“Remember that the true benefits of many events come after they are over, when those who have become better acquainted with your organization decide to support your programs as volunteers, donors, or both.”

 

From an article by Betty Stallings and Donna McMillion

Event Management for Nonprofits

Did your annual “fundraiser” morph into a “friend-raiser” once the financial report came in? Small to midsize nonprofits often choose to engage their constituencies, donors, and the larger community through events—marathons or walks, fashion or car shows, gala dinners, silent auctions, golf or tennis tournaments. It’s easy to generate up-front enthusiasm for a social blowout or some top-name entertainment. But unless events are planned and managed with great care, they may lose money or break even at best.

Handled well, events can serve marketing purposes, engage new supporters and volunteers, and raise money.

  • Matching the event to your goals and audience
    My Dutch Uncle can help you get clear about your purpose in sponsoring an event, the needs and resources of the prospective audience, and your organization’s capacities to produce it—money, time, people. Is the event aimed chiefly at raising money or raising your nonprofit’s profile? The answer will lead to events with very divergent characteristics. Is the event appropriate to your mission?
  • Maintaining your fiscal health
    Once the full cost is analyzed—including the drain on staff and volunteer time, and other fundraising opportunities deferred—the final tally of an event is often negative. We’ll help you sort through hidden costs and point you toward practical ways to engage board and volunteers, allocate staff time, avoid conflicts with competing events and regular organizational business, and keep your event budget in line with goals.
  • Don’t try this at home!
    My Dutch Uncle engages and recommends professional event planners and managers. These experts handle the large issues and infinite small details events pose: organizing volunteer committees, printing invitations, hiring and managing caterers, lining up entertainment and parking, event accounting. Working with your staff and volunteers, they can arrange to solicit donated goods and services; secure media coverage; obtain access to attendees, sponsors, and underwriters; and evaluate risk management and insurance needs. And that’s just a sampling.
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