As crowdfunding becomes more popular, non-profits and charities have come to realize that there is new tool out there to raise funds from existing and potential donors.
Through crowdfunding, a nonprofit can expose themselves to a wider audience and get the tools needed to spread their message through social media.
Still, sometimes launching a crowdfunding campaign online still isn’t enough. There also needs to be grassroots efforts in the trenches.
Nonprofits that are serious about raising funds and attracting donors should consider hosting special events to really kick off the fundraising campaign.
Maximillion Event Creators recently published an infographic outlining different types of fundraising events, stating:
“According to recent statistics, roughly 50% of charities raise money with the help of special events. Sure, this also means that a part of the sum raised is allocated for expenses (an average of $1.33 is spent to raise $1.00), but upon drawing the line, you will notice that donations from events are far more generous than those from typical fundraisers.”
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Below are three different kinds of special events that can be a great way to attract more interest in your non-profit’s mission and help you raise more with crowdfunding campaign:
1. Walk-a-thons and Bike-a-thons
Walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons are a great way to raise money for your cause.
Most people are familiar with this kind of fundraising event, and it gives them a chance to really feel like they are participating in something important (not to mention being fit!). In fact, 64% of millennials prefer to fundraise using these kinds of events.
However, one little known fact about ‘thons’ is that most of the time only about 50 cents of every dollar raised makes it to the charity the event is raising money for.
Walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons involve a lot of expenses, including: signage, event t-shirts, water and snacks, fences and barricades, security and more.
Why not run the event alongside a traditional crowdfunding campaign?A fun event with good promotion can draw in more pledges than just a plain-old crowdfunding campaign. It also gives you another reason to update your supporters via email.
Don’t forget, organizers who send 15+ emails throughout the course of the campaign raise an average of 76% more than those who don’t use email.
2. Themed Runs
Similar to walk-a-thons and bike-a-thons, themed runs have been all the rage lately. These events provide people with a fun and exciting experience that makes them eager to sign up and invite all of their friends!
Don’t be intimidated if you’ve never put on this kind of event before with your donor base. “60% of The Color Run entrants have never even run a 5K.”
The Color Run has a strong social media presence, because it looks so fun. Who doesn’t want to run with a bunch of people covered in bright paint? It inspires people to get fit and participate.
In 2013, themed runs in the UK broke records by drawing in $4 million participants! A study found that the three most popular themed runs were: mud runs (27%), obstacle races (26%) and paint runs (21%).
These non-traditional running events can be a great way for you to capitalize on a trend that will help them raise more from donors and make a lasting impression in the process.
3. Sales
We’ve all known someone – whether it was a niece or nephew, neighbor, or your own kid – who sold candy or chocolate to raise money for a school trip, or other consumer goods for a worthy cause.
“As of 2010, there are over 1,000 fundraising companies in the United States offering their products and services to schools and their associated non-profits.”
Schools and non-profits use raise $1.7 billion each year through sales fundraising. This technique can be a simple and reliable way to attract funds to your cause along with a crowdfunding campaign to allow even more people to donate.
Another way that sales can be used for fundraising is through Scrip. According to their website:
“This amazingly successful fundraising program works for any school, church, team, club or other non-profit!
Scrip turns everyday shopping into cash for your organization when families use retail gift cards to pay for everyday purchases (like gas and groceries) instead of the usual credit/debit card or other money …
Great Lakes Scrip Center® has helped thousands of organizations earn more than 500 million dollars over the last 20 years.”
Scrip is useful because unlike fundraisers that encourage you to buy (sometimes expensive) things that you don’t really need, Scrip allows you to buy gift cards for stores that you shop at anyway, while providing money to a good cause.
I’ve put together a new GUIDE that’s packed with science-backed nonprofit fundraising methods, resources, strategies, and killer marketing methods.
You should check it out if you want to get more donations and you want to fast-track the entire process.
Conclusion
Even though offline fundraising events can be more costly and a lot of hard work, they can also pay off. Nonprofits have been using these proven methods for years, and sometimes you need to spend a little to make a little.
Engaging events are a great way to draw in potential donors and convince them to donate as much as possible; they also bridge the gap and make your cause more personal than if they only connected with your cause online.
