How to Plan a Fundraising Gala Your Guests Look Forward To
Whether you’ve planned 1 or 100 fundraisers, you might find yourself wondering: what makes a gala different from other fundraising events? With elements like black-tie attire, a seated dinner, silent auction, speeches, awards, and entertainment, galas have the chance to be a yearly tradition woven into the core of your organization. Rooted in tradition and history, galas bring the community together while nurturing donor relationships for years to come.
Both new and long-standing galas can benefit from these four tips for planning a fundraiser:
Partner With Members of Your Community
How can you involve your community in planning a fundraiser? Take a moment to think about local vendors that align with your cause and how they can be a part of your event. Is there a favorite local restaurant you could use for catering? An up-and-coming band in the area that you could book for entertainment? Use your community as a resource for your event and bring them in on the fun of planning a fundraiser, but be discerning as you look to build potential partnerships. For instance, Jeff’s Smoke House and BBQ Pit *might* not be the best catering choice for an animal rights gala!
Not only can partnering with local vendors offset some of the costs of planning a fundraiser, but it also boosts attendance and donations. Even if you don’t lock down a sponsorship, networking with local businesses and figures is a great way to spread the word about your gala. You’ll be surprised at all the ways vendors can support your event, whether it’s through a silent auction donation, free promotion in their stores, or even giving some of their time!
Show Some Love on Social Media
Spread the word about your upcoming gala by engaging with your audience on social media! Using an auction item donation as a prize for a social media giveaway comes at a small cost to you and can multiply your earned mentions and shares exponentially. By incentivizing your audience to like, comment, and share your giveaway, you can drum up press for the event and reach a category of attendees who otherwise might not have heard about your event.
Keep Everything Running Smoothly
Successfully planning a fundraiser involves learning from past experiences and streamlining processes for future events to keep guests coming back year after year. One common snafu organizations hit when planning a fundraiser is a chaotic check-in and registration process. Check-in and registration processes directly impact the feel and reputation of your event. Utilizing robust and user-friendly ticketing and event management software will ensure a seamless experience for all.
Gala Planning Checklist
Ready to start planning a fundraising gala that’s the talk of the town? Download our Gala Planning Checklist now!
