Planning and executing a successful fundraising event can be a tedious process. Events require ample budget along with sufficient planning and resources. However, you can create an engaging and successful event that raises awareness about your organization and boosts donations.
First, establish an event committee that will help you plan and promote your fundraising event. Include board members, staff, and volunteers who will dedicate enough time and effort to ensure your event is successful. Your fundraising committee is also important when selecting a concept and theme. Then, you’ll need to establish your event budget and determine fundraising objectives. This may include recurring giving or in-kind donations.
Then, decide on the type of fundraising event you’d like to host. Consider your audience and your event objectives before deciding on which kind of virtual, in-person, or hybrid event you’d like to host.
Here are some examples of fundraising events:
- A-thons (walks, runs, and more!)
- Wine pulls
- Galas
- Concerts
- Art exhibitions
Our e-book is a helpful resource to assist you with creating a successful fundraising event! It will also walk you through potential obstacles and how to navigate them.
Planning well in advance will ensure you have plenty of options to choose from in terms of vendors. This also allows you to secure event sponsorships and guest speakers, like major donors! Decide on your event venue, decor, food and drinks, entertainment, and other important details. Keep your theme in mind during this process.
Next, plan how you will market your fundraising event. Coupled with proactive planning, you can successfully market your event to attract more attendees – and ultimately, more donations.
When marketing your event, go the extra mile by promoting your event on social media, print and digital media, email, and more. We recommend utilizing a powerful event ticketing tool like Donorbox Events that allows you to promote and sell tickets online, streamlining the process for you and your attendees. You’ll also be able to collect vital information that builds your donor database and informs your future fundraising efforts.
Add multiple ticket tiers to your online event form, include promo codes to drive excitement, and offer various ticket prices that add to the exclusivity of each ticket type. Think General Admission, VIP, VVIP, and more!
Use your ticketing tool to collect additional information that will help with your event planning. For example, Donorbox Events lets you include custom questions to collect information like T-shirt sizes, dietary requirements, seating preferences, and more.
And, don’t forget to collect feedback well after your event is over! Post-event surveying is a great way to learn more about what your attendees, sponsors, donors, staff, and volunteers thought about your fundraising event. This will help you improve your future fundraising efforts so you can create even more impactful events that garner more funds to fuel your mission.
If you’re ready to start planning, download our guide for optimal tips and tools to create a successful event. And, watch this video that explores top trends for fundraising event success.
