Attending a nonprofit’s special event can be fun, exciting, and a great way to mingle with like-minded people and meet new potential friends and associates. Today’s nonprofit special event is much more than the stereotypical “rubber chicken dinner.” Those days are over!
Nonprofits play a critical role in our communities. From scholarships to healthcare to housing advocacy, to arts education, their roles are many. And so are their special events. These events can make for a fun night out. A time for something new. Maybe it’s a night at the zoo, a bus or walking tour of a neighborhood, a golf tournament, a music concert, a treasure hunt, a marathon, a celebrity-hosted sports event, or specially-themed VIP gala. Purchasing a ticket or a table is also a great way to get to know a nonprofit organization in your community.
Read that last sentence carefully – it says, “a great way to get to know a nonprofit” not “a great way to support a nonprofit.” There’s a difference, and we want to highlight that difference so that you can make the impact in your community that you want to make.
Here’s the thing: most ticket sales don’t generate meaningful funds for a nonprofit. Depending on the event, there are a lot of costs involved. But these events are so important because they build community, bring people together in person, and are a way to showcase the work of the organization and its vision. When you purchase a ticket for a special event you are showing that you are interested in an organization’s work or that you want to get to know them. If you want to support a nonprofit’s work, we suggest taking the time to make a gift. Many times, you can do that at the event, or afterward. You can make a one-time gift or a recurring monthly gift that you set up with a payment of your choice.
Keep your eyes and ears open while at an event. You should be able to gain an indication of the quality of leadership and the capacity of the organization in terms of its volunteers and staff. You can gain a sense of their creativity and how they treat others. Read the information that’s available and pay close attention to any videos that are shown. See how you feel in the room. Do the volunteers make you feel welcome? Can you identify who the board members are? Do you know any? After the event reflect on the ticket price and the type of experience you had. Do you feel that the organization wanted your money, wanted you to have a good time or a combination of both? Most importantly, think about your values and how they align with the nonprofit’s work. If you’re in alignment, consider a financial gift. That’s what the event is really all about – introducing an organization to the community. If you like what you experience, give, and give again. Don’t let your ticket be your sole indication of support: get on with the giving.
Copyright 2024 – Mel and Pearl Shaw of Saad&Shaw – Comprehensive Fund Development Services. Let us help you plan for 2024! Video and phone conferencing services are always available. Call us at (901) 522-8727. www.saadandshaw.com
