Charitable fundraising is one of the most successful ways to create connections and engage with donors. If you’ve hosted a charity event before, you’ll know these annual events are the best way to win over supporters. All while investing in a cause close to your heart!
A fruitful and prosperous charity event depends on skill, organization, event planning, and a dash of creativity. Let’s break down the top tips for throwing a gala to remember.
Charity Events: The Essentials
Charity events are best known for raising awareness (and money!) about a specific cause. When planning your next fundraiser, you’ll want to ensure that you can explain your charity in a way that captivates people. Practice your elevator pitch to present your charity in a way that resonates. When you communicate clearly about your charity, people will feel pulled to attend your event and even donate.
Additionally, you’ll want to plan your event so that everything moves seamlessly when the big day comes. Here are the top event planning tips to keep in mind for your next fundraiser:
Create a Financial Plan
Creating a financial plan is a non-negotiable, no matter what. Budgeting is vital to actualizing your fundraiser. Whether or not your budget is coming from sponsorships, donations, or ticket sales, mapping out your spending limit will be helpful.
Gauging your budget will also steer you in the right direction when you’re ready to book a venue, catering service, entertainment, and more.
Decide on a Theme
Everybody loves a theme because it creates a memorable evening full of fun. Plus, it boosts engagement.
If you decide to include a theme, incorporate it into every detail of your event, not just your wardrobe! This includes event activities and decorations.
Choose a Venue
The venue you choose will be an essential facet of your event. You’ll want a spacious, elegant space that matches your theme.
Pro tip: don’t forget to keep your budget in mind when booking a venue!
Social Media Marketing
Promoting your fundraiser is of the utmost importance. Spread the word by leveraging social media apps! You can create event hashtags to track your posts and link to more information about your charity. A few inspirational posts will attract people to promote your posts and donate. (Think: the ALS ice bucket challenge.)
Keep your marketing going even after the event ends. Sharing pictures from the gala will keep the momentum going!
Memorable Charity Event Ideas
There are so many possibilities when it comes to fundraising themes and ideas. You’ll want to organize an outstanding gathering to inspire your donors and community.
Here are four ideas for making your next charity event stand out:
1. Online Fundraising
Similar to social media marketing, online fundraising has the potential to reach wider audiences and get you to your goals. If you don’t have a big budget, this is a cost-efficient way to spread the word and encourage participation.
Consider organizing a 24-hour flash fundraiser to create a sense of urgency. Typically, this brings in more monetary contributions in a shorter time.
2. Bake-Off
Take a page from The Great British Baking Show and host a bake-off for your next charity event. Everyone loves sweets, so assemble a team of bakers and a panel of judges.
At your event, host a competition-style bake-off and include the attendees in the voting! Bakers can present their items; attendees and judges can cast their votes. The winner can even auction off the recipe for their baked good!
It’s an interactive and unique way to attract people to your event.
3. Networking
An underrated form of fundraising, networking can bring you closer to the people who can benefit your charity. Keep it casual and invite prospective donors to lunch. Don’t forget to share your charity goals to ensure everyone is aligned with the cause!
4. Game Night
Keep things light with a night full of games. One classic idea for fundraising that many charities utilize is a bowling event. This is an affordable and accessible way to gather your community.
Or, opt for a carnival theme! Carnivals are a great way to keep spirits high. Be sure to offer many activities, from games and prizes to bake sales and raffles.
Book Your Next Event With Ease
Planning your next charity event can be an easeful experience. Here at Salero, we can offer you what you need to put on an extraordinary charity event. Our oceanfront venue offers all-inclusive event packages, DJ services and lighting, a 5-star chef, and a dance floor.
With proximity to downtown Rehoboth, our luxe space and attentive staff will be there for you every step of the way. Contact us to start planning!
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