Five tips for planning your next fundraising event

When hosting an event, it’s important your guests enjoy themselves and leave with fond memories. When it comes to fundraising events in particular, organisers want people to enjoy value for money plus have an understanding of the great cause they are supporting. To ensure your next fundraising event is a winner, follow these top tips when planning the next one in the calendar.

1. Choose a theme that resonates with the audience

Fundraising events are great for everyone as they benefit a great cause and are always fun to attend too. However, it’s important to take some time to think about the audience you are going to be entertaining and plan ideas that resonate with them. A theme doesn’t need to be expensive but ensure you choose one that engages the audience and gets people excited – black tie is a popular choice, along with perhaps a masquerade ball.

2. Pick your venue carefully

Location is key, so be sure to visit different venues and asses them first. You must choose the most suitable location to complement both your guests’ ability to attend as well as to create a great atmosphere. It is important to consider what the venue has to offer in terms of promotions and discounts too, as these can help assist with your fundraising efforts. Consider your budget too, this will help you determine whether or not you are meeting your minimum spend whilst creating a successful fundraising event.

3. Hire a speaker

Selecting the best speakers for your event can seem like a difficult task but when you find the right one they can help set the entire tone and make it a memorable experience for the audience. When selecting your speaker there are a number of things to consider, such as their knowledge and ability to inspire the audience.

The right speaker should:

• Attract attendees.
• Engage an audience.
• Reinforce key event themes.
• Entertain and educate.
• Inspire the audience and drive positive change.
• Provide fresh insight and perspective on event related topics.
• Provide actions and motivational takeaways.

Ultimately, choose a speaker who shares your vision and can help when it comes to meeting your fundraising targets.

4. Seek sponsorship

Whilst money is a hugely helpful consideration, the less money you spend towards the event itself – on expenses such as venue costs, printing, audio visual, beverages and so on – the more profit you are likely to generate from your ticket sales. So spend wisely and choose your event partners strategically to support you in your vision – this guide can help you secure sponsors.

5. Make an informative event page

The best way to determine whether people can actually attend your event or not is by making an event page. This events page will include all of the relevant information, including the when, where, why and dress code, plus ticket information. Share this on different social media platforms to reach a variety of people. If you are able to share ticket purchases this will also help and encourage those who have not yet got involved to contribute towards your fundraising goal.

Now you have the tips, it’s time to start implementing them into your next fundraising event – to make it the best yet.