Great events take a significant amount of staff time. That’s why it’s important to make sure your organization gets the maximum return on investment in events both with dollars raised and meaningful engagement with attendees. Events that are mission-focused and help meet your annual fundraising goals can be a significant and sustainable part of your overall development plan. Here are some key strategies to ensure your event creates new long-term donors for your organization:
Clearly identify your event goals.
A sure way to miss the fundraising mark is to not have a target. Your goals should include both quantitative and qualitative goals. Quantitative goals should include the number and dollar amount for sponsorships and attendees as well as the net dollar amount you need to reach overall. Qualitative goals should be centered around executing mission-centered engagement strategies focused on renewing, recruiting, and cultivating your donor base.
Include activities to engage your attendees in your mission throughout the event.
At the end of the evening, attendees should know more about your organization than when they arrived. Some examples might be trivia cards at tables, a tour of your building, or activities led by program staff at different stations throughout the event.
Engage volunteers with an event committee.
A fabulous and engaging event falls flat if no one is there to enjoy it. In addition to helping secure sponsorships, volunteers can make sure that people show up to hear your important message. Set clear expectations when recruiting your committee to ensure that the volunteers know the role they are being asked to fill. A group of volunteers personally inviting guests to attend is much more effective than a mass appeal to broad audiences, particularly for newer events.
Honor people or partners that have an impact on your organization.
Identify a few different people that you could honor at your event and select the best option for this year. It is beneficial to develop a list of honorees for the next 2-4 years that you can look back on and continue to develop. You also might consider utilizing a host or honorary committee for your event to elevate the network of people who support your organization.
With specific goals in mind, dedicated volunteers to help recruit sponsors and attendees, and a program packed with mission moments and impactful stories of support, your event is poised to get the best return on your investment of time and resources. And, a great experience that builds inclination in your donors to give again and again ensures long-term sustainability and growth for your organization.
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