3 Big Fundraising Must-Dos for Every Live Benefit Event

From live auctions to fundraising galas and cocktail parties, our Beyond the Benefit team focuses on the live event elements that engage guests and build long-term advocates of your organization. For me though, one of the great joys of planning and designing fundraising events is being able to watch each client meet and exceed their goals and surpass their own expectations. The way in which the event itself is planned can really help (or hinder) those financial goals. That’s why I insist on these three must-dos for every live fundraising event…

1. Give guests a lay of the land early.

Let guests know exactly what to expect in terms of fundraising for the night as soon as they arrive. Sometimes attendees are hesitant to participate in an auction if they think there will be a paddle raise later on… but then if there is no paddle raise during the program, they may have already missed their opportunity to donate during an auction. Allow guests to strategize from the beginning so that they are comfortable opening their wallets.

2. Mind Your Guests to Auction Items Ratio

If you are having a silent auction, be sure to scale the number of items in proportion to the number of guests you will have. Auctions are fun and raise money in part because of the competitive nature of the activity… guests enjoy competing for an item they want and if there are enough items for everyone to walk away with something, you lose that piece. Not to mention that it is nearly impossible to drive up bids and make money if everyone can walk away a winner. I think no more than 1 item per 10 guests is a good rule of thumb… and fewer is ok too!

3. Make it insanely easy to give.

Period. Whatever it costs you to invest in a tech platform for easy on-site giving will pay off instantly when your guests can effortlessly make a payment onsite. Not only will it ease their experience, it will ease yours when you don’t need to chase pledges after the event or try to decipher credit card numbers from a scribbled donation form.

About Me

Known for the seamless integration of planning, design and production, clients rely on Lindsay Landman Events for a uniquely comprehensive event production experience.