Can you really raise money with Special Events?

Last week I was privileged to deliver the keynote address at the Dining Out for Life International Conference in New Orleans.  What an experience!

One of the topics I addressed was Fundraising Events and Major Gifts: How do we get from one to the other? If you’ve been in the fundraising world very long, you know special events can be an important part of the equation.  However, I’ve seen too many charities whose events are a major distraction from their fundraising.

In order to bring focus to the discussion, we explored ways to evaluate the true success of such events.  But, rather than leave the audience discouraged about their annual activities, I offered 6 Tips on how to use special events to raise larger gifts.

Today I’m emphasizing Tip #3: Grant an “Ask Pass” to a few select individuals.  What am I talking about?  Well, your event is likely to attract potential donors with a broad range of giving abilities.  Some of the attendees will be capable of making much larger gifts than you will be soliciting that night.  You don’t want them to respond to an ‘under-ask’ and be finished with their support for the year.

Instead, communicate with them beforehand with something like, “We’re thrilled that you are attending our special event, but please don’t feel obligated to make a gift at this time.  I’d like to follow-up with you in a more personal fashion at a late date.  Please just sit back and enjoy our program tonight.”

It’s simple.  These donors are capable and ready to give generously.  You want to provide them with a significant and satisfying avenue for their gifts.  An “Ask Pass” can provide the ideal opportunity for meeting after the event to invite a more appropriate gift.

This can give your one-night event the momentum needed to elevate your fundraising and make a real difference for your mission.

Check out all 6 Tips from my presentation last week – I’m happy to share them with you.  And please, let me know which ones you find to be most useful.

Sincerely,

Kent Stroman,
America’s ASKing Coach

PS:  I’m delivering a free webinar on Fundraising Events & Major Gifts on Thursday, September 17 from 11:00 to noon EDT.  Register now to join in.  I’d love to help you reach your goals!