How To: Raise Money at Your Event

As we head into a busy fundraising season, let’s take a look at how the fundraising potential can be elevated at your events. First, make sure the event arc is taken into consideration as the program elements are planned. The goal is to connect your guests’ hearts and minds to the mission of your organization so they feel compelled to support it. Simplify logistics and focus on your goals by putting fundraising first. There are three major fundraising avenues that should be focused on:

1) Live Auction

This one portion of your evening can be one of your biggest income sources:

^ Look at what sold well last year and return to those donors to see if you can get a similar donation again.
^ Identify high-ticket items that will appeal to your audience. Some ideas are local trips and travel, wine, dining, entertainment and trips outside the local area.
^ Packaging auction items strategically will increase the money raised.

2) Silent Auction

While guests tend to spend less money in a silent auction, it can activate bidders. Be wary of too many items and consolidate. Less is more:

^ Focus on those things that are specific to your audience.
^ Get creative. Your silent auction is a fun opportunity to maximize your internal resources and connections. Use this list for some ideas.
^ Stay away from the swap market or garage sale feel.

3) Special Appeal

The appeal should be placed at the height of your program when you have educated guests on the issue and have connected them emotionally to the cause. A few keys to success:

^ Identify a speaker who can connect to the audience emotionally. Be sure that their story directly relates to the work of your organization and the mission.
^ Talk to your major donors to arrange for some pre-committed giving. When you know giving levels in advance it becomes much easier to be strategic about your collection.
^ The ask should be compelling – it should be a call to action.
^ Use a video for the special appeal. This allows you to create an engaging, concise story in a compelling format.

Being strategic about your event fundraising avenues leaves far fewer elements of your event up to chance and will help ensure your organization’s success at hitting goals and creating a memorable event.