together, we discussed what can realistically be done, and decided that Vibrant should start at Level 1. We built out the toolkit, set up an account on Tiltify, and marketed the program at events like TwitchCon (I handed out business cards with QR codes driving people to the toolkit). The result: over $32,000 raised in the first 6 months. Not a bad return for Level 1! Now the challenge is how to build on this, integrate further into the marketing calendar, and continue to search for partnerships that can help take Vibrant to the next level.

Key Takeaways for Nonprofit Fundraisers

• The fundraising landscape is always changing, so conference like this are important for giving organizations advanced intelligence to help them adapt. Similarly, the video game and content creator industry is always evolving, so it's good to keep an ear to the ground for emerging trends in this sector.

• Fundraisers need to be encouraged to embrace technology and gaming as viable avenues for support.

• Showcasing these strategies highlighted that budgets aren't always a limiting factor. Creativity and knowledge can often address low-hanging fruit, quick wins, and lay the groundwork for future success by demonstrating proof of concept to leadership.

  
  

Final Reflections

Attending the Nonprofit Tech Conference this year reinforced why this event remains one of my favorites—it’s a place where innovation meets mission, and where fundraisers aren’t afraid to experiment with new strategies. The energy in the room was palpable as attendees connected the dots between gaming culture and nonprofit fundraising potential.

Gamers represent a rapidly growing, passionate, and generous donor segment. As nonprofit professionals, it’s on us to move beyond outdated stereotypes and build programs that meet these communities where they are, with authenticity and respect. By sharing Vibrant Emotional Health’s early wins, we hoped to show that you don’t need massive budgets or flashy campaigns to start. You need strategy, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

Conclusion

If there’s one thing I’d like people to take away, it’s this: gaming is not a fad—it’s a thriving, global culture. Nonprofits who take the time to understand this space, build relationships, and create intentional programs will position themselves for long-term success. Whether you start with a basic toolkit or go all-in with a multi-channel strategy, the important thing is to start somewhere.

I’m excited to see how more organizations take these lessons forward and build genuine connections with gamers. The opportunity is here—it’s time for nonprofits to press start.