Special Events – When NOT to Go Virtual

Nonprofits have a love-hate affair with events. They love them because they raise needed funds for the organization. They love bringing their donors and friends together to showcase their important mission. They love the opportunity to introduce their organization in person to potential new supporters. They hate them because they often take so much time to plan and prepare. They hate them because of the uncertainty of laying out fixed costs and having pressure to raise more than enough to cover them. And in 2021, they hate them because with the social distancing rules in effect, they seem impossible to plan. But are they?

Take into consideration: how many people do you want to get together? Once you have that established, you can begin to determine what type of in-person event you would like to host. Are you looking to get people together for networking? Do you want your key donors to see how your organization has weathered the pandemic? Would you like your donors to see first-hand that your organization has the ability and ingenuity to adapt to this “new normal?”

With proper planning, you can hold that in-person event. Understanding local restrictions and abiding by guidelines will allow for an environment where your donors and friends can get together safely to support your organization.

Professional fundraising companies like The Resource Group have learned how to manage this new environment and can share their expertise with you. Don’t be afraid to at least entertain the possibility of an in-person event. Once you have made the first step – we WANT to have a “live” get together – the planning, with professional help, will follow.