Contrary to what may appear at first sight, fundraising events are undergoing changes that affect the nonprofit sector’s ability to hold [financially] successful events. Like many other fields, event planning is not static. Nor is planning fundraising events. The following trends influence planning for fundraising events in 2020 and beyond.
1. Innovations
While many fundraising events use the same basic formula (i.e., registration, silent and/or online auctions and a gala dinner possibly with some performances), to attract and retain attendees, some novel approaches may be in order. The millennial attendees, for example, look for more engaging opportunities when they choose to attend a fundraising event. In addition to the customary auction setup, try entertaining “exhibits” to spice up your event. Add a virtual reality booth for guests to experience the new technology. Bring in live streaming technology to liven up the cocktail reception hour. Set up a “social media corner” for real time interaction among attendees. These will all add to your chances of successfully raising needed funds while creating lasting positive impressions.
2. Networking
Fundraising events should be viewed as an opportunity to keep loyal donors engaged. Create opportunities for the participants to interact with one another, have fun and view your event as an opportunity to do business with possible new or existing business colleagues. Engaged donors make for repeat donors. Provide multiple breaks in the program for participants to interact with one another. Set up zones so that participants, without feeling guilty, can quickly have a break for a side meeting or to relax before returning to the event fully recharged and ready to engage.
3. Assimilation
Successful fundraising events should create opportunities for participants to interact with one another for more synergies. That means organizers must be keenly aware of the needs of ALL participants. A fundraising event should not be an insular experience for those committed to the cause of the nonprofit organization. Use social media platforms to create a “bond” among participants. Remember the event is not only intended to raise the immediately-needed funds, but also an opportunity to cultivate lasting loyalty to the organization’s cause.
4. Immersive Experience
Fundraising events should be welcoming and fun for participant to ensure the organization’s financial goals are successfully met. Every effort should be made to make the atmosphere relaxing and immersive. From the silent auction portion through to the gala dinner and entertainment, the goal should be to make participants engaged and energized to take active part in the fundraising efforts. The choice of entertainment, if applicable, should also reflect this goal.
5. CSR
Nonprofit organizations do not operate in isolation. They too must have a set of CSRs (corporate social responsibility). Donors respond far better when they are made aware of the organization’s broader goals and commitments. The fundraising events are unique opportunities for the nonprofit organization to propagate its CSR goals. In tandem, fundraising events should make every effort to take advantage of major corporate donors’ CSR commitments as a vehicle to enhance their fundraising success.
Success should not be viewed in the narrow context of the how much funds were raised during the event, but also as a continuum. A good event planning company with bona fidecredentials in fundraising can help the organization evolve and keep abreast of the trends that can positively affect the success of the3 fundraising event and raise the organization’s profile at the same time.
To take advantage of the emerging trends in fundraising event planning, let professionals at Your Great Event help you in the design of your next event.