So, you’ve built an integrated strategy to promote your nonprofit’s upcoming fundraising event. You planned months ahead, so you could reach attendees and sponsors with multiple targeted messages. Don’t throw that work away by not having a plan to captivate your audience during a nonprofit fundraising event.
It’s the day of the event, but you’re not in the clear yet. Hopefully, you’ve already hit your fundraising goal through ticket sales and underwriting sponsorships. However, you can still raise more money if you look at your event itself as another touch in your marketing strategy.
You can incorporate several opportunities to raise additional funds by getting creative at your event. Naturally, some strategies will be more effective than others, depending on your organization and the nature of the event.
Online and Mobile Giving
Mobile giving is one of the hottest new trends in fundraising. Use it to your advantage and raise some additional funds at your next event. We recommend using a platform like Qgiv to handle the technical aspects and facilitate your mobile and online giving program. You may be surprised how many people kick in a few extra dollars just to see how a mobile giving platform works! Consider making an announcement in between speeches, presentations, or meal courses. If everyone at a table pulls out their phone to donate at the same time, others won’t want to feel left out. Even if most people only throw in an extra $5, that number can add up quick if everyone in the room contributes. Include your fundraising thermometer on your event’s microsite or webpage so those who give online can see how they are helping you move closer towards your goal. You can even display this page on a projector while you encourage additional gifts online, so attendees can see the thermometer rise as they give online during a nonprofit fundraising event.
Tables and Booths
The people at your event came because something about your organization’s work relates to their personal goals and motivations. You can gather support for your organization’s specific programs by setting up a table with pledge cards dedicated to particular needs. This also gives you a powerful data point to use in future communications. This way, you can raise additional funds now and build a stronger relationship with donors moving forward. For fancier galas and dinners, consider hosting a silent auction for a big-ticket item, like a week vacation on an island! Other options can include a gift certificate for a fancy restaurant, concert or sports tickets, or even one of the latest smart devices. Gift baskets are always a great idea for giveaways and raffles too. If you are hosting a less formal event, like a street fair, you can encourage sponsors to set up a table where they can sell their merchandise and promote their brand. Let’s say a local bakery signed on as a sponsor for your 5K run. Encourage them to set up a table in the rest area at the finish line so they can sell some of their baked goods to runners. You can ask them if they would be interested in contributing a small percentage of their proceeds to your cause.Get Social
You probably know a few people who seem to document every activity they participate in on social media. Well, these people can become advocates for your organization and event with the slightest push. You will want to create a hashtag dedicated to your event. For example, if Action Graphics were to host a gala, we could use something like #CelebrateAG. Encourage attendees to use that hashtag in any posts they make about the evening. Social media also gives you more opportunities to engage with your supporters. You can post pictures during your nonprofit fundraising event and tag whoever appears in the photos. The individuals and organizations you tag are likely to share any posts that you mention them in. This will increase your social reach and engagement. People who did not attend the event may see your posts on social media throughout the night. They won’t want to miss the next event your organization hosts when they see what a great time everyone is having! Include links to your event’s microsite and encourage them to support your organization with a monetary donation in lieu of attendance.
