How To Create a Highly Profitable Fundraising Event Gail Perry MBA CFRE firedupfundraising.com gp@gailperry.com Gail Perry Associates CAM Gala Raleigh, NC
Who Am I? Gail Perry MBA CFRE 30 years Founder of Fired-Up Fundraising Blogger, fundraising coach, consultant Duke University and UNC-Chapel Hill Author Fired-Up Fundraising: Turn Board Passion into Action (Wiley) Board retreats Internet training International speaker and workshop leader #firedupfr @gailperrync
Big Money Thru Events What You ll Get Today How to organize your events so they can be as successful and profitable as possible. http://www.gailperry.com/webinars/create-highlyprofitable-fundraising-events-final/
Our Agenda 1. Where do events fit? 2. ROI of Events 3. All the fun details 4. Introducing our Highly Profitable Fundraising Event series with the Masters 5. My Top 10 Party Tips! http://www.gailperry.com/webinars/createhighly-profitable-fundraising-events-final/
Question: Who has an event coming up and what type of an event is it?
Where Do Events Fit Into A Smart Fundraising Program? You Want a Multi-Faceted Fundraising Program with Many Revenue Streams Grants Annual Fund Events Major gifts and direct asks Internet, direct mail, website Crowdfunding/social media
Sample Fundraising Plan by the Numbers This FY Goal Last FY Results Previous FY Results Strategy/Detail s/comments Events Grants Mailings/Mem bership Website/Email Multichannel Campaigns Social Media Major Gifts
Be Strategic! Cost Per Dollar Raised of Various Fundraising Strategies Fundraising EVENT 50% ANNUAL FUND 25-30% MAJOR GIFT OR CAPITAL CAMPAIGN 5-10%
Events for Six STEPS to the Perfect Ask Raising Awareness? NO to Fundraising Events to Raise Awareness YES to Events Just for Awareness
Fundraising Events ROI My Favorite Revenue Model That Guarantees a Nice Profit Set ticket price to cover all costs (music, venue, food, invitation, décor) Sponsorships, auction and raffle revenues flow directly to the bottom line
My Favorite Revenue Model That Fundraising Guarantees a Events Nice Profit ROI Set financial GOALS and person in charge of each area of revenue: Tickets Sponsorships Auction (live and silent) Raffle/drawing revenues
How to Maximize Your Event Sponsorships Speak a marketing language: impressions, ROI, exposure Allow enough time Put go-getters on your sponsorship committee Treat sponsors like major donors Report back with results
How You Can Raise More Money if You Cancel Some Events TIMELINE is everything Have To Have Enough Time! The BIG Money Comes from Sponsorships!
Question: How Much Money Might Possibly Be Out There For Your Next Event?
Creating a High-Impact Program Make it SHORT Especially if people are standing
Bring Your Mission Alive!
Use an Emcee to Control the Speakers
5 Essentials for High-Profit Auctions Use a professional auctioneer Sherry Truhlar Red Apple Auctions
5 Essentials for High-Profit Auctions Sound system Adequate lighting
5 Essentials for High-Profit Auctions Experiences Early in the evening
NEW SERIES: Highly Profitable Fundraising Events 6 Classes With the Masters Find out how your event can generate maximum money and buzz for your cause. http://www.gailperry.com/webinars/create-highly-profitable-fundraising-eventsfinal/
NEW SERIES: Highly Profitable Fundraising Events The Key to Super Profitability: How to Nail High Dollar Sponsorships For Your Event with Chris Baylis How to Create an Events Strategy with Real ROI with Ann Goldman & Leslie Allen
NEW SERIES: Highly Profitable Fundraising Events How to Supercharge Your Volunteer Committee and Sell-Out Your Next Event With Joe Garecht Using Social Media to Take Your Fundraising Event into the Stratosphere with Lisa Chmiola and Josh Hirsch
NEW SERIES: Highly Profitable Fundraising Events How to Have a Highly Profitable Auction 10 Secrets to Success with Sherry Truhlar Special Bonus class with Gail: How to Make a Successful ASK at Your Fundraising Event With Gail Perry http://www.gailperry.com/webinars/create-highly-profitable-fundraising-events-final/
Keeping Your Volunteers Motivated Make sure committee meetings are FUN. Put trusted go-getters in charge of each area. Set up teams to compete with each other.
How Your Event s Brand Can Extend Social Buzz Playful Brand Social media plan Facebook Ads Schedule Tweets Fun Hashtag #DOG16 Generate Buzz before, during and after Text to Give apps during the ask http://www.gailperry.com/webinars/createhighly-profitable-fundraising-events-final/
How to Get VIP s and Major Donors To Your Event Identify who they are GIVE them a ticket Have a VIP reception early Use a party van to go get them Tell them you are seating them at a special table Put someone in charge of VIP s Honor someone
Can You Turn Attendees into Mission-Focused Donors? This is a hard call Yes and No It depends on the type of event
Question: What is your biggest challenge with fundraising event asks?
How to Make A Successful Ask at an Event
A Successful Ask: Hard or Soft? Most Event Asks Are SOFT General and Unspecific
A Successful Hard Ask Make it Very Specific Use a Call to Action We have the opportunity to...
My Top 10 Favorite Party Tips! 1. Make it Fun!
My Top 10 Favorite Party Tips! 2. Use a small venue for the crowd.
My Top 10 Favorite Party Tips! 3. Bring in the young people!
My Top 10 Favorite Party Tips! 4. Ample food and drink. 5. Welcome guests warmly.
My Top 10 Favorite Party Tips! 6. Give them refreshments quickly. 7. Make sure VIPs come.
My Top 10 Favorite Party Tips! 8. Keep the light down. 9. Turn the music up.
My Top 10 Favorite Party Tips! 10.Think Always About Your Guests
Call to Action! Join us for the Highly Profitable Fundraising Events Series! http://www.gailperry.com/webinars/createhighly-profitable-fundraising-events-final/