I recently worked with a nonprofit organization to coordinate their annual fundraising event, and I noticed early on that we spent way more time talking about themes and decor than fundraising. This observation prompted me to ask: Are you having a party? Or a fundraiser?

Please don’t be offended by the question. There’s nothing wrong with celebrating a nonprofit organization’s work, especially when you’ve gathered the supporters who helped you make an impact. If you’re having a party – great! But if you’re having a fundraiser, then everybody should be aligned with fundraising as the primary focus. The dedication of nonprofit staff and volunteers is a precious resource that should be used strategically for the benefit of your cause.

Oftentimes, our events follow the paths (and spreadsheets) of previous years’ planning committees, and there’s comfort in the belief that what worked in the past will work again. But the fundraising playbook has changed. Events that once attracted a sold-out crowd now struggle to fill tables, and traditional fundraising tactics are now hampered by donor fatigue and evolving expectations. Candidly speaking, it might be time to adopt a new approach for your tried-and-true fundraising events.

Fun is non-negotiable.

How many times have we heard the tired expression that you can’t have a FUNdraiser without FUN? (Insert eyeroll here.) Though the cliché is overused, it’s actually true. A recent Knowland survey reports that 53% of respondents said that fun is the most important driving force behind their decisions to attend fundraising events, followed closely by socialization. People want to enjoy the company of other people while participating in fun activities.

So—what’s fun about your event? If it’s the same gala, held at the same venue, using the same run-of-show as previous years… you may need to insert more fun for your next go-round.

• Event committee members. This group – usually made up of staff, board members and other volunteers – should include a few new members each year. Try to recruit volunteers of different ages and look for people who are active in community events to share ideas from their experiences.
• What else is out there? There are countless fun activities being used to raise money in communities everywhere. It doesn’t need to be your original idea! Do some internet research and talk to friends about their favorite fundraising events. If something is working for another organization, you might consider ways to incorporate it into your program. Perhaps you can rename the activity to align with your mission or your event theme and give it your own creative spin.
• Make a fun impression. When your event attendees talk to their friends and family the next day, what will they say? They’re not likely to talk about the meal that was served or the centerpieces on the table. Instead, they’ll talk about the moments when they had fun. Maybe it’s carnival games in the lobby during the cocktail hour, or a karaoke-style sing-along where everyone is part of the fun. Think about your most memorable occasions and consider how those activities might translate into engagement tactics for your next event.

Party with a purpose.

Amidst all this focus on fun though, don’t lose sight of your “why” and the reason for staging an event in the first place: to generate support for your organization. The most successful fundraising events are carefully orchestrated experiences designed to maximize giving. These three steps will keep you on track: (1) Tell them about your mission and why they should care, (2) ask for their support, clearly and intentionally, and (3) make it easy – super easy! – for them to give.

If your planning committee focuses enough attention on these three points, the fundraising element will receive the attention it deserves. A successful event creates an atmosphere of energy, excitement and a clear “moment of ask” that compels guests to give generously.

Work with a pro.

Depending on the size of your organization and the demands on your current staff and volunteers, you may not have the bandwidth to explore new ideas and create a successful fundraising event. Consider hiring a fundraising consultant and/or a benefit auctioneer to give your event the “glow up” you’re looking for!

A licensed benefit auctioneer is well-versed in fundraising strategies, from crafting a run-of-show to identifying the most attractive silent and live auction items. Plus, they bring experience about how to build momentum during your event and encourage generous giving. Remember that hiring a professional to help is not an expense; it’s an investment in your fundraising potential. And it might be the pivotal decision that changes the trajectory of your fundraising program.

Becky Doemland is a licensed benefit auctioneer and experienced event fundraiser focused on supporting and promoting Central Indiana’s nonprofit community. Reach out today to discuss ways to inject purposeful fun and fundraising into your next event: www.goodworksindy.com/benefit-auctioneering.