Do Not Neglect: 3 Steps You Must Take After Every Fundraising Event
A lot of work goes into planning and executing a successful fundraising event. Whether it’s a scavenger hunt, a rally, a walk, an auction, or something else specific to your area of influence, your staff does a lot of legwork to make it happen.
But wouldn’t you love it if your event was more than just a one-time influx of donations and volunteers? Wouldn’t you like to convert those donors and sponsors into regular contributors?
How can we leverage the enthusiasm of event participants so they want to become not just distant donors but active participants? Non-profit expert Ron Lahr gave three very helpful and practical action steps about what to do after a fundraising event in an old web post that’s no longer available.
The great thing is, Ron’s approach will work whether your organization works to reduce poverty, fights for equal rights, advocates for girls’ education in poor nations, fights human sex trafficking, champions the arts or the environment, or some other cause.
For any charity planning an upcoming fundraising event, here’s a brief summary of the three steps.
3-Point Plan to Post-Fundraising Event Followup
1. Keep track of all the information at the event. Who comes? How many people filled out surveys or donated? Whatever data you can collect at your event, collect it. This data will enrich your future communications and promotional efforts.
2. Have a brainstorming debrief after the event. Get your staff and volunteers together and discuss what worked and what didn’t. What can you do better next time? This sustains the momentum you already created.
3. Communicate with event participants. This can be through phone calls, email series, thank you notes, or a variety methods. But let people know they made a difference. Tell them how their efforts have already paid off. Keep in touch. Let them know what else they can do. People like to know that what they do matters. And for non-profits and charities – it does! So tell them how.
If you want your blood, sweat, and event tears to pay off more than once, take these suggestions to your team and try to put these systems in place during and after your next event. If you do, you should see a lot more post-event participation, new and committed volunteers, and faithful donors.
To do the communication part (#3), use your copywriter to craft your message. This is your best chance to transform one-time participants into active and ongoing ones. If you don’t have a copywriter, let me know when your next event is. I’d love to help make it an even bigger success.
