Have you ever wondered how nonprofits get sponsors and support? Nonprofits and non-governmental organizations struggle to get the money and support they need to keep up their charitable activities in the modern world. They’re always seeking fresh approaches to engage potential supporters and generate sponsorships for their causes. According to Donorbox.org, events are an extremely efficient way to do this and are becoming increasingly popular in the nonprofit sector.
Fundraising or volunteer events are a great way to show your organization’s goal and impact, build a sense of community and connections with supporters, bring in new donors, and increase your organization’s visibility and publicity.
In this post, we will look at how nonprofits can use events to generate sponsorships and support, as well as provide ideas and best practices for planning and executing successful events.
4 Reasons Nonprofits Need Event Marketing
Organizing events may be extremely beneficial to nonprofit groups in several ways. Some of the most important benefits are:
- Better exposure and visibility: Events help nonprofits become more visible and well-known in their communities. By holding an event, they can bring in new sponsors and make more people aware of their mission and impact.
- Engagement with potential sponsors and supporters: Events give NGOs a more personal and meaningful way to connect with potential sponsors and supporters. Nonprofit groups can meet and talk to their supporters face-to-face to build relationships and give their cause a sense of community.
- Opportunity to demonstrate what a nonprofit does and how it helps: Nonprofits can show what they do and how it helps people in a real and interesting way at events. Non-profit organizations can get people excited and motivated by talking about the work they do and how it makes a difference.
- Build a sense of belonging and connection with their supporters through events: By bringing people together around a cause that they all care about, nonprofit organizations can make their supporters feel like they belong and increase their commitment to the cause.
5 Types of Events Nonprofits Can Host
Nonprofits can host a lot of events to spark people’s interest and bring in new supporters. The following are some of the most typical types of events that can happen:
- Fundraisers: These events raise funds for a nonprofit organization that does not generate revenue on its own. There are various ways to raise funds, including charity runs and walks, auctions, and dinners.
- Galas and auctions: These are formal events that usually include a seated dinner, live and silent auctions, and live entertainment. Most of the time, they cost more to put on than other types of events, but they can be a great way to raise money and get big sponsors.
- Concerts or performances: These are events with live music or other performances raising money for a good cause. They can be a fun and interesting way for a nonprofit organization to find new supporters and spread the word about its cause.
- Volunteer events or service projects: These are gatherings where the main goal is to do a good deed or finish a project that helps a nonprofit organization reach its goals. They are a great way to get people involved in a cause and make them feel like they are part of a group.
- Virtual events and webinars: These events happen online, like a live-streamed concert or a webinar about a topic related to the organization’s goal. These online events, which were driven by the pandemic, are a low-cost and convenient way to stay in touch with people who can’t attend actual events.
How to Utilize Events to Generate Sponsorships and Support Event Sponsors
Sponsors and supporters can be acknowledged and appreciated at these events. Include the sponsor’s name and logo in all event-related materials and social media posts. For example, participants in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure wear T-shirts featuring their top sponsors’ logos.
Build sponsorship packages tailored to specific donors. Because not all donors are the same, providing sponsorship packages that appeal to everyone may not be the best method to gain support. Donors can be satisfied by establishing tailored sponsorship packages for nonprofits. The Red Cross offers sponsorship packages for companies of all sizes, from a basic package with exposure on their website and social media to a top-tier plan with a mention in their annual report and at special events.
Keep in touch with the event’s attendees and sponsors after it’s over. Follow up with attendees and sponsors after an event to keep relationships going and get help in the future. Send thank-you cards, share event images and videos, and let others know how the assistance helped. The Make-A-Wish Foundation tells sponsors about granted wishes after their Walk for Wishes event. It is a great way to show how their support made a difference.
Evaluate the event’s success and make improvements for future events. Evaluations and reports can motivate supporters in a variety of ways; First, they exhibit the donor effect. Second, they may showcase success stories and the organization’s tangible accomplishments to motivate donors. Finally, evaluations can help the organization identify areas for improvement, demonstrate their commitment to growth and development, and enhance donor confidence. Feeding America released a fantastic 2022 Impact Report, which details the organization’s annual progress.
Finally, according to 2023 Nonprofit Fundraising Statistics gathered by https://doublethedonation.com/, 67% of donors around the world also choose to volunteer in their communities, and 56% regularly attend fundraising events. This only goes to show that events can be an effective strategy for nonprofit organizations and non-governmental organizations to increase sponsorships and support.
Nonprofits can connect with their audience, raise awareness about their cause, and get the support they need to keep working by putting on well-planned events. Make sure to plan ahead of time, create clear goals, and promote your nonprofit events using social media and other marketing platforms. If you plan and carry out these events well, they could help you make a difference in your community and beyond.
