Charitable events are a useful and influential tool for non-profit groups to raise funds for their causes. According to a 2018 report, 56 percent of individuals regularly attend fundraising and charitable events.
As an event organizer, there are many factors you should consider. From getting the right venue for fundraising events to actually getting people to show up and support your cause, you want to ensure that you are making the most out of the funds you raise.
At Waco Hippodrome, we have experience in throwing successful events. Here are some tips on organizing a fundraising event that will exceed expectations.
What Is Your Objective?
Before anything else, you need to determine the purpose of your event. Identifying what your goals and missions are will create a concise working and planning strategy. All other decisions you will be making from here on out should relate to the objective and purpose of your cause.
Whether it’s raising money at the event, gaining publicity, or making new connections and networking, defining your cause is the essential first step in a successful charity event.
In line with determining what your cause is, you need to set an ideal fundraising goal. You must work out the amount of money you’re hoping to raise. An effective fundraising event planning plan should always be geared towards raising the set fundraising goal. This amount doesn’t include the event expenses deducted.
Set a Budget
Every budget should follow a budget plan. This plan must contain all the expenses needed to organize the event. These expenses include staff, the venue for fundraising events, invitations, entertainment, catering, accommodation, transportation, security, promotions, and everything else required to make it a successful function.
Also, you should consider the fundraising goal you set. Try to do what it takes to raise that amount after all the expenses. Additionally, there should be room in your budget for any immediate and unexpected costs.
Host Committee
Any group’s fundraising efforts include a host committee. The host committee head and members initiate the donations to hopefully encourage others into contributing as well. They are not responsible for running and organizing the fundraising event; they are, however, vital to guaranteeing that you attain your fundraising goals.
Host committee members usually include business and society leaders, celebrities, and other wealthy individuals.
Target Attendees
Who are your target attendees? Is your event open to everyone, or is it more for a particular group? Is it a fundraising event geared towards millennials, business organizations, or parents? Determine who you would like to attend your event.
Determining your target audience and donors will allow you to devise an effective outreach and marketing plan to reach them.
Finding a Venue for Fundraising Events
Finding a venue can make or break your event. The right venue can set the tone for your gathering. Additionally, if you’re fundraising event includes silent or live auctions, dances, raffles, and more, the space should be able to accommodate them.
A suitable venue for fundraising events should comfortably hold the attendees and fulfill all other needs the occasion calls for. Also, when vetting a space, know all the inclusions in the price.
When looking for an event space, check if there are any discounts for non-profit organizations and charitable groups. Some venues may even be willing to provide their space free of charge in support of the cause.
Additionally, when you’re flexible with your dates, you might secure a lower expense.
Theme and Motif
Everyone’s willing to support a good cause. However, when people attend a social function, they also expect to have a fun and pleasurable time. Establishing a theme and motif for your event will generate a buzz among attendees and will encourage them more to attend.
Since people are always excited to share things on social media, come up with a unique and memorable idea that they’ll be delighted to share on their social media feeds.
Of course, keep in mind that your theme should depend on who your target audience is.
Marketing Your Event
You’ve defined your cause, secured a venue for fundraising events, decided what the food and entertainment are, there’s one thing left to do: market your fundraising event.
Spreading the word about it significantly affects whether you reach your fundraising goal or not. Whether you’re going traditional (mailed invitations, calls, etc.) or digital (social media, email newsletter, etc.), create a marketing strategy towards who your target audience is.