Events: Do You Need Them?
“It is important to ask yourself why you’re doing what you’re doing and what purpose it serves in the big picture.”
Fundraising events can be a great way to raise money for your organization, but they can also be a lot of work. So, how do you decide whether or not to hold a fundraising event?
Here are a few things to consider:
Your goals: What do you hope to achieve with your event? Are you looking to raise a specific amount of money, build awareness for your organization, or connect with potential donors?
Your resources: Do you have the staff, volunteers, and budget to plan and execute a successful event? This is key. Be sure to consider the work that goes into planning, executing, and following up after.
Your audience: Who are you trying to reach with your event? Will they be interested in attending an event? What type of event would they be interested in–gala, cocktail party, brunch, tour, etc.?
The competition: Are there other organizations in your area holding similar events? If so, you'll need to make sure your event stands out. You’ll also need to stay true to your organization–don’t try to copy another organization’s event.
If you decide that a fundraising event is right for your organization, here are a few tips for choosing the right type of event:
Consider your audience: What kind of event would they be most interested in attending?
Think about your budget: How much money can you afford to spend on the event? Do you have donors, board members, or volunteers willing to host?
Choose a location: Where will the event be held? Decide how far you’d be willing to travel for an event.
Set a date: When will the event take place? Is there a time of year that makes the most sense?
Promote your event: Get the word out about your event to potential attendees. Engage board members and volunteers, and use every channel available to you.
Fundraising events can be a great way to raise money and awareness for your organization, but they're not right for everyone. Carefully consider your goals, resources, and audience before deciding whether or not to hold an event.
Are you planning to hold events this year? Let us know about them in the comments below.
A reminder that the Overwhelmed Fundraiser’s Personal Planning Guide mini-course is available now, and for the month of January 2025, you can get it for FREE! All the details are here–use coupon code NEWYEAR2025 when you check out.
