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.