Special events, frequently referred for fundraising, are known as social occasions that can enhance an organization’s reputation, provide attendees with an enjoyable, captivating or touching experience, and potentially raise funds for the sponsoring organization. There is an almost limitless types of of special events that can either earn or lose money, involve varying degrees of effort, and attract differing numbers of participants. The Non-Profit Organizations seeking to build a wide range of individual donors, it is recommended for them to organize some special events each year.
Special events have three main goals: generating publicity, increasing visibility, and raising fund. Generating publicity includes attracting attention to the organization through advertising the event and providing a high-quality experience. Increasing visibility involves raising the profile of the organization in the community, with the ultimate goal of making the organization known to all who should be aware of it. Raising money is considered a secondary goal because there are often faster and easier ways to raise funds. Additionally, it’s possible for special events to be successful even if they barely break even or lose money because the publicity generated can have a significant impact.
There are two types of categories of people who attend special events: Who attend events because of the event itself and those who come to attend the event and to support the organization. First category of such people includes individuals who attend particular events regardless of who sponsors them, while the second category consists of people who are interested in the event and believe in your organization’s work. Choosing the right fundraising event involves considering various factors like appropriateness, the image reflected on the organization, the amount of volunteer energy and front money required, the repeatability of the event, timing, and how the event fits into the organization’s overall fundraising plan.
The second group of attendees at events consists of those who are interested in the event and have faith in your organization’s work. They could be new to your organization or could already be aware of it and want to lend their support while benefitting themselves. These individuals they may prefer to attend a self-defense sponsored class of relief program otherr than a commercial business, for instance, to back the cause of rape relief. Participants might even contemplate joining the program and supporting it with their time and money. People purchase in a public crafts fair, or participate in marathons hosted by organizations they support, can be potential prospects for follow-up via direct mail.
To identify the second group, look for those who value your organization’s mission but are unable or unwilling to contribute more than a small monetary amount. For such individuals, purchasing a gift or attending a event benefit is an excellent way to demonstrate their support.
In selecting an even for fundraising, there are various factors to consider, such as the suitability of the occasion, the impact it leaves on the organization’s image, the level of volunteer participation needed, the initial costs, the frequency of repetition, and how well it corresponds with the group’s overall fundraising objectives.
To evaluate the appropriateness of an event, assess the perception of the organization that it promotes. If a neutral or favorable impression results, then the fundraising event is suitable. Conversely, if it does not convey the intended message, reconsider the event’s appropriateness. Although clear examples exist, such as a contest for a symphony, the distinction between appropriate and inappropriate events is often more indistinct. The following case studies further illustrate this concept.