If you have already chosen a fundraising event for your nonprofit, you may want to ask yourself if your event hits on the following elements to deliver a maximum punch.

If you haven’t yet chosen an event The Event Toolbox Design Process provides a guided framework for you and your team to answer the some or all of the following questions before you decide on which event to choose.

Does Your Event?

• Demonstrate the fulfillment of your mission in a real, tangible way. The event has the potential to leave participants feeling as though they both understand what you do and that they have participated in helping you to reach your goals. They should leave feeling inspired and connected.
• Fill the need for an experience that individuals and families in your area don’t already have available. Takes into consideration other fundraising efforts locally. What works? What has “already been done.”
• Appeal to at least one other “group” or “hive” of individuals with a particular recreational, intellectual, faith-based or political interest. This group or group(s) must not be in contrast to the work that you do, but complement it in some way.
• Reinforce community connections and is careful to incorporate constituents & donors in a way that does not force out potential contributors/participants based on income inequality.
• Combine elements of a “friend raiser” as well as bring in income. Utilize the opportunity to introduce the work that is being done as well as the opportunity to network for new individual & business connections.
• Clearly define an event identity statement that focuses and unites the committee and direction of the work.
• Utilize community allies to build reach of event and expand resource well.
• Consider the demographic makeup of your community and potential participants. Who is likely to come? How old are they? What do they do on Wednesday/Thursday/Friday night? What do they do on the weekends?
• Consider unconventional resources they you have at your disposal.
• Consider utilizing organization facility in an unexpected way.
• Utilize the opportunity to draw upon local business connections for support and honor those who have participated in the past.
• Create a separate event identity statement for participating businesses.
• Allow event participants to engage on a range of levels with varying price points and participation benefits.