How to Get The MOST Out of Fundraising Events

Key Takeaways:

• Event Planning Considerations:

  • Focus on one major fundraising event annually with a maximum 50% expense-to-revenue ratio.

  • Evaluate staff time investment and post-event donor conversion potential.

  • Use events as tools for community building, donor acquisition, and positive PR.

• Event Conversion Strategies:

  • Virtual Events: Engage attendees through live streams, chatbox interactions, live polls, and peer-to-peer fundraisers.

  • Hybrid Events: Combine in-person (e.g., drive-through with donor gifts) with virtual components like impact videos.

  • Non-Event Appeals: Replace events with direct funding appeals, emphasizing cost savings for donors (e.g., no event tickets or attire costs).

  • Socially Distanced Events: Host small-scale outdoor or large-venue gatherings adhering to safety guidelines.

• Sponsor Engagement:

  • Major sponsors often prioritize the mission; communicate directly to maintain support.

  • Personalize outreach and highlight mission-driven impact to secure individual guest contributions.

• Volunteer Recruitment for Annual Giving:

  • Target community-active individuals with reliable internet and availability.

  • Provide clear responsibilities, training, and motivational orientation focusing on the organization's mission.