Organizing a fundraising event requires careful and strategic planning so you can reach your goals and increase the number of funds raised for your cause.
These type of events are fundamental to increasing your nonprofit’s visibility and attracting new donors, so if they are not planned correctly, you are missing out on many opportunities.
Whether your nonprofit organization is big or small, you need to stay away from some of the most common mistakes you can make when organizing events.
We will cover them in this article, so continue reading to discover the slips you need to avoid.
- Start Planning Too Close to the Event
A common thing event planners seem to do when it comes to organizing a fundraising event is delaying the actual planning until it is too late to get everything done properly.
Some fundraisers require starting the planning process even six months in advance so everyone can sort out all the details and figure out creative ways to entice people to attend.
By allowing more time into planning, you will be able to resolve specific issues which arise and avoid any major bumps in the road.
- Underestimating the Budget
No matter how much you would like to organize a fundraiser which won’t cost you much money, the truth is there are many costs involved in the process.
This means the budget needs to be set realistically, by keeping in mind all the different aspects which go into organizing a fundraising event: venue, entertainment, catering, staff, equipment, marketing materials, promotional activities and any other supplies you may need.
To estimate the budget as accurately as possible, we recommend doing a little bit of research to figure out the pricing for all the things you will need.
- Not Investing Properly in the Event
The purpose of organizing a fundraising event is to raise money for your cause, but at the same time, you should not focus only on that.
Looking at the bigger picture will help you realize the more you invest in the event, the better the outcome.
For example, you may want to try saving money and book a venue which is not that good looking for a fundraiser gala. Because this type of event needs to be special in every way, your guests will be able to tell you did not invest in creating the right atmosphere for a gala. In return, this may lead to a lower amount of donations.
- Not Booking Entertainment
Entertainment is an integral part of your event, which is why every fundraiser needs to book someone who can throw a fantastic performance and engage the participants.
Whether it is a clean comedian, a magician, a mentalist, a visual arts performer or a talented singer, the entertainment you are going to hire need to make the attendees feel good and become more connected to your organization.
- Lack of a Planning Checklist
Having a checklist is a lifesaver in many situations, especially when you organize a fundraiser. It has the purpose of helping you manage every planning aspect more efficiently, and so you stick to the schedule.
Even if you are going to make a few minor adjustments along the way, the checklist will still serve as the bigger picture, specifically on the day of the event, when everything needs to run smoothly.
Make No More Mistakes when Organizing a Fundraising Event
Your average entertainment act is a dime a dozen. In the realm of charity gala fundraising ideas, hiring a boring, run-of-the-mill entertainment act can turn a promising night into a bland nightmare. Shouldn’t the entertainment match the feel of your event? Including an artist’s cultivated creativity or moving interpretation can bring your organization’s message to life. For more lively events, consider a modern spin on the acts. Whatever the theme or style of your event, these innovative entertainers are the kind of charity gala fundraising ideas that will make your fundraising occasion unforgettable.
A painter with personality and passion for sharing experience, Heidi Schwartz is an Ohio native guaranteed to be an eye-catching addition to your event. Let her bring her unmatched energy to your theme with flair and artistic enthusiasm. Her live paintings focus on synthesizing the energy, venue, and ambiance of the event. Not only does including this artist enliven the atmosphere, but she also creates living memorabilia of your event that is yours to keep.
A master in and pioneer of Sand Animation, Joe Castillo has performed on all seven continents and was a finalist on America’s Got Talent. His Sandstory artistry is an uncommon blend of morphing sand and light that coordinate with audio to create an overall theme.
