Holding Special Events Will Solve Your Fundraising Problems...Wrong!

Events can be a very inefficient way to raise money. They take significant staff and volunteer time while often returning small net profits.

And just because something like the polar plunge, for example, works for one organization doesn't mean it will work for yours.  The last thing most communities need is another banquet or golf tournament.

There is risk involved with events, too. Bad weather or competition from coinciding events can derail everything.

It takes years to establish a fundraising event as the most important part of your fundraising efforts. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding if the investment of time is worthwhile:

• What's the goal of the event? If the focus is to draw in supporters rather than raise funds, it may be ok to lose money on

  the event and think of it as an investment in the future—a "friendraiser" rather than a fundraiser.

• Is it a newsworthy event? If it's not, why put in all the effort to try and gain media coverage?

• Do you have a cultivation plan for people who attend the event? Following up after an event can be the most important part of the process.

• Could staff and volunteer time be more wisely invested in meeting directly with donors?

• While working on the event, what other responsibilities will staff have to give up or put off?

What role do special events play in your fundraising plan?