Fundraising events offer nonprofits a unique opportunity to connect with supporters and potential donors.
There are three reasons why this is so powerful:
- People are able to genuinely connect to one another.
- Fundraising events help encourage people to be kind and generous: they're feeling good, having fun and surrounded by other people who are giving.
- Asking supporters to pledge their money and time face to face makes a bigger emotional impact and further strengthens their relationship with your organization.
What better time is there to make your mission and work come to life?
Terry Axelrod, founder of Benevon, says "Most nonprofits are not in the party planning business. They are in the business of serving people and making the world a better place."
With that in mind, here are three easy ways to bring your mission to life at your next event:
- Live testimonial. Who has your organization touched? What lives have you changed? Invite that person up to share his or her personal story! Keep in mind that this method is not reserved for human services organizations only. Say you're an eco-conscious nonprofit who's saved public lands from development: Invite a family who hikes there! And if you're a health advocacy group? Introduce a child who now gets equal rights at her school, thanks to your legislation.
- Quick speech from leadership. Your Executive Director or CEO is the visionary leader of your organization for a reason. Where does his or her passion lie? What changes have previous supporters enabled? Where is your organization going in the next year and how will that affect those in attendance at your event?
- An invitation to "come back for seconds." Take the opportunity to invite attendees to learn more. This step is your call to action for attendees! Have a board member invite attendees to take a tour of your nonprofit's facilities. Provide your website address so people can learn more about next year's plans and be sure to collect email addresses from your attendees so they can stay up to date on upcoming events.
Not having an event? Not a problem! Look for opportunities to bring your mission to where your supporters are. You may have groups clamoring to do a volunteer project for the lunch service at your soup kitchen or distributing items to the elderly in your senior care center. Before you let them sign on the dotted line and pick a date, bring an orientation event to them at their office. This "event in a box" is a great opportunity to get the company on board with your mission and encourage them to build a lasting relationship instead of a one-day program.
Need help managing your fundraising event tickets and attendees? Try Network for Good's EventsNow service powered by givezooks! EventsNow allows you to create a customized event page, sell tickets and corporate sponsorships, and ask for donations from those who can't attend. It also lets you send and track emails and will automatically send thank you emails as well as emails your supporters can use for tax purposes. It's a one-stop fundraising event management resource!
