Awareness Is Nice, But Special Events Need to Raise Cash

“Volunteers need and want stated, measurable, obtainable goals,” Poderis writes. “Give them that, and you give them the opportunity to be winners. If they feel like winners, they’ll be back to help again.”

2. Choose an event that fits into your organization’s fundraising mix. Take into consideration the activities of the event, as well as the time, talent and resources it will take to make it successful. Determine how you can come up with the resources to produce the event. If you have a named dollar goal, make sure you choose an event that is capable of reaching it. Poderis recommends organizations look at their history. What has worked in the past, what didn’t and why? Choose an event that reflects your constituents, not just in terms of age and wealth but also social and business demographics. Fundraisers also can look to other organizations for event ideas.