So you had a great special event. Raised beaucoups bucks and a good time was had by all. Perhaps the event honored someone who brings their entourage of donors. Or it is committee driven event with names and addresses not in your donor base. Then again, maybe it is the event of season for your community, but everyone comes for the party, not the mission.
Special events are an important part of our fundraising plan. They can be a point of entry, individual giving tool, an opportunity to raise awareness. The true success of a special event, is the ability to convert event attendees into annual donors. Here are some ideas:
- Get all guests and donor’s email and mailing address
- Many Board and Committee members won’t share their lists with you.
- Explain the big picture, importance of this information, engaging donors and prospects beyond the event
- Let them know their lists will remain private and only used with their permission.
- Tell them everyone who attended or made a gift will receive
- A thank you letter
