Organizations need money to continue operating. Nonprofit organizations rely on donors, events, and campaigns to bring in much-needed funds for operating costs.
What are the key differences between fundraising campaigns and fundraising events?
Fundraising Campaigns
Fundraising campaigns function to raise money over an extended period of time.
The organization decides on a specific goal to be reached and advertises the campaign to draw attention to its current needs.
Most campaigns of this type benefit nonprofits or peer-to-peer organizations and much of the work tends to be done online.
However, this type of non-event fundraising benefits organizations of any type and size.
Organizations need to find a way to make their campaigns unique. For instance, an organization raising funds might agree to have the director and other staff members hit in the face with a pie when each goal is met.
Others choose to do a giveaway each time a goal is met.
It's all a matter of what the organization feels would be of most interest to their audience and what is likely to bring in the most money.
The Benefits of Fundraising Campaigns
Fundraising campaigns help organizations in a variety of ways. They reflect the values of the organization and bring awareness to the cause.
Donors find these campaigns to be interesting and exciting and share information about the organization, the campaign, and more with others.
Customizing the campaign ensures it meets the needs of the organization in every way, and the organizer determines the goal, the advertising methods used, and more.
As this is specific to the organization that will benefit from the campaign, participation on the part of the organization remains essential.
Fundraising Events
Fundraising events likewise function to help organizations raise money for their cause. However, they differ from fundraising campaigns in several ways.
Organizers customize the event to meet the needs and goals of the organization benefiting from the event.
The organization determines the goal with the event just as it does with the campaign, but the funds tend to be collected on a specific date.
The event takes place in the community where the organization is located, as this helps to bring awareness of the cause.
Registrants and donors take part in the activities, and visitors are encouraged to attend and learn more about the organization.
The key to a successful event lies in advertising early and often. The more people know about the event, the better participation tends to be.
Some organizations charge registration fees while others choose to sell items to bring in the funds needed to support the cause.
Participants are encouraged to share information about the event with family and friends, and some organizations choose to set up a website or social media pages to increase awareness of the event and encourage participation.
The Benefits of Fundraising Events
Fundraising events allow individuals with similar passions to come together. The comradery adds to the fun of the event, and participants motivate each other to support the cause.
The sky is the limit when it comes to fundraising events, so be creative when coming up with an event for an organization to truly capture the public's eye.
Organizations find they benefit from utilizing both fundraising events and fundraising campaigns. Knowing which option to use when is crucial.
Stop, consider current fundraising needs, and use the above information to determine which method is more likely to raise these funds.
Those who do so find bringing in the needed funds becomes much easier.