A dependable revenue stream that grows — ah, paradise!
Have a fundraising challenge you want to crack? Weary of doing the same old, same old yet hoping for different outcomes? Do you want the over-the-top results that come from superior strategy?
Email me with your particular problem, and I'll arrange a quick consultation offering you a practical solution you can implement. I may even use your situation to share with my readers. Names are changed, of course!
I spoke with Elizabeth recently, who was very forthright about her need. How do you make events "pay"?
Liz is the executive director of a youth charity in the Southwest. She has an events coordinator that works with her. Outside of a low-key annual appeal, events have been the fundraising mainstay of Liz's organization for as long as anyone can remember.
Over the years, she and her team have learned what "works" and what doesn't. They've had their ups and downs. Strong volunteers, weak ones. Good economic times and the not-so-good.
When Liz asked me what made these gatherings "pay," I was curious what she meant. Yes, the immediate money raised is important. They seem to have arrived at a steady level where that is concerned. Growth in dollars raised wasn't where Liz's eye was focused, however.
Liz wanted to know how you turn participation in a fundraising event into a lasting donor relationship built upon common goals. How do you take responders and turn them into investors?
My answer? It ain't easy. It can be done, however.
How do you start?
All of you event veterans already know what you're up against. Rational arguments such as high cost, low return and non-scalable cut no ice with those who are emotionally committed to event euphoria and "the way we've always done it."
- Categories:
- Events
- NonProfit Pro

Larry believes in the power of relationships and the power of philanthropy to create a better place and transform lives.
Larry is the founder of The Eight Principles. His mission is to give nonprofits and philanthropists alike the opportunity to achieve their shared visions. With more than 25 years of experience in charitable fundraising and philanthropy, Larry knows that financial sustainability and scalability is possible for any nonprofit organization or charitable cause and is dependent on neither size nor resources but instead with the commitment to create a shared vision.
Larry is the author of the award-wining book, "The Eight Principles of Sustainable Fundraising." He is the Association of Fundraising Professionals' 2010 Outstanding Development Executive and has ranked in the Top 15 Fundraising Consultants in the United States by the Wall Street Business Network.
Larry is the creator of the revolutionary online fundraising training platform, The Oracle League.
Reach Larry on social media at:
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