Tag: Non-profit fundraisers

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The Unseen Influence of Nonprofit Events: Beyond Fundraising Galas

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Over three decades in the nonprofit realm, I’ve seen firsthand that events are not just gatherings but potent catalysts for change and touchpoints for community building. Yet, opinions vary widely among nonprofit leaders, board members, volunteers, and community stakeholders.

For larger, financially solid nonprofit organizations with a robust major donor pipeline, events are often viewed as resource-intensive without an immediate ROI. Conversely, events are pivotal for emerging community-based nonprofits looking to raise their visibility and strengthen their major donor pipeline. They capture attention and funds otherwise inaccessible, becoming a focal point for an integrated fundraising strategy.

Having supported the fundraising agendas of established and emerging nonprofits, I appreciate the challenges smaller organizations face, particularly in capturing the attention of funders in the philanthropic marketplace.

Emerging community-based nonprofits often need help fitting within the rigid overhead funding models, leading them to innovative fundraising strategies like special events. Eager to grow their standing in the philanthropic world, these organizations often find special events the most effective option for maximizing their resources.

Remember, not every event is a gala! Several ticketed events occupy this space and are great investments for the host organization. From intimate donor dinners to community-wide festivals, the spectrum of events is as diverse as the causes they support. I will delve deeper into specific types of events in future posts.

Today, I want to share why many of the nonprofit leaders I support decide to host events:

  • Diversification of Revenue: Special events provide an additional income stream, complementing other fundraising efforts like grants, donations, and memberships. This diversification helps organizations maintain financial stability and reduce dependence on a single funding source.
  • Community Engagement: Special events serve as platforms for engaging the community and building stronger relationships with supporters. They unite donors, volunteers, and beneficiaries, creating a sense of belonging and shared purpose.
  • Increased Visibility: Special events can generate media coverage and social media buzz, increasing the organization’s visibility and engaging new donors, volunteers, and supporters who may become more involved with your organization.
  • Donor Cultivation: Special events allow nonprofits to interact with donors and prospects personally. They provide opportunities to cultivate relationships, express gratitude, and update on the organization’s accomplishments, potentially leading to increased future giving.
  • Funding Specific Projects: Nonprofits often use proceeds from special events to fund specific projects or initiatives not covered by earmarked funds. Attending donors learn about critical yet unfunded projects and initiatives that resonate with their values, potentially motivating them to increase their support.

Parting Thoughts

If you are leaning towards hosting events, remember the unique opportunity to showcase your organization before a group of prospects and donors who have enthusiastically accepted (and paid for) your invitation to learn more about your mission and programs.

The list I’ve mentioned needs to be completed, but it’s a good start to inform your present (or future) discussions. As you contemplate hosting your first or next event, consider these tangible benefits beyond fundraising.

Fondly,

Monique

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Breaking the Barriers: Overcoming the Nonprofit Overhead Myth for Greater Impact

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Here at Event Strategies For Success, we frequently encounter the challenging ‘overhead myth’ in our work within the nonprofit sector. This myth, deeply entrenched in the assessment and support of organizations, originates from the ‘overhead ratio’ concept. This ratio compares a nonprofit’s budget allocation for administrative and operational costs, such as rent, utilities, and salaries, against its direct program expenses.

Historically, a low overhead ratio has been synonymous with nimbleness and effectiveness in the eyes of funders, rewarding such organizations for perceived “efficiency.” However, this view overlooks the complexities of nonprofit operations, especially for those serving underrepresented communities. Organizations deemed more “efficient” often benefit from robust revenue streams and in-kind support, such as reduced office space costs or endowed positions, which are not typically available to community-based nonprofits.

Many local organizations, particularly those serving the most vulnerable, navigate a different fundraising landscape. Their financial support often relies on government grants, limited corporate funding, and a significant focus on special events to meet various needs.

Funders’ adherence to the overhead myth fails to acknowledge the true nature of running a nonprofit. Delivering high-quality services necessitates significant investment in infrastructure, skilled staff, and operational support—factors essential for success but categorized as overhead. This misperception leads to several adverse outcomes:

  • Underfunding: Nonprofits struggling to secure sufficient resources often need help to scale or sustain their impact effectively.
  • Compromised Quality: To maintain a low overhead ratio, nonprofits may compromise program delivery due to overhead. As a result, critical areas may be underfunded, diminishing the quality of services offered.
  • Staff Retention Challenges: The emphasis on minimizing overhead can result in inadequate staff compensation and support, contributing to high turnover rates among capable employees.

Recognizing these issues, leading nonprofit authorities such as GuideStar (now part of Candid), the BBB, and Charity Navigator have long opposed using the overhead ratio as the primary measure of a nonprofit’s effectiveness. Their 2013 joint statement was a pivotal call to action, urging a more comprehensive approach to evaluating nonprofits.

Parting Thoughts

At Event Strategies For Success, while we recognize the necessity of prudent financial management, we also firmly believe that effective operation frequently necessitates reasonable overhead expenses. Adopting a nuanced perspective that appreciates the complexities of nonprofit management is essential for these organizations to achieve their missions and generate substantial impact.

In this context, I want to share a thought-provoking TED Talk by Dan Pallotta. He challenges traditional views on nonprofit operations and advocates for a paradigm shift from minimizing overhead to maximizing impact. Pallotta’s perspective aligns with our mission at Event Strategies For Success, where we strive to amplify our clients’ impact locally and globally. This talk prompts us to ponder our aspirations and resource allocation and redefine success to reflect the true essence of our transformative work.

I invite you to watch this inspiring talk and join us in rethinking how we approach funding and support for nonprofits, ensuring more effective outcomes for the communities they serve.

Fondly,

Monique

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The Nonprofit Event Ecosystem: Collaborations that Amplify Impact

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

In the nonprofit sector, organizing an event requires considerable thought and planning. In most instances these events are not solitary ventures; they thrive within a dynamic ecosystem where collaboration is essential for success. When the host organization partners with businesses, community organizations, and fellow nonprofits, they significantly enhance their impact, expand their reach, and create events that forge a lasting legacy.

The Synergy of Collaboration

Nonprofit collaborations with various stakeholders unlock a treasure trove of resources, expertise, and perspectives, leading to innovative and meaningful event experiences. For example, business partnerships give nonprofits access to marketing acuity, financial support, and technological insights. In contrast, community organizations offer a wealth of shared knowledge, diverse viewpoints, and the potential for pooling resources for more substantial outcomes.

Partnerships in Action: Inspiring Examples

Several nonprofits have leveraged the power of collaboration to orchestrate remarkable events:

  • The American Heart Association and Target: Their partnership produced the “Go Red for Women” series, raising awareness and funds for heart health.
  • The National Park Foundation and Subaru: This collaboration culminated in the “Subaru Share the Love Event,” supporting conservation efforts in U.S. national parks.
  • Habitat for Humanity and Lowe’s: Their joint efforts have led to numerous community-building projects, with Lowe’s supplying volunteers, tools, and materials.
  • The American Cancer Society and the African Methodist Episcopal Church: These organizations joined forces to address cancer-related issues, focusing on outreach, education, and the “80 by 2018 Colon Cancer Campaign.”

Cultivating Meaningful Collaborations: Action Steps

Organizations can enhance their event impact by adhering to these principles:

  • Identify Shared Goals: Align on objectives that resonate with all parties, like a nonprofit focusing on youth education teaming up with a corporation committed to STEM to boost access to STEM education in underserved areas.
  • Mutual Respect and Trust: Start the relationship by building a foundation with open communication. Regular check-ins allow nonprofits to share community insights, equipping corporations with the information they need to develop relevant, impactful funding strategies.
  • Defined Roles and Responsibilities: In a collaboration between a health-focused nonprofit and a pharmaceutical company, distinct roles like community outreach for the nonprofit and resource provision by the company prevent overlaps and leverage each partner’s strengths.
  • Effective Communication and Collaboration: Utilize shared digital platforms for updates, idea-sharing, and coordination. Regular meetings, whether virtual or in-person, sustain a robust collaborative relationship.
  • Continuous Evaluation and Improvement: Post-event, conduct joint surveys to gather feedback. This collaborative review can pinpoint areas for enhancement, guiding future strategy adaptations.

Parting Words

Nonprofit and for profit community partnership

Collaboration in the nonprofit event sector goes beyond strategy; it embodies a philosophy of unity. Embracing partnerships transforms events into more than just fundraising opportunities; they become platforms that inspire, educate, and empower. This spirit of collaboration transforms nonprofit events into catalysts for positive change, leaving a lasting impact on our world.

Fondly,

Monique

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Women Whose Voices Amplify Philanthropy

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

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For You, the Quiet Philanthropists Who Never Pressed Pause

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

I have attempted to write this message on several occasions and each time I felt overwhelmed by the devastating impact of Covid-19 and didn’t quite know what to say.  For what feels like an eternity, we have been navigating what has quickly become our new normal. On Monday, June 8th, New York City’s economy will reopen and we will begin the enormous task of assessing the emotional and financial toll and creating new systems in order to survive.

As a member of the nonprofit community, I have seen first-hand the heroic support, provided by women and men like you – the quiet philanthropists – who showed up day after day to ensure the needs of your constituents and beneficiaries were met. From reaching out to your formal (and informal) networks, to providing food, shelter, clothing, money, housing and transportation, to enlisting vital support from everyone who would listen, you (we) stayed the course; sometimes at the expense of your own organization.

I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge the sacrifices made by our small/independent business owners. You have generously supported our essential workers and your colleagues in the non-profit community in numerous ways. From making cash contributions to donating goods and services freely and without being asked.  Regardless of your affiliation, you are the leaders and voices for this moment in history.

Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do.  You are truly a life-force for our local communities, nationally and globally. Please remember, no one is equipped to do this work alone. Continue to enlist the support that you need as you show up for others.

We appreciate you!

Monique Brizz-Walker

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

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

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Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events || Setting the Stage for Success

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Welcome to the Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events™ .   I created this series to serve as a resource for non-profit leaders who are interested in hosting their first special event fundraiser, or reinvigorating a dormant event, but may feel overwhelmed by the process.

One of the first things you must do is obtain buy-in from members of your leadership team, the board of directors and a small circle of influential donors – who will each play an important role in the fundraising campaign.  However, without a blueprint to follow, where will you begin?

Today I will share 5 essential questions to help inform your discussions with these key stakeholders.

1.  Why are you hosting this event?

There are many reasons why you have decided to host your signature event, chief among them is to generate income from table and ticket sales. That said, you should be able to clearly articulate how you will use the proceeds.  Will you add new programs and services, or enhance ones that already exist?  Will you participate in executive level training to further develop your leadership skills?  How will you invest in your team?

2.  Can you afford to do this?

Planning and executing large events can be expensive, and many unexpected costs will come up along the way.   You must honestly assess how much you can invest, set a budget and determine the impact of these expenses on your day-to-day operations.  Equally important, you must decide if you have enough cash on-hand to sustain the organization until the fundraising campaign generates income.

3.  Do you have sufficient resources?

Please keep in mind, this event will unfold as you continue to manage your daily responsibilities. You must continue to serve your beneficiaries, collaborate with stakeholders and manage your team. Therefore, you should carefully determine how you will manage the interruptions that generally accompany events of this magnitude.  Do you expect staff to shoulder the additional responsibilities or will you hire a professional team to provide assistance?

4.  How will you engage your supporters?

Some organizations are challenged around ways to keep donors informed and engaged after the event.  As you work to build your financial future, the quality of your interactions will be key.  Among the high-level touches sophisticated donors will expect are invitations to curated cultivation and scholarly events, in-person updates on your beneficiaries progress and where you see them in your organization’s future.

5.  How will you tell your hero stories?

If you showcase your beneficiaries during the event, you must do this in a way that honors them and presents their accomplishments in the best light.  Remember everyone will watch how you treat those you have pledged to serve.

Hosting your first signature fundraiser is not easy. However, once your event is fine-tuned, and enjoys a loyal base of committed supporters, it will prove to be profitable for your bottom line.  With proper planning and patience, you will be positioned to achieve six-or-seven figure event success.

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

With kind regards,

Monique

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Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events || The Courage to Begin

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Frequently I have the pleasure of speaking with non-profit leaders who are looking to host their first six-or-seven figure fundraiser, or reinvigorate a dormant event, as they recognize the potential impact on their bottom line.

Many of these leaders frequently attend fundraising events as guests of organizations within their niche, board members of charities whose work they support and/or financial contributors of causes that resonate with their core beliefs – and they recognize the benefit of adding similar events to their development portfolio.

However, as they must focus on more the more pressing needs of identifying donors and stakeholders, defining their organization’s funding model and creating seamless ways for supporters to contribute to their work, they have little time to devote to the steps involved and may feel unprepared for the challenges that lie ahead.

So what options do they have?

To assist with this process, I am writing a 9-part series of articles titled Positioning Your Organization to Host 7-Figure Events™ as a resource.

In this series I will share information leaders, and their teams, can use to:

  1. Set the Stage for Success
  2. Create Momentum for their Event
  3. Make the Case for Support
  4. Collaborate with Corporate Honorees
  5. Create Successful Fundraisers for Different Audiences
  6. Create a Grand Affair with Lasting Appeal (GALA)
  7. Create an Invitation for Maximum Benefit
  8. Work Effectively with Vendors
  9. Assemble All the Pieces

From my experience, these strategies will help non-profit leaders set the stage for 7-figure event success.

Here’s to your success!

With kind regards,

Monique

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The Honoree/Organization Balance

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

As a fundraiser and event planner, one of the most promising moments comes when a client secures a corporate honoree (Chair and Chief Executive Officer of a global corporation). With this development, the organization is ready to implement a strategic fundraising campaign to meet, and exceed, the income goal.

Throughout my career, I’ve learned there is a delicate balance that must be maintained when working with a corporate honoree. It is equally important for organizations to acknowledge honorees also have expectations. This unique partnership can benefit both parties now and in the future. Today I am pleased to share some additional insights to add to your toolkit:

  1. Corporate honorees have great influence but do not come with an open checkbook. As leaders, they understand what is needed and are committed to supporting the fundraising campaign. As you enter into this process, please keep in mind support can take many forms, among them: (a) a one-time lead gift, (b) a multi-year sponsorship or (c) a one-time lead gift coupled with a pledge to secure additional support from their networks.
  2. Corporate honorees are careful with their investments; they take pride in knowing their resources (time, money, key personnel) add value to the bottom line. Corporate leaders will expect the organization to remain true to its mission, deliver on its promises and take an active role in fundraising.
  3. Corporate honorees are busy and their time is limited. Communication generally takes place via the honoree’s designee; an executive-level manager who works closely with Chair and Chief Executive Officer. Please honor and work within this structure.
  4. The organization should always work to strengthen its relationship with the corporate honoree. When appointing a staff member to work with the honoree’s designee, please select a senior manager who has good interpersonal skills and understands corporate etiquette. This will go a long way to building a lasting relationship after the event.
  5. The organization must be quick to say thank you and acknowledge all gifts, large and small, that come from the honoree’s efforts.

As always, I am here to support your efforts in any way that I can. For information, please visit http://www.eventstrategies4success.com. If I can be of assistance, please reach out to me at monique@Eventstrategies4success.com.

With kind regards,
Monique

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Creating an Event Budget to Ensure Success

Dear Friends and Colleagues,

Fundraisers and event planners know the important role budgets play when working with business and organization leaders. The event budget serves as a guide when hiring vendors, can serve as an effective negotiating tool and will help keep track of expenses. While this process can be layered, and usually requires several revisions, it cannot be minimized. Today I am sharing some insights into the expense budget planning process. I will discuss how the expense budget impacts fundraising goals in future posts.

Over the years, one technique I have found to be helpful is to group expenses into categories. This is a quick way to compare items from multiple vendors and make adjustments as needed.

THE VENUE
Selecting the perfect venue gives leaders an opportunity to impress donors and stakeholders. When reviewing options, comparing the cost of each venue is key. Here are some items to examine:

  1. Venue (Room rental fee)
  2. Venue (Room taxes)
  3. Venue (Additional set-up time)
  4. Reception (menu)
  5. Reception (beverages)
  6. Reception (premium bar service)
  7. Reception (limited bar service)
  8. Dinner (menu)
  9. Dinner (wine and beverages)
  10. Speciality Dessert
  11. Catering Service Charge (ranges from 18 to 21%)
  12. Food & Beverage Tax (waived for non-profits)
  13. Tasting Fee
  14. Additional insurance usually in effect the day of the event and for a few days after

SAVE-THE-DATE NOTICE, THE FUNDRAISING CAMPAIGN & INVITATION
Once the venue is confirmed, the next step is organizing the campaign for support. I realize we live in a time where e-mail and social media are heavily used, I have come to realize many corporations, foundations and donors require – and appreciate – written requests for support. Social media and e-mail outreach can be used as a follow-up to a written request.  Here are some items to include:

  1. Save-the-date card (designer fee)
  2. Save-the-date card (printer fee)
  3. Fundraising package (designer fee)
  4. Fundraising package (printer fee)
  5. Invitation package (designer fee)
  6. Invitation package (printer fee)
  7. Postage
  8. Messengers and/or overnight delivery
  9. Programs and journals to be distributed at the event (designer fee)
  10. Programs and journals to be distributed at the event (printer fee)

COORDINATING THE PARTS
As we know, large fundraisers involve many moving parts. For events with a 7-figure fundraising goal, and an attendee goal of 750 -800 guests or more, the organization’s mailing list will need to be in the thousands. Coordinating these items before they are mailed requires hours of preparation. If in-house resources are not available, hiring an outside vendor is critical. Here are some line items to include in the budget:

  1. Mailing list preparation (includes bad address removal and updates)
  2. Fundraising package preparation
  3. Invitation package preparation

CREATING THE VISION FOR THE EVENT
This is where leadership and the dinner team work with the event decorator to plan the look of the room, signature colors and the impression they want to make on donors and supporters. Here are some items to include in the decor budget:

  1. Linen
  2. Chairs
  3. Chair cushions
  4. Centerpieces
  5. Stage decor
  6. Step and repeat banner
  7. Speciality lighting package
  8. Speciality lighting (delivery, installation and breakdown)
  9. Fee for the delivery and pick up of all rental items
  10. Ropes and stanchions
  11. Pipes and Drapery
  12. Plants to use in key areas

THE PROGRAM
Once guests have been seated, its time for the show to begin. Think of how embarrassed the President or Board chair will be to learn his/her remarks can’t be heard? If a video is planned, the playback must be exceptional. Here are some items to include in your budget to ensure a professional presentation:

  1. Podium
  2. Wireless microphones
  3. Teleprompters
  4. Video screens
  5. Video recorders
  6. Audio-visual technicians
  7. Video playback units
  8. Program producer
  9. Floor manager
  10. Floor assistants
  11. Entertainment/Musicians
  12. Entertainment/Instruments
  13. Professional photographer
  14. Stage construction

A FEW ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT ITEMS
From special gifts of appreciation to honorees and guests, to saying thank you to dinner chairs and key staff members, planning for these items early in the process will ensure no one is overlooked. Here are some items to add to this category:

  1. Gifts and giveaways for guests
  2. Special awards for honorees
  3. Honorarium for emcee and keynote speakers
  4. Transportation for emcee and keynote speakers and other VIPs
  5. Transportation incurred for key staff participating in monthly planning meetings
  6. Hotel accommodations for emcee, keynote speakers and other VIPs
  7. Thank you gifts for dinner chairs, volunteers and key staff members who worked on the event
  8. Refreshments provided at monthly planning meetings
  9. Miscellaneous office supplies
  10. Delivery costs to send items to the venue on the day of the event

MANAGING ALL OF THE DETAILS
As my colleagues will attest, planning a fundraiser of this size requires great skill and coordination. Many organizations will look to a professional event planner to ensure the careful management and execution of details. Here are fees you should incorporate into your budget:

  1. Event planner fee
  2. Event planner overhead/administrative costs
  3. Event planner out-of-pocket expenses

Thank you for spending a few moments out of your day with me. I hope today’s post has been helpful to you. If I can be of assistance, please contact me at Monique@Eventstrategies4success.com.

With kind regards,

Monique

 

 

 

 

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