This morning, I glanced outside at my backyard and noticed that one of our largest trees has begun to shed its leaves. This tells me a few things:
I’m about to be tortured with horrible mental health due to both my fantasy football team and being a Viking fan for the next 5 months.
Using every available excuse to make chili or other soups.
It’s almost Nonprofit Gala Fundraising Season.
Ah, Gala season. Where the random letters from organizations of all shapes and sizes show up in my mailbox asking me for silent auction items, sponsorships and tickets.
Will there be a Wall of Wine where I have the chance to spend $20 to perhaps get a bottle of “Berringer Rose Specialty Blend Top Shelf Exclusive Founders Stash” to try and wrestle home in the car after the event?
Will there be a pair of handmade mittens from Aunt Barb valued at “priceless” on the Silent Auction table that Aunt Barb, who totally volunteered for the event specifically to creepily stare at all the guests who are bidding up the Whiskey Wagon in lieu of raising their bids up exponentially for these high-quality hand warmers made with love, passion…and probably whiskey?
Will there be a handful of empty tables at the gala, probably right up front, from that bank sponsor who totally forgot about the fact they sent in a check for it and no amount of “hey, we have extra tickets for this event thingy tonight at that one hotel” emails from mid-management who signed off on the payment so they just ended up ghosting the gala because no one built a relationship with the business to connect with like-minded and valued employees who might be interested in the message and mission, so now you have to stare at 2 dozen plates of food that you are paying for with no one to eat them?
Will there be a part of the program where a speaker declined to send over written remarks and decided to “wing it” for what feels like 47 minutes and loses all the momentum in the room because he decided to tell that one story that your board was afraid he’d tell, but no one had the guts to suggest he NOT tell it because he is a big donor and you didn’t want to offend him and now he’s offended half your attendees with his lack of brevity and possible offensive jokes?
Any of that cause Gala PTSD like it did me?
Well, instead of dwelling on what MIGHT occur (and let’s be honest, totally will occur) and concentrate on what our friends at Fladeboe Advancement have to say about some REALLY interesting data to share about auctions, events and general vibe of attendees through the first half of 2024.
Let me start by saying that Glen Fladeboe has been a personal hero and mentor to me in the special event fundraising space for nearly 20 years. I learned how to be a better fundraising and relationship builder with donors because of him. His team is literally the best in the business, and after 119 events here’s what they have seen:
So, from January to June, they helped clients from across the country raise over $21 million in their fund-a-need and live auctions.
That’s a boatload of money.
But, that number without context isn’t helpful to small and medium-sized organizations.
You know what is?
The fact that 54% of their nonprofit clients so increases in their Fund-a-Needs with the average organization raising 11% more than last year.
This is so important.
If you don’t have a fund-a-need component to your event, you are leaving money on the table.
NOTE: If you’re unfamiliar with a “fund-a-need,” it is a part of your event where folks raise their hands to give at certain dollar amounts that go right to the cause with nothing more than a tax deduction and tickets to heaven. If you need help navigating it at your event? Gimmie a buzz!
This younger generation doesn’t want STUFF. They want to make impact. So collecting a bunch of things for you live auction, or spending an astronomical amount of time and energy (and God forbid you actually spend donation money on purchasing items to auction off…oh, please don’t do this) spending your efforts on building a case of support to talk with your biggest supporters and cheerleaders on donating directly to your cause is the best use of your time as a fundraiser.
Why?
Because you get to have a very specific ask. And donors want that. They need direction, not assumptions.
Because your donors are busy. And they forget things about your nonprofit in between conversations. And that gives you an opportunity to clarify your “why” and “what” their support will do for those you serve.
Because they want to be the momentum builders in the room alongside other companies, influencers and donors.
The crew at Fladeboe Advancement, as if they wanted to help prove my point, noted that 56% of nonprofits reported a decline in live auction revenue. Nearly 17% lower than 2023.
People. Don’t. Want. Stuff.
And if you’re not looking at these trends, and relying on the “well, we’ve always done it this way” gala planning attitude, you’re gonna be a bit disappointed.
Additionally, keep in mind that the attention spans of your audience are declining too. That 3 hour program you had in 2019 will actually cause your audience to leave early.
Throwing every possible game, booth, activity and money generating thing during an event is confusing and feels as if you are nickeling and dime-ing them to death.
Keep it simple.
Keep it streamlined.
Keep it meaningful.
Keep it authentic.
What does it mean for fall events coming up?
Well, the natural ebb and flow of events will dictate how well you do from a fundraising perspective. And after record breaking years in 2022 and 2023, keep a moderate approach to your budgeting and expectations.
Keep building those amazing relationships and play the long game.
Remember, ONE event shouldn’t make or break your nonprofit.
You have 364 more days to fundraise, tell your story and meet new humans who might fall in love with your mission.
You freaking got this.
Oh, and if you don't? Event Fundraising is one of our specialties! SO....reach out if you have any questions!
-Patrick
Comments