5 Tips for Planning a Successful Fundraiser
Among the bright lights, renowned theater, and great shopping, New York City is well-known for its charitable events, with some receiving worldwide attention — the star-studded Met Gala, for one. After all, who doesn’t love the opportunity to be entertained, eat delicious food and mingle with interesting people, all while supporting a great cause? I know I do!
While philanthropy is at the center of these events, the key to NYC fundraisers is also to create a memorable experience that will leave a lasting impression on your guests, attract new donors, and transform them into lifelong supporters. You can count on there being dozens of fundraisers held in the Big Apple every day, so it’s important to stand out.
Are you ready to take your fundraiser to the next level? Let’s dive into my 5 tips for planning a memorable fundraiser in NYC!
Get creative with your story
The challenge of a non-profit event planner is to make guests feel energized about the cause. Your guests already know that you’re passionate about your cause, but how can you inspire them? While you could opt to tell your organization’s story through a speech or video, thinking outside the box is the way to go. As an event planner, I’m here to provide fresh ideas that will communicate your story in a creative and compelling way.
Entertain your guests
How can you make sure your fundraiser is unforgettable? Entertain your guests! You know your organization best, so I probably don’t need to remind you to make sure your entertainment aligns with your values. Whether it’s live music, a local comedian, or even a magician, live entertainment keeps your guests engaged, upbeat, and ready to support your cause. The result? Successful fundraising.
Create more than one way for guests to donate
Your attendees will likely have varying comfort levels when it comes to donating money. While some people are happy to write a check, others need a little gentle persuasion. While raising funds to support the organization is the goal of your event, every dollar counts. Silent or live auctions are a great way to keep your event social, and a little friendly competition can be an entertaining way to bring in larger donations. One of my clients raised funds by encouraging guests to purchase bottles of wine at a range of flat pricing options, with some bottles including an additional surprise gift. A little creativity goes a long way in ensuring that all of your guests feel comfortable donating whatever they can.
Enlist some well-known supporters
You don’t need an A-list celebrity to generate buzz surrounding your event — but if you know one, it can’t hurt! A local influencer or someone well-known within your community with large and loyal audiences can be helpful in selling tickets to your fundraiser.
Recruit a host committee
Your fundraiser’s secret weapon? A host committee. Consider organizing a team of well-connected movers and shakers in your community who can help spread the word about your event and encourage ticket sales within their networks. They can even coordinate auction items. Teamwork makes the dream work!
If you’re ready to find an NYC event planner to help you plan an unforgettable fundraiser – look no further! Contact LeFeast to inquire about your upcoming charitable event.