18 Jan 2012 6 Comments

Post event donations: Continue fundraising after the event

Raising money after an event is something a fundraiser of any size should take advantage of. Though most donations come four months prior to the event, it is important to know that there are significant opportunities for donations post event. Here are a few things to think about…

Take advantage of FirstGiving’s 3 month post event window

Off the bat, your FirstGiving event continues to be active 3 months after the event’s physical date. You wouldn’t imagine the donations we have seen come in after the run, concert, or dinner has taken place, like the Cerebral Palsy K.I.D.S. Center’s Walk and Roll back in March of 2011. Creating a simple post-event strategy can go a long way toward extending the effectivness of your fundraising campaign.

Let them know how it went

Throughout your time speaking with donors and prepping for your event, we hope you have been engaging your audience. In the literal sense, this is a conversation and common courtesy suggests that the communication should not stop once you have received what you were looking for. After all the dust has settled, take the time to recap on how the event went. Pictures, video, and maybe a written reflection will go a long way.

What’s the difference between fundraising and the event?

Many tend to jumble these two together, and though they significantly overlap, understand that fundraising is a larger phenomenon than the single event. The event is simply a catalyst, dare we say “marketing event,” to help drive attention to the cause you feel so passionately about.  Fundraising is an ongoing process, not a isolated event.

Ask for a final donation

Sometimes all you have to do is simply ask. Individuals are more inclined to give donations once they have seen you have followed through with your goals.  It wouldn’t hurt to create a small, post event fundraising goal. Raising your goal is one of the most effective ways to raise more money. Ride the momentum!

Say thank you

Though we never want to doubt your manners, our grandmothers would be cross if we didn’t send out a friendly reminder. Even just for community’s sake, saying “Thank You” can really bring your collective team/network together. It’s easy too. :)

With all that being said, take a peak at our webinar on how to squeeze 20% more donations. It’s all about strategy!

Photo courtesy of Jes Mugley 2008


by Dan Fonseca in Fundraising Tips Tags: ,