Attendees submitted their most pressing questions at the Elevate 2025 Conference, and in our series on Substack, we answered those questions daily. Click on the links below to get your answers.

Q: How do we leverage events to build a donor base?

Building a strong donor base begins with relationship cultivation. Start by identifying individuals who have a natural connection to your mission—board members, volunteers, program participants, and their networks.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-we-leverage-events-to-build

Q: How do I maximize our fundraising event efforts?

Maximizing your fundraising event efforts requires strategic planning, thoughtful execution, and intentional follow-up. We’ve found that the most successful nonprofit fundraising events incorporate these key elements.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-i-maximize-our-fundraising

Q: How best do we engage donors and guests before and after the gala?

In the whirlwind of planning and executing galas and fundraising events, nonprofit organizations often overlook a critical component of successful fundraising: stewardship.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-best-do-we-engage-donors-and

Q: How can I use my social media, website, and other channels to promote my fundraising event?

Every nonprofit organization, and every fundraising event, needs an integrated marketing strategy that combines website, social media, email, and other channels into a cohesive narrative that drives your message home to your most impactful donors.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-can-i-use-my-social-media-website

Q: How do I best steward donors, board members and sponsors to support my event fundraising?

Our role as fundraisers is to plan thoughtfully so board members feel supported and confident when reaching out to donors.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-i-best-steward-donors-board

Q: How do we maximize corporate sponsorships for our fundraising event?

Corporate sponsorship is a strategic partnership where businesses provide financial support, resources, or in-kind donations to a nonprofit organization in exchange for brand exposure, community goodwill, and alignment with social impact goals. 

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-we-maximize-corporate-sponsorships

Q: What has been the single most important strategy change you’ve seen in fundraising since COVID?

The organizations seeing the most fundraising success today are those that have embraced “intentional gathering”, creating focused, time-efficient events that prioritize storytelling and mission while respecting donors’ time and attention spans.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-what-has-been-the-single-most-important

Q: How to Design Equitable Ticket Pricing for Fundraising Events: Q+A

As Priya Parker, author of “The Art of Gathering,” wisely notes: Understanding the purpose of your gathering is the key to determining who should be there and—equally important—who should not.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/how-to-design-equitable-ticket-pricing

Q: How do I put on an event with a small budget while not sacrificing essentials?

When resources are limited but mission is critical, it’s natural to wonder if you can create a meaningful event experience without breaking the bank. The good news is that impactful events don’t necessarily require lavish budgets. 

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-i-put-on-an-event-with-a

Q: How do you build lasting donor relationships?

The key to building relationships with supporters is understanding their core motivations. What are they truly trying to achieve through their philanthropy?

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-you-build-lasting-donor

Q: How do I maximize my fundraising event for revenue growth?

In the world of nonprofit fundraising, events remain a powerful tool for connection, storytelling, and revenue generation. Yet many organizations struggle to maximize their return on investment, spending countless hours on details that may not drive results.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-i-maximize-my-fundraising

Q: How do I raise more money at my fundraising event?

Having a plan and strategy from the beginning that outlines your revenue path, your key prospects, and your revenue generators will save you time and increase your fundraising.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-i-raise-more-money-at-my

Q: How to Make an Overused Venue Exciting Again

When you’re working with limited venue options, creativity and centering your mission to make it uniquely you become your greatest assets.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-to-make-an-overused-venue-exciting

Q: How do you center mission while building strong donor relationships?

Nonprofit organizations often find themselves walking a tightrope: they need donor support to fund their mission, but they don’t want their events to revolve around donors at the expense of the communities they serve.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-you-center-mission-while

Q: How to use Donor Data to Maximize Fundraising Impact: A Q+A Guide

In today’s data-driven fundraising landscape, your organization’s historical donor information represents one of your most valuable assets. When properly analyzed and applied, this data can transform your development efforts, helping you build stronger relationships and increase giving.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/using-donor-data-to-maximize-fundraising

Q: Is it better to pull at heartstrings with emotional impact that may cause tears or create laughter?

We want authenticity to compel our donors to emotionally connect to our missions, but our goal is not to manipulate their emotions.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-is-it-better-to-pull-at-heartstrings

Q: Beyond the Gala: Fresh Approaches to Fundraising Events

While galas have their place, many organizations are finding tremendous success with alternative formats that can be just as effective—and often more engaging.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/beyond-the-gala-fresh-approaches

Q: How do we make the most with the least for our event?

What you might consider “the same old program” is often fresh to your attendees, even if they attended last year’s event.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-we-make-the-most-with-the

Q: What stewardship plans do I need to adopt for best event outcomes?

Stewardship is a process of relationship building that cultivates your donors. Stewardship involves four steps: give, thank, report, repeat. 

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-what-stewardship-plans-do-i-need

Q: What choices do you recommend to design an ethical and sustainable fundraising event for our nonprofit?

In today’s challenging fundraising environment, nonprofit organizations need to approach event planning with both sustainability and ethical considerations at the forefront.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-what-choices-do-you-recommend-to

Q. How do we fundraise in challenging times?

From concerns about safety during gatherings to uncertain funding landscapes, leaders are navigating complex terrain while trying to stay true to their missions. 

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-we-fundraise-in-challenging

Q. How can an event platform support the fundraising at my event?

When it comes to fundraising events, the right technology can make all the difference between a good event and a great one that exceeds your financial goals. 

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-can-an-event-platform-support

Q: How can my auction event raise more money?

To boost live auction sales, prioritize relationships and direct engagement with your donors.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-can-my-auction-event-raise

Q: How do you get organizational buy-in for your nonprofit’s events?

Whether you’re planning a fundraising gala, awareness campaign, or community outreach initiative, here’s how to transform skeptics into champions.

https://samanthaaswaim.substack.com/p/q-how-do-you-get-organizational-buy