Navigating Fundraising Events: Tips for Hosting and Attending with Confidence
If you have any experience with us, you know that we at PRIDE Philanthropy aren’t the biggest proponents of fundraising events. That being said, we realize sometimes that a certain event can be a part of your organizations identity, and is something your community rallies behind and looks forward to. So while raising money through fundraising events is one of the hardest ways to generate revenue, we still recognize the utility of your fundraising events in some cases. These events though, especially the large-scale ones, can be nerve-wracking. So if you are going to decide to do fundraising events, here are some helpful tips for successfully hosting and attending fundraising events, with a focus on training and practice.
Plan and prepare - For hosting events, thorough planning is crucial. Create an event timeline, budget, and promotional strategy. Once all of these are created, stick to them. You would be surprised at how many events can get out of control with how much time and money is being put towards them, all for the sake of a better “party” that doesn’t generate revenue. For attendees, research the event and familiarize yourself with the cause, organizers, and expected guests.
Create an engaging program - As a host, ensure your event is engaging and relevant to your audience and who you are trying to get involved in your mission. Incorporate storytelling, testimonials, and interactive elements to maintain interest and encourage participation. Again you do not need to spend a lot of money to do this, simple tends to be better and will cut into your margins less.
Network confidently - Attending events can be a great opportunity to make new connections. Be approachable, introduce yourself to others, and engage in genuine conversations. Rather than trying to “sell” your organization to everyone you talk to, make some effort to get to know them. If they are there, they clearly aren’t uninterested in your organization. So put the focus on them and focus on creating relationships. Remember, practice makes perfect.
Develop a concise elevator pitch - While you shouldn’t talk everyone’s ear off, you should craft beforehand a short, compelling elevator pitch that outlines your cause and the impact of donations that is less than 30 seconds. Short and sweet is best. Practice delivering it confidently and naturally, while also being prepared to answer follow up questions.
Train and practice - To improve your skills, attend networking workshops or seek guidance from experienced fundraisers. When hosting, consider running a mock event with a small group to gather feedback and fine-tune your approach.
Follow up - This is arguably the most important part of any fundraising event. After the event, reach out to attendees to express gratitude for their participation and attendance. If you capture contact information at the event, it also allows you to set follow up meetings and share updates on your organization’s progress. This helps bring them into the fold and build lasting relationships and lays the groundwork for future fundraising efforts.
Need more help with how to best optimize your fundraising events? We can help! Reach out to us to schedule a free call with one of our team members, and we would be happy to talk to you about your situation.
