At Precon, we love producing fundraising events. They are often joyous celebrations for great causes. Fundraisers play a pivotal role in driving financial support for important organizations, and we pride ourselves in helping make them successful. Whether you’re hosting a gala, charity auction, or virtual fundraiser, optimizing the experience can lead to greater engagement and more donations. Here are some tips to enhance giving at your fundraising events.
How to Maximize Giving at Fundraising Events
1. Create a Compelling Story
People are more likely to give when they feel an emotional connection. According to the Stanford School of Business, people remember stories 22x more than they remember facts. Craft a compelling narrative that highlights your mission, shares stories of individuals impacted by your work, and shows donors the tangible difference their contributions will make. Consider using multimedia elements, such as video presentations or testimonials, to make your story more powerful and relatable.
2. Utilize Mobile Giving Technology
The convenience of mobile giving has revolutionized fundraising events. Platforms like GiveSmart and OneCause allow donors to contribute directly from their phones, whether they are bidding on auction items or making one-time donations. The ease of mobile donations significantly boosts participation, with 50% of online donors now using mobile devices to give . Incorporating QR codes at events that link directly to donation platforms can streamline the process even further.
3. Offer Multiple Ways to Give
While traditional cash donations still play a role, today’s fundraising events should offer a variety of giving options, including credit card payments, PayPal, and even cryptocurrency donations. By offering multiple channels, you ensure every attendee can contribute in a way that suits their preferences. Diversifying payment methods increases giving by providing convenience and comfort to your potential donors.
4. Leverage Social Proof and Peer Influence
Encouraging attendees to share their donations on social media or through live event platforms helps build momentum. Social proof—where people are influenced by the actions of others—can be a powerful motivator in fundraising. Use live donation trackers or leaderboards during your event to showcase real-time contributions and publicly recognize top donors. Studies show that when people see others donating, they’re more likely to contribute themselves .
5. Incorporate a Matching Gift Challenge
One proven way to amplify donations at fundraising events is by offering matching gift challenges. Partnering with corporate sponsors or major donors who are willing to match contributions up to a certain amount can significantly boost the total raised. Matching gifts can increase the likelihood of donations by 71% and raise the average donation by as much as 51%
6. Create Exclusive Giving Experiences
Incentivizing donations with exclusive experiences can motivate attendees to give more. Consider offering VIP packages, special meet-and-greets, or behind-the-scenes tours for high-level donors. In auction-style fundraising events, unique and experiential items tend to raise significantly more money than tangible products.
7. Recognize and Thank Donors Publicly
Recognition is a key component in encouraging repeat donations. Acknowledge your donors not only during the event but also afterward. Sending personalized thank-you notes, featuring donors on your website, or highlighting major contributors in newsletters can go a long way in building lasting relationships. Donors who feel appreciated are more likely to give again in the future.
8. Host a Post-Event Donation Push
Even after the event ends, the opportunity for giving shouldn’t. Send follow-up emails with event highlights, emphasizing the ongoing need for donations and showing the impact of the funds raised so far. A well-timed post-event donation campaign can significantly increase the total funds raised. The event is fresh in people’s minds. They either had a great time there or are sorry they could not make it. A follow up campaign reminds people that just because the event is over, doesn’t mean that the opportunity to contribute to a great cause is over too.
Final Thoughts on Giving at Fundraising Events
Maximizing giving at fundraising events comes down to strategy, technology, and creating a meaningful connection with your donors. By incorporating these tips, you’ll not only increase contributions but also foster long-term relationships that will continue to support your mission.
Precon is a full service event production company based in the DC metro area, serving clients around the world. Get in touch with us today to see how we can help you plan and execute your next event.
