Are you drowning in events that drain resources without driving real revenue? We’ll evaluate your entire event portfolio and deliver a strategic blueprint that transforms scattered efforts into a revenue-generating opportunity. Discover which events to amplify, modify, or eliminate entirely.
Performance deep dive, ROI analysis, portfolio restructuring plan, and executive presentation for board buy-in.
Perfect For:
Organizations running multiple events with unclear returns or teams feeling burned out from too many asks.
What You Get From Us:
1) Annual Event Strategy Analysis
Event Performance Deep Dive – We’ll evaluate every current and upcoming event on your calendar
ROI Reality Check – We’ll calculate the true return on investment for time and resources dedicated to each event
Portfolio Restructuring – We’ll suggest a revised event strategy, including which events to amplify, modify, or eliminate entirely
Strategic Discontinuation Plan – We’ll give you clear guidance on which events are bleeding resources and need to go
Development Framework Integration – We’ll help ensure your events perfectly support your overall fundraising strategy
2) A New Strategic Action Plan
Executive Presentation – Clear, compelling presentation of your new event strategy for leadership and board buy-in
Implementation Training – Best practices training with key stakeholders to ensure flawless execution of your new strategic approach
Donor Journey Mapping – We’ll match events with your cultivation plan to maximize lifetime donor value
Revenue Optimization Blueprint – We’ll make strategic recommendations to streamline operations while dramatically increasing donor revenues
The Bottom Line
Stop throwing good money at bad events. This audit doesn't just identify problems—it provides the strategic framework to turn your events into your most powerful fundraising tools. You'll finally have a clear, data-driven path to events that energize your supporters, engage your donors, and exceed your revenue goals.
Testimonials
What Clients Say About Us
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Looking for Magic Makers? Look no further! This is a team of bright, fun, STRATEGIC minds. They become your champion in fundraising. It has been such a delight to work with them over the years and to watch our non profit partners soar past their revenue goals. Every. Time.
Kelly Russell, Artisan Auctions, Founder
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Swaim Strategies offers extreme professionalism and a data-driven approach paired with high empathy and a community-minded spirit. They are truly amazing humans, they get results, and are really fun to work with. I would highly recommend them to any organization looking for a fundraising event strategy, no matter the size or location!
Susan Taylor, The Grant Lab, Inc., Founder & CEO
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Swaim Strategies has been an invaluable partner in our organization's fundraising efforts and successes. There from the inception of our organization and through each generation of leadership, the entire Swaim team has always been there for us to provide guidance, continuity, training and best practices that have strengthened our fundraising program as we grow. They understand the realities and challenges of small nonprofits and provide exactly the support we needed to ensure seamless execution and profitability of a quality event that represents our organization and community.
Natalia Kay O’Brien, Q Center, Development Manager
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Following the advice from Swaim Strategies to focus our lunch around a central call to action has galvanized our supporters around one idea. That collective energy and focus has not only has produced a greater movement with the community but yielded better fundraising results.
Margot Martin, Basic Rights Oregon, Development Director
Annual Event Audit - Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is a fundraising event audit?
It’s a comprehensive evaluation of every event on your calendar to understand what’s truly working. We analyze real costs (including staff time and donor fatigue), actual revenue impact, and how each event fits into your donors’ journey with your organization. If you have 1 event or dozens of events, we’re going to dive in and assess their effectiveness. Think of it as a strategic health check that shows you which events energize your community and which ones are quietly draining everyone’s energy and resources.
How long does the audit process take?
The complete audit takes 6-8 weeks from start to finish. We spend the first two weeks in discovery, gathering your data and listening to your team. The middle weeks focus on deep analysis and strategy development. By week eight, you’ll have your complete strategic roadmap, executive presentation, and implementation training completed.
Who needs this audit?
You need this if your team is exhausted from running too many events, your donors are experiencing ask-fatigue, or you suspect some beloved traditions are actually costing more than they raise. It’s especially critical if staff spend more time planning events than building relationships, or if you’re seeing diminishing returns despite increased efforts on your one big event a year.
What will we actually receive?
You get actionable tools, not just advice. This includes your Event Analysis, Revenue Opportunities, Strategic Discontinuation Plan for underperforming events, Donor Journey Map, Event Toolbox and Event Concept and an Executive Presentation ready for your board. Plus, your team receives implementation training to ensure successful execution of the new strategy.
Will we have to cancel our signature events?
Not necessarily. This isn’t about eliminating traditions—it’s about ensuring every event has strategic purpose. Some events might need refreshing, others might shift, and yes, some might need to sunset. We help you make these decisions with sensitivity to relationships and provide graceful transition strategies that honor your history while moving forward.
What kind of results can we expect?
Most organizations see 30-50% reduction in event expenses within year one and 25-40% increase in net event revenue by year two. But the biggest transformation is often the renewed energy in your team and deeper engagement from supporters when everyone’s time is valued and strategically focused.
How do we get started?
Schedule an initial consultation to discuss your current event challenges and vision for what’s possible. We’ll explore whether our human-centered approach to strategic event planning aligns with your organization’s culture and readiness for transformation. Ready to turn event chaos into strategic success? Let’s talk.