Women Whose Voices Amplify Philanthropy

Viola Davis via Shutterstock

Dear Friends,

With all that is going on in our world, I wanted to share this post about women, who I have followed for some time, are using their voices to amplify their views on philanthropy.

This list is not finite for there are so many more stories I plan to share with you. As we continue to navigate the harrowing impact of Covid-19, these acts of generosity remind me how important it is to reach back and support the most vulnerable in our society.

Most important of all, thank you for all that you do to help others. Please stay encouraged!

Sincerely,

Monique

Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events || Envisioning Your Gala

shutterstock_504293464 (Aug. 2018)

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to the Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events™ series created to serve as a resource for non-profit leaders looking to host their first special event fundraiser, or reinvigorate a dormant event, but are overwhelmed by the steps involved.  In my previous article I provided insights to consider when Collaborating with Honorees on your signature fundraising event, which can be accessed by following this link.

Today I am pleased to share tips to keep in mind when planning your organization’s first (or reinvigorated) Grand Affair With Lasting Appeal (GALA). Unlike any other event you will host or imagine a GALA conveys a grand vision that has come to life; uniquely designed to create a memorable experience for prospects, donors and stakeholders.

For many attendees your event will be their first introduction to your organization; therefore you are charged with providing an experience that is exciting and informative, elegant and engaging. Whether the dress code is festive wear or business attire, black tie or white tie, your objective is to create an environment that will impress donors enough to convert them from passive observers into active participants.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning for your (GALA):

  1. Your GALA’s objectives should be well-defined and have measurable outcomes.  Most important of all, please take the time to gain clarity around why you have asked guests to gather and the message you want to convey.  This is also an opportunity to allow donors and stakeholders to interact with your program’s beneficiaries and see their philanthropy at work.
  2. Your GALA must have the appropriate team to achieve success. Every participant – honorees, gala committee members, emcees, entertainers, designers, staff and volunteers – must be committed to the vision or it simply will not work.
  3. Your GALA’s ticket and table prices must be structured to create a successful outcome. Funds raised will help strengthen working capital and create a new portal of donors who share your organization’s values. Your GALA will help set the stage for future events and your objective is to leave donors clamoring for ways to be involved.
  4. Your GALA’s look and feel should give the impression something special is going to take place.  The venue you choose is critical to achieving this objective.  While your event must feel special and worthy of your guests’ investment; please be mindful as you to not want to produce an event that will come across as wasteful to your target audience.  

High-level events are a great way to raise funds and build relationships but there are many steps involved.  However, with the right strategies you will be able to plan with precision and execute with excellence.

If I can support your efforts, please contact me at Monique@Eventstrategies4success.com.

Here’s to your success!

Monique

#philanthropy #nonprofitleaders #specialevents #specialeventfundraiser #nonprofitevents #galas #fundraisers

Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events || Collaborating with Corporate Honorees

shutterstock_733500280

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to the Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events™ series created to serve as a resource for non-profit leaders looking to host their first special event fundraiser, or reinvigorate a dormant event, but are overwhelmed by the steps involved.  In my previous article, I discussed Ways to Involve Donors When Making the Case For Support, which can be accessed by following this link.  As you and your team work to ensure dinner leadership and strategies are in place to strengthen your fundraising efforts, one of the most exciting moments occurs when a corporate chairman or CEO accepts your invitation to be honored.  

Collaborating with an industry leader, who understands the importance of positioning your organization in the philanthropic marketplace, can have a tremendous impact on fundraising efforts.  Your team is excited and ready to spring into action.  Before you leap, corporate honorees will need to balance your organization’s needs with the corporation’s social responsibility agenda.

Today, I am pleased to share some insights to consider when Collaborating with Honorees on your signature fundraising event. 

1. Corporate honorees have influence but do not have an open checkbook.  The good news is you are working with proven leaders.  Once they have a clear understanding of your needs and commit to the fundraising campaign, you will receive great support.

2. Corporate support may take many forms.  Do you make it easy for others to support your work?  Here are some options you can consider when seeking corporate support: (a) a one-time lead gift to fund a program area (b) a multi-year commitment to launch a new initiative, (c) a one-time lead gift to support the event coupled with a pledge to secure additional funding from their network.

3. Corporate honorees are careful with their investments.  CEOs take pride in knowing their resources (time, money, key personnel) add value to your organization’s bottom line.  At the same time, they take comfort in knowing your team will take an active role in fundraising efforts. 

4. Corporate communication generally takes place via a member of their executive team. Traditionally, this person will be a senior-level manager designated to assist you and update the honoree.  Please honor and work within this structure.

5. Business etiquette goes a long way.  Your organization liaison should have great interpersonal skills and be able to communicate with business leaders with professionalism and tact.  This will help build a lasting relationship long after the event is over.

In addition to raising funds for your organization, high-level events are a great way to solidify relationships for the future.  While there are many steps involved, with the right strategies in place, you will be able to plan with precision and execute with excellence.

If I can support your efforts please contact me at Monique@Eventstrategies4success.com.

Here’s to your success!

Fondly,

Monique

 

#philanthropy #nonprofitleaders #specialevents #specialeventfundraiser #nonprofitevents #galas #fundraisers

Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events || Ways to Involve Donors When Making the Case for Support

shutterstock_307422212-2.jpg - July 16, 2018

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to the Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events™ series created to serve as a resource for non-profit leaders looking to host their first special event fundraiser, or reinvigorate a dormant event, but are overwhelmed by the steps involved.  In my previous article, I shared strategies you can use to Create Momentum for Your Event, which can be accessed by following this link.

If you have been looking for unique opportunities to involve your most generous supporters, why not start with your event? Today I will share ways you can Ways to Involve Donors When Making the Case for Support.

1. Ask donors to collaborate. 

For donors with C-suite connections, invite them to help create strategies for soliciting contributions from others within this circle. Their insight can ensure your appeal is best positioned for a positive outcome.

2. Ask donors to lead.

For donors who enjoy the allure of events, and have the time and resources to ensure successful outcomes, invite them to take a leadership role on the fundraising committee. Excited and engaged donors are vital to your success.

3. Ask donors to host.

For donors who have access to networks critical to your organization’s long-term success, but cannot commit to a lengthy fundraising campaign, invite them to sponsor a pre-event activity or host private a reception to provide honorees with a more personal look at your organization.

4. Ask donors to mentor.

For donors who have served as ambassadors, but shy away from formal committees, invite them to mentor key team members and accompany them on in-person visits with prospects and community stakeholders.

When making the case for support, involving donors is key. With proper planning and patience, well-planned events can set the tone for six-or-seven-figure fundraising success.

If I can support your efforts, please contact me at Monique@Eventstrategies4success.com.

Here’s to your success!

Fondly,

Monique

#philanthropy #nonprofitleaders #specialevents #specialeventfundraiser #nonprofitevents #galas #fundraisers