Special events may include auctions, raffles, charity balls and galas, phone-a-thons, and sport events, like 5K runs/walks or golf benefits. Special events are a way for nonprofits to:
- Recognize and strengthen relationships with current donors
- Recruit or introduce your organization to new donors
- Generate publicity for your organization and its mission
- Develop fundraising experience for your staff, directors, and volunteers
- Raise money (though some studies and experts suggest that special events are not the most effective means to do this)
See also our related Knowledge Base articles:
- How can I find corporate sponsorship?
- How can I learn about researching and cultivating individual donors?
- Where can I find information on online fundraising?
Managing Special Event Risks
Nonprofit Risk Management Center
This article is excerpted from a forthcoming publication from the Nonprofit Risk Management Center: Managing Special Event Risks: 10 Steps to Safety—2nd Edition.
Special Events - Pros and Cons
Society for Nonprofits
A quick list of advantages and disadvantages to using special events in fundraising.
Special Events 101 for Nonprofit Fundraising
Nolo.com
Covers the basic considerations for planning and executing a fundraising event for a nonprofits.
Special Events and Promotions
Charity Village
Provides articles on most aspects of special events fundraising.
The Correct Use of Special Events
Author Kim Klein reviews what special events are good for and what they are not good for and suggests that organizations need to understand why they are choosing an event as a fundraising strategy before taking any further steps.
Using Special Events for Fundraising
Author Kim Klein discusses the value of special events for generating publicity, raising visibility, and bringing in new donors to organizations.