Summer is coming to an end. School is back in session. Football season is here. Pumpkin spice is back. Nonprofit gala season has arrived. Many nonprofits rely on special events as a major source of revenue to provide resources and programs to their constituency. Special events can include everything from a golf tournament, walk-a-thon or gala .
Here are five things to keep in mind when planning a nonprofit fundraising event:
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- Check the calendar! Make sure you pick a date that isn’t already packed with other events.
- Location, location. People are already paying to go to an event and most likely don’t want to spend extra money on parking or driving really far. Make sure the event is accessible to public transportation or close to where your constituency lives.
- Have a committee. Event committees can be very helpful. Maybe someone get can donated photography or donated food. Having others help plan the event will help you save time and money.
- Promotion. It is important to get the word out on your event. Create a calendar listing and send to local newspapers. Don’t forget social media! Publish a Facebook event and put some money behind it as a sponsored post to get more people at the event.
- Budget. Create a budget and stick to it! You are trying to raise money for your cause so it is important to stay on budget.
As we look toward the fall there are hundreds of special events hosted by nonprofits. If you are looking for a fun night out on the town or a way to volunteer, here are my top three galas to check out:
- YMCA of Greater Boston’s Spark Party
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- The Spark Party is the Y’s largest annual fundraising event, bringing together over 300 respected community leaders and individuals in support of greater Boston’s children and families. The event will be emceed by WBZ-TV anchor David Wade and take place at the Fairmount Copley Plaza on Wednesday, October 17th. For more information, please visit www.ymcasparkparty.org.
- SHINE Initiative’s Annual Keep Your Mind OPEN Gala
- On Thursday October 18, the SHINE Initiative, founded in 2004 by Fidelity Bank with input from its employees, will celebrate its mission of reducing the stigma of mental illness, ending discrimination, and raising awareness and understanding about mental illness in children and young adults as a mainstream health issue at its Keep Your Mind OPEN gala at Mechanics Hall in Worcester. At this year’s event, the keynote speaker will be Tanya Brown, author, mental health advocate, and sister of Nicole Brown Simpson. Brown is the author of Finding Peace Amid the Chaos: My Escape from Depression and Suicide. Interested in attending? Please call (978) 870-1494 or email prichard@shineinitative.org.
- Cradles to Crayons’ Annual Un-Gala
- Cradles to Crayons’ Annual Un-Gala is a special holiday tradition that highlights our Gear Up for Winter initiative in a festive day of hands-on service. Families with children and corporate representatives work side by side during this unique celebration that combines philanthropy with volunteer engagement on behalf of children in need. The event features mascots from your favorite Boston sports teams, kid-friendly activities and entertainment, a special volunteer shift, a delicious meal, and an impact presentation. The event usually takes place at the beginning of December, so check out their website for more details: www.cradlestocrayons.org.
