Case Study: Impactful Events Increase Dollars Raised
We’ve worked with over 100 non-profit organizations in the Kentucky market. Some hyper-local, and some National - plus dozens “in between”. And while our scope varies from client to client - one thing remains the same:
People care more about the impact than than anything else.
Impact is important - but the impact your event should have on your attendees - CRUCIAL.
We’ve pulled stats over the last two years from the charity galas and fundraisers we’ve produced, and from our events, clients who focused on meaningful impact raised 42% more than those who just included a bunch of random stuff. What does that mean?
Focus on areas that will elevate your event, and spend less time (and money) on random things that don’t really matter.
If you want to include entertainment opportunities - add things that will surprise and delight, instead of the same old band that you’ve booked every year for the last 10 years. (Yes, even if they give you a big discount).
When you focus on curated experiences, you’ll find attendees are more likely to remember your event once they leave, and 5x more likely to attend again in the future. We warn clients to stay away from adding too many things - as it can be overwhelming and people can lose interest quickly.
2. Incorporate your mission in every step. Make it make sense.
From signature cocktails to program features and everything in between - don’t miss opportunities to incorporate your mission into the event. Your attendees are there to support you - so show them where their money is going.
If you can drive home what the funds are for, and how critical their support is, you are more likely to generate more revenue.
3. Find unique fundraising opportunities.
We tell our clients to stay away from the silent and live auctions you are used to. (GASP!) Yep. Unless you have a large, long-standing auction - don’t do it! It takes a ton of work, drains your board/committee/volunteers, and doesn’t NET much in return. Instead, opt for high-impact raffles, a curated (Smaller) selection of live items, an impactful fund the need, or a number of other activations.
With this in mind, you don’t want to include too many opportunities or you run the risk of losing money if people are spread too thin. You don’t want people to feel like they’ve been hit up for money every step of the way - so give them a meaningful place to donate, and let that be that.
Our stats? This year our 6 non-profit clients collectively raised $346,000 OVER their goals. BOOM!