Fundraising: How to make it as easy as a walk in the PARK

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Are you planning a fundraiser for your nonprofit? Are you feeling overwhelmed with the details and wanting it to be a success? Here are 4 things you can do to make success at your next fundraiser as easy as a walk in the PARK:

P – Pick the right Talent

In order to have a fundraiser, people need to attend. Choosing the right talent is essential to any fundraiser because it helps bring people in the doors. Choose the right talent knowing it will influence whether or not attendees choose to stay home or come to your fundraiser. In times like these, time is precious and people expect to be entertained. No one enjoys having his or her time wasted by sitting through a dull fundraiser.

A – Ask before 9 pm

If your fundraiser is scheduled in the evening, every minute the Ask goes past 9 pm you lose money because the attendees’ attention is focused elsewhere. If children are in attendance their parents will begin to focus on bedtimes and how to prevent meltdowns – which will usually mean their early dismissal. Adults will also start to consider their schedules for the next day and ask, “When will this thing be over?”

R – Choose the Right presenter

A key position to the success of any fundraiser is choosing the right Presenter – the person that is going to do the Ask. Choosing the wrong person usually results in lost revenue to the fundraiser. This person needs to be approachable, confident, eloquent and able to speak to the point of the fundraiser: “We are here tonight because this organization needs our money. So let’s get out our checkbooks and credit cards.”

K – Keep the Ask simple

When making the Ask, make it very simple for the attendees to decide how much to give. Make sure that everyone understands the amount of money you want to raise and communicate how you are going to obtain it.

Example: Goal $75,000, to meet this goal

4 people $5000
10 people give $1000
50 people give $500
200 people give $100

Generally, attendees want to donate at fundraisers, yet are usually uncertain of how much to give. Help them by eliminating the guesswork.

Are you looking for more tips on planning your next fundraiser? Not sure which talent to choose or how to get the dollars you need? We invite you to call (615 283 0039) or email The Grable Group, so that together we can make your fundraiser a success.