Despite dips back into snowier weather, Minnesota’s first sixty-degree days remind us that Minnesotans’ know how to get together, whether that’s through picnics, pick-up basketball games, or plentiful time outside, enjoying the sunshine!
And, for many nonprofits, the start of spring means hosting our own community get-togethers: fundraising events. If you’re feeling a little lost about how to plan an event that speaks to your community and encourages donors to support your impactful work, the GiveMN team is here to help you out!
🌺 Tips and tricks to springing into events season 🌺
- Communication is key. Let your audience know about your spring events! Create an eye-catching “Save the Date” that folks can put on their fridges or send along an evite they can add to their calendars. (Canva is an excellent resource for making graphics. Plus, the professional version is free for nonprofit organizations).
- Make the purpose of your event clear. Priya Parker, author of The Art of Gathering, teaches us that setting a clear purpose for our gathering helps guide the rest of our choices. How does the purpose of your event influence the venue you choose, the music you play, the speakers you invite, and even the food you serve?
- Be clear about the importance of your organization’s work. Donors who may have given at the end of 2024 might wonder why they are being asked to give again. Use this event as an opportunity to showcase the ongoing value of your mission and help people understand why you continue to ask for their support.
Whether you’re planning a spring breakfast or a summer bash, the GiveMN team hopes these are helpful starting points as you start thinking about how to create an authentic and inspiring event.
If you want even more insight into different types of fundraising events, their effectiveness, and which kind of fundraising event is right for your mission, join GiveMN’s Senior Director of Community, Courtney Backen, for our “Fundraising Events” Intensive this April! She’ll help you brainstorm an awesome, values-aligned event, and you’ll walk away with a comprehensive fundraising event plan.