Where can I find information about planning special events?
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?
More Knowledge Base articles on individual giving
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Ask usStaff-recommended resources for this topic
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Staff pick
Raise-funds.com
Your Organization’s Next Special Event: “Fund-Raiser” Or “Friend-Raiser?”
Tony Poderis' web site discusses in this article about whether to plan special events that focus primarily on making friends,or bringing in money for your cause.
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Network for Good
4 Ways to Get More Out of Your Fundraising Events
Describes how to leverage social media to increase awareness and donations from fundraising events.
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The NonProfit Times
Fundraising Ideas That Work
Provides examples of successful local fundraising events, including a theatrical production, a garage sale, and a camping trip.
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Nonprofit Risk Management Center
Managing Special Event Risks
This article is excerpted from a forthcoming publication from the Nonprofit Risk Management Center: Managing Special Event Risks: 10 Steps to Safety—2nd Edition.
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Society for Nonprofits
Special Events - Pros and Cons
A quick list of advantages and disadvantages to using special events in fundraising.
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Nolo.com
Special Events 101 for Nonprofit Fundraising
Covers the basic considerations for planning and executing a fundraising event for a nonprofits.
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Charity Village
Special Events and Promotions
Provides articles on most aspects of special events fundraising.
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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.
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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.
Staff-recommended books for this topic
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Black Tie Optional: A Complete Special Events Resource for Nonprofit Organizations
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
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Organizing Special Events and Conferences
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
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Money for the Cause: A Complete Guide to Event Fundraising
Find: Amazon | Free eBook
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Special Events: Proven Strategies for Nonprofit Fundraising
Find: Amazon | Free eBook