This lesson provides the foundational knowledge for why and what to do when planning a fundraising event. The next step is to put this knowledge into practice by planning a small event that fits your organization's current stage.
Task: Your task is to plan a specific, small-scale event that aligns with your fundraising goals.
For Beginners (Seed/Taking Root Stages): Plan a small-scale appreciation event for your most dedicated volunteers and small-dollar donors. The goal is simply to say thank you and reinforce the mission. Your action step is to create a simple budget and a guest list of 10-15 people.
For Emerging Organizations (Sapling Stage): Plan a cultivation event for 5-10 high-potential donors, corporate partners, or community leaders. The goal is to educate and build relationships. Your action step is to create a guest list, draft a short presentation, and create a plan for follow-up communication.
Resource: To assist you, we've prepared a comprehensive guide: "Planning Your Fundraising Event." This resource includes a sample event budget, a pre-event planning checklist, and templates for invitation and follow-up emails.