5 Things to Focus on for Fall 2020 Fundraising Events
This may not be news to you, but COVID-19 isn’t subsiding anytime soon. So when you’re planning your fall fundraising events—and even spring 2021 events—you’ll want to think virtual first.
Here are 5 key things to focus on for planning your virtual fundraising event:
- Secure Your Sponsors
Many corporations are making sponsorship decisions now, setting their 2021 budgets by October. Solicit your sponsors now for both fall events and spring events—sponsors appreciate the partnership and thoughtfulness of long-term planning. Learn more from the Elevate 2020 panel “Evolving Sponsorships for a Virtual Event.” Get the All Access Pass here.
- Plan Your Production
Think of your virtual fundraising event like a TV show. Get a plan in place for producing your videos for each piece of the event (speakers, appeal story, etc.), along with a plan for broadcasting/livestreaming. You can stream to Vimeo, YouTube, Facebook and some donor platforms. Learn more about capturing your best content from our Elevate 2020 sessions “Video Storytelling in COVID Times” and “Nail Your Next Online Presentation.” Get the All Access Pass here.
- Tell Your Story
As we all take our gatherings to the virtual space, many nonprofits are wondering how to make their event unique and different. The answer is always: Tell your story. Your donors care about your mission. Your stories are unique to your work. Bring donors into your work right now. Learn more about the power of storytelling and ethical storytelling with the Elevate All Access Pass.
- Secure Your Biggest Gifts
One of the most successful pieces of virtual events has been the appeal—giving donors a chance to directly impact your work. We’re finding that surprise gifts pick up around the $1,000 and $500 level, depending on the audience, so make sure all your highest gifts are pre-committed before the event. This will help your fundraising momentum start on a strong note. Learn more from our Elevate 2020 “Virtual Special Appeal” session with Kelly Russell. Get the All Access Pass here.
- Get People to Watch!
Send your emails, post to social media, engage your board and staff to reach out to their networks, and mail your postcards! The best part about virtual fundraising events is that most are free to attend. This makes it possible for more people to watch and fall in love with your work—and give! Learn more here and watch the Elevate 2020 “Getting People to Tune In” session with the Elevate All Access Pass.
