Rethink Your Fundraising Event

Are you looking to spruce up your fundraising portfolio by adding an event? Before you decide what type of event, consider your budget and your mission. A small community-based nonprofit doesn’t fit a gala event. The big fundraiser for an organization shouldn’t be a trivia night. Which event fits you? 

Gala 

When you think of big fundraising events, a gala is the first thing to come to your mind. This type of event takes a lot of planning and is very formal. While you can raise a lot of money from a gala, you should expect to also spend a lot of money and time putting on the event. 

Consider this: To try and raise additional funds consider adding an auction element. Or what if you split the gala up into 20 intimate dinner parties?  

 

Peer to Peer 

Peer-to-Peers are a little different than everything else on this list as there is no single event to get people together. The event planning expertise of a peer-to-peer comes in handy when planning the timing of social media posts, other communications, and design of web pages. You might consider a peer-to-peer event as a way to expand your donor base, or if you are not able to find space to hold an event. 

Consider this: If there is room in your budget, consider either a kickoff or ending event to your peer to peer! Especially at an ending event people could be more likely to “open their pockets” to reach that final goal! 

 

Fun Run/Walk 

If your organization’s mission is related to health, perhaps a Run/Walk is beneficial. A disadvantage to a run/walk is the many logistics required: safety, route considerations, keeping time, etc. 

Consider also: Run/Walks were easily able to become virtual during the pandemic. If your organization is not able to hold a traditional run/walk, take it virtual! This will allow those outside your typical reach to participate and raise money! 

 

Trivia Night 

A trivia night may not be a big money raising event, but perhaps this is a good idea for an organization looking to have current donors get to know one another better. 

For other ideas consider: 

  • A Field Day/other sports related competition  

  • Talent Show/Movie Night 

  • Golf Tournament 

  • Art Exhibit 

  • Haunted House 

  • Garage Sale 

  • Read-a-thon 

  • Garden Party 

  • Gift Wrapping 

  • Wine Night 

 

Maybe what your organization needs to focus more on outreach and less on raising funds. Consider the “friend-raiser.” Ideas for friend-raisers include house/porch parties at board members houses, similar to a tupperware party for your organization, an Open House at your organization, if privacy is not an issue, invite the community into your offices and see what happens on a day-to-day basis in your organization. If you are a youth-based organization, with access to a good hill, consider setting up a table and letting people sled or slip-n-slide while getting to learn about your organization. 

Bob Grauman

Bob joined the company in 2012 as an associate, where his passion for philanthropy and commitment to excellence quickly propelled him into the role of Project Manager. In this position, Robert has played a key role in managing and executing a wide variety of initiatives, including philanthropic planning (feasibility) studies, capital campaigns, and comprehensive grant planning for clients. His work extends to major gift fundraising, staff and volunteer training, annual campaigns, and public relations.

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