Fundraising is an integral aspect in many industries and fields. From colleges and universities to museums and professional theaters, to charities and not-for-profit organizations, fundraising has always been fairly crucial. It isn’t always easy to conduct highly effective fundraising campaigns, though. Especially in 2022, when well-informed consumers are constantly being asked to spend their hard-earned money through one avenue or another. As such, there are a variety of fundraising strategies, and campaign ideas that are purposefully designed to communicate and connect with the modern consumer, through modern channels.
Being familiar with the effective fundraising strategies and techniques in the modern era will help you deliver value to your team and design a productive fundraising campaign of your own. It is also worthwhile noting that these strategies are more suited toward non-for-profit organizations. Although startup organizations and small businesses also often need a bit of financial help to get off the ground and get the ball rolling, there are a variety of different avenues through which profit-based organizations can garner investments and financial support.
For local political candidates, not-for-profit organizations, and other charities, however, these strategies can be extremely effective and efficient.
Host a Fundraising Banquet
Everyone loves a night-out with a good meal, interesting speakers, and of course a healthy open-bar. One of the best ways to stand out in the fundraising world is to host a top-notch-banquet. There are a variety of different ways through which banquets can be designed and executed, however they’re a great way to bring constituents together in order to celebrate, and fundraise both at the same time.
At banquets, participants or donors and constituents will purchase a table, which constitutes their base donation. The price of the table includes the meal and drinks throughout the evening.
Fundraising banquets can double-down on themselves, though, and host an event the banquet that promotes additional donations. By hosting a well-designed fundraising banquet, you can dress up a little to show off your custom lapel pin, combine class and socialization, all while raising money for your organization or purpose.
Partner With a Local Entertainment Group
Another fundraising option that can help anyone stand out amongst a crowd of competition is to partner with a local entertainment group or venue. For instance, if there’s a frequented comedy club or live-music venue in your immediate community, you may be able to partner with them for an event. One way in which this relationship can work, is that you get to keep a portion of ticket sales that you and your organization are responsible for. This can be good publicity for the venue itself, and provides your constituents with a fun night out while benefiting your goals.
If there isn’t an entertainment venue nearby, perhaps you could strike up a similar deal with a local sports team.
Host a Cook-Off
Another fun and highly participatory fundraising event that you can put on is a cook-off. Cook-offs are great because they encourage constituent participation which promotes loyalty and gives people a positive experience to remember. There are also multiple ways a fundraising cook-off can raise money. From ticket prices, to chef-entry-fees, and of course, donation opportunities throughout the event.
There can even be a way to tie the winner of the cook-off into the fundraising for the day. Get creative, and get your constituents involved with a fundraising cook-off that tantalizes the appetite.
The Classic Bake Sale
In a similar fashion to the fundraising cook-off event discussed above, there is nothing wrong with falling back on a classic fundraising tactic. Fundraising bake sales have been around for generations, and continue to be relatively popular among consumers.
There’s just something about donating in return for a delicious melt-in-your-mouth treat that makes fundraising bake sales both fun, sweet, and effective.
Plus, everyone looks just a tad bit cuter in a baker’s apron, regardless of how you identify or who you are.
Partnering With Virtual Influencers
A very modern fundraising tactic that can be used in addition to handing out custom lapel pins and other promotional materials, is to partner with a virtual influencer. The modern consumer spends most of their time in front of one screen or another. Utilizing this screen time is an important part of effectively marketing fundraising campaigns.
One creative way that development professionals can raise money is by partnering with a well-known professional esports player. Having them share your message, run a donation campaign, and even wear your custom lapel pins or other promotional pieces can get you connected with a huge segment of modern consumer groups.
Last Words on Fun and Unique Fundraising
There are many different ways in which development professionals can approach fundraising in the modern day. From utilizing technology to partnering with local entertainment venues, to the distribution of classic promotional material like custom lapel pins. Find the right combination of fundraising tactics that work for you and your purpose.