Two years is a long time, especially in the world of nonprofit fundraising. Since the middle of March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically changed our lives. For professionals working in the nonprofit industry, the pandemic shut down in-person fundraising. After two years of relying on the digital savvy of nonprofit workers and volunteers, the light at the end of the tunnel has brought a return to raising money by holding live fundraisers.
How has the two-year hiatus from in-person fundraising impacted your nonprofit organization? What do you need to do to make your return to in-person fundraising successful?
Establish Attainable Goals
The same in-person fundraising blueprint that you followed before the pandemic remains relevant two years later. Your nonprofit wants to set achievable goals that include a dose of ambition. You do not want to shoot for the stars with the first in-person fundraiser after the pandemic. The economic factors that define the amount of donations have changed, so make sure to create reasonable fundraising goals.
You want to start conservatively, and then establish percentage increases that reflect what you have received so far in donations.
Target Your Audience
Now more than ever, you should send invitations to a limited number of participants, preferably potential donors that share the same passion for the goal of your nonprofit fundraiser. For example, if you plan to host a nonprofit fundraiser to raise money for adding a wing to the city zoo, you should target previous donors by gaining access to the records kept by the municipal zoo.
Targeting your audience also means tailoring the ambiance and the level of formality of your next event to the people that you have sent invitations.
Do Not Be Afraid to Try New Events
One of the benefits of receiving nonprofit audit services is to get the most out of every fundraiser. At the heart of exceeding your fundraiser goals involves putting on new events. For instance, by changing the venue where you hold an annual fundraiser, you also change the ambiance to meet the theme of your fundraising event. Your nonprofit should also try new strategies for attracting potential donors.
Sponsors Reman Important
Sponsors provide your nonprofit with the financial foundation to hold a memorable fundraiser. They give your nonprofit a better chance to maximize the difference between the cost of putting on an in-person fundraiser and the money raised by the special event. You want to use a little of the amount of the money raised to pay off the expenses that are associated with holding an in-person nonprofit fundraiser.
The Bottom Line
After two years away from in-personal fundraising events, you can expect a few hiccups during the first one or two live events. Just remember that what made your fundraising events a success before the pandemic will make your return to in-person fundraisers successful as well.