Fundraising Event-Raise Money and Have Fun!
Planning a fundraising event, but stuck trying to figure out how to make it not stodgy/same-old/just-plain-boring? We have some proven tips for you to meet the challenge!
Try these ideas and watch your attendance grow and your audience open their hearts to your cause – and their wallets:
Make the “ask” early, make it once, and make it count.
Usually, the main point of the event – the fundraising part – happens at the end. But by that time, you’ve lost valuable audience attention, whether due to event fatigue or to some of your prime donors sneaking out early. Try making the “ask” in the middle of the event, when it’s unexpected, then keep on delivering a terrific experience that makes people glad they gave.
Quiet the talking heads.
The primary way fundraising events lose audience engagement? Giving sponsors the floor for what seems like forever, one after the other, as they all say basically the same thing. Do the math – 5 sponsors x 5 minutes each = 25 minutes of “I’m here, I support this cause, here’s how…” A 2-minute, professionally designed, powerful video (that features the sponsors) has a far bigger impact. Everyone wins: the sponsors, your organization, and most importantly, the audience.
Change it up – present the unexpected.
Holding an annual fundraiser? Even if the speakers are different, if the format’s the same, your regular donors may regard attendance as a duty rather than a pleasure. Consider introducing new elements each year. At one event we planned, an aerialist served champagne while hanging upside down; at another, we included elephants in the opening ceremony. Work with an event planner who understands your end-goal and can offer fresh ideas to get you there!
Most importantly, remember – your event should reflect the “now” of your organization, the message you’re giving to the world today. Audience entertainment preferences change, new technologies offer more options, new generations of donors arise – shouldn’t your event evolve as well?
