If you are on the lookout for fundraising tips that will allow you to make a success of a charity event, step right up. We know that laying the groundwork for a fundraising event can be stressful. This is why we are sharing a few tips from industry experts right here. Take a look at the fundraising tips below and get ready to set the scene for fundraising success!
The most important thing to realize is that events are not a one-size-fits-all situation. This is why it is very important to decide which segment of your donor pool you are going to target with a given event. This way, you can tailor the occasion to suit their needs and preferences.
For instance, if you are targeting corporates, it’s a good idea to create an event framework that can also serve as a networking opportunity. E.g. a golf day. Alternatively, if you want to encourage individual donors to attend, you could think along the lines of a family day, with fun outdoor activities, etc.
No matter what the nature of your event may be, you are going to need sponsors. There are two ways to go about sourcing sponsorship. You can either approach sponsors ahead of time to see what they are able to provide and base your event on that. Or, you can decide what type of event you want to host, and then approach sponsors with particular requests. It all depends on what your team prefers.
Either way, be ready to provide businesses and individuals with a clear-cut value proposition. Know how you plan to give recognition and exposure to their brand in return for their sponsorship.
Also, always undershoot when it comes to your expected number of event attendees. This way, you can rather surprise them with larger numbers, than disappoint with a smaller turnout.
There are various ways that a charity event can generate funds. This includes ticket sales, live or online auctions on the day, text-to-donate initiatives, etc. Decide which of these avenues you will target in the lead-up to your event, as well as on the day. Then do a very conservative income estimation to inform your budget.
When it comes to charity events, there will always be expenses you need to cover. The trick lies in keeping this as low as possible, while still putting together an enjoyable occasion. If at all possible, see if you might enlist the pro bono services of a financial adviser or bookkeeper to help you keep things on an even keel from this angle.
When putting together the itinerary for your fundraising event, it helps to think like a marketer. Ask yourself - what sets your event apart? What is your event's USP (unique selling point)? Charitable donors receive countless invites every year, so you need to add a hook that will make them want to come to yours.
For instance, you might get a well-known speaker or MC to attend. Bonus points if they have a robust online following that they are willing to broadcast to on your behalf in the lead-up to the event. The key here is to combine attraction with purpose. You want people to connect to your cause so they can see what a difference their contributions make in the long run.
To spread the word about your event, leverage the reach of social media. Instead of relying on static posts, lean into the advantages of video. Online video consumption is one of the most popular internet activities worldwide. Currently, users view more than 1 billion hours of videos each day on YouTube. Additionally, 92% of users watching video on mobile will share it with others.
Make small, easily-consumed videos that share the news about your event. And make it as entertaining and captivating as possible. Keep it short and visually fun. These days, most smartphones have the ability to take great video, so determine which members of your team are up to the task, and challenge them to go viral (in a good way!).
One of the most valuable fundraising tips for charities across the board is to ensure that all your donor-facing touchpoints are mobile-friendly. This includes the online spaces in which you choose to promote your event.
For instance, make sure that prospective event attendees are able to register for the event quickly and easily from their mobiles. If you can provide a friction-free platform at this important juncture, you are far more likely to enjoy good attendance numbers.
On the other hand, if your organization still requires a phone call or even a form that has to be downloaded and filled in, your numbers are likely to suffer.
Who will be helping you with your charity event? Line up your volunteer team and support staff as early as possible. The best way to pave the way for a well-organized event is to use each person you have at your disposal in an area that they a) enjoy and b) in which they are likely to excel.
For instance, the person who normally does your admin may have a knack for flower arranging. Or your intern may be very talented at creating online marketing collateral. Take some time to do a deep-dive when it comes to the skills of your team, and use their talents in innovative ways.
Following these fundraising tips and guidelines will help to smooth the way for fuss-free, yet wonderfully lucrative, charity events. Start by determining which donor segment you want to target, and lining up your sponsors early on. Work according to a financial plan and expense budget, and remember to add an attractive hook.
Leverage social media to your advantage and make all your touchpoints mobile-friendly. Finally, be sure to organize your helpers efficiently and you’ll be set up for success!
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