Capital Venture: Secrets for Success

Most nonprofits run at least one special event a year. For some organizations these events are fun, successful and energizing. For others, they are draining, frustrating and costly. What are some of the keys to a successful event?

Plan, Plan, Plan. Start early; most major events take a year to plan. Be sure to check local event calendars so there are no conflicts with your dates, and have contingency weather plans if the event is an outdoor one.
Be certain to set goals for the event-is it a fundraising event, a friend raising event, or both? Be sure that the board, staff and volunteers all understand the goals for the event.
Recruit a committee of volunteers to plan and implement the event; volunteers add credibility to your organization, can increase the circles of attendees and sponsors, and lighten the load of the staff.
Do, however, provide staff support; volunteers cannot be left to flounder or make important decisions on their own.
Look for gifts in kind and sponsorships for the event.
Have a public relations plan to promote the event and involve some media people on the committee.
Prepare a detailed budget and follow the budget.
Plan an event that fits in with the mission of your organization.
Don't get caught up running an event that you don't know anything about unless you can recruit committee members who are experienced with this type of event.
Most importantly, do not depend solely on special events to fund your organization. For most organizations, one or two events a year are all they can effectively manage. Events should be a part of an overall development plan that includes major gifts, direct mail, corporate appeal, board and staff appeal and foundation grants.

If you need help incorporating a successful special event into your overall development plan, be sure to order Linda Lysakowski, ACFRE's new book, The Development Plan, published by Wiley Press. The book is available at www.amazon.com. Or, call CAPITAL VENTURE SM for help with your plan.