Party With a Purpose: How to Throw Fundraising Events Your Donors Will Love

As a nonprofit, you may have thought of yourself as a full-time party planner for a very worthy cause. But are your fundraising events leaving guests feeling inspired...or just ready for a nap?

If you treat supporters like walking wallets, prepare for a mass exodus faster than the Indy 500. But if you make them the guest of honor? They'll have a blast while helping you change the world.  

Ready to start throwing bashes that'll make donors obsessed with your mission? Let's get this party started:

Step 1: Make it an Experience  

Charity auctions and bland rubber chicken dinners are so 2010. If you want donors to fork over the big bucks, you gotta give them something memorable:

—Find a unique, on-brand venue (old theater, trendy gallery, etc.) 

—Partner with a local celebrity/influencer and have them attend

—Get creative with activities— think reality show competitions, scavenger hunts, anything interactive

Humans are experience junkies. If your event feels fresh and next level, they'll be wayyyyy more willing to open their wallets.

Step 2: Put Donors in the Spotlight 

Fundraiser attendees want their moment to shine as the heroes, not just be background extras:

—Give donors the red carpet treatment with fun photo ops and interviews

—Put together a legit awards show to recognize your biggest supporters

—Set up a special VIP section for top donors to mingle and feel like celebs

The more you make your donors the guest of honor, the more they'll want to keep helping you. It's a win-win!  

Step 3: Treat Them Like Insiders

Nobody wants to feel like they're on the outside looking in. Let your tribe of donors behind the curtain:

—Bring supporters along as event coordinators so they shape the experience

—Do a sneak peek/preview video tour of the event venue beforehand 

—Share the real impact those event fundraising dollars will make 

When donors feel like they're in an exclusive club, they'll be more invested in your success. And who doesn't want to be part of an inner circle?

Step 4: Make It Easy to Give More

Physical cash and check donations are *so* caveman era. Roll out some easy, modern options to keep 'em giving all night:

—Set up free text-to-give and mobile pay options for impulse donations 

—Have fun prize incentives for top donors (join the celeb team, win a trip, etc.)

—Get fun interactive donation meters showing goal progress in real-time

The less friction there is around giving, the more they'll give. Some gentle peer pressure doesn't hurt, either.

At the end of the day, your donors make your mission possible. Why not throw the bash of the century in their honor?

When you create memorable experiences to celebrate your donors as true heroes, they'll be lining up to support you. And you'll actually look forward to event planning for once!

Ready to knock your next fundraiser out of the park?

Let Quirk show you how to turn attendees into extraordinary superfans at your next big event.