Top 3 missed fundraising opportunities

We understand when “The Big Event” is impending, fundraisers may be drowning under the weight of increasing attendees, streamlining check-in and checkout, and ensuring an overall smooth run of show. This is hard work. Seriously. But what we’ve learned from working closely with thousands of nonprofits is, when you solely focus on basic logistics, you likely miss really important opportunities.  

When GiveSmart clients (who are the best at digging into the data) take the time to step back, capture and analyze data insights, they’re finding big wins right under their noses.   

So, what are the three biggest fundraising opportunities often missed at fundraising events?  

1. Analyzing Trends and Data. Sure, you’re done with your event and you’d really just love to kick back and relax. Post-show analysis can be a drag, but it’s also crucial because there is so much juicy donor information you can discover right away.   

Who won the most auction items? Who walked out the door without giving? Who bid, but didn’t win? What auction items did the best? Which items sold at the greatest percentage over market value? Which items had the most bids overall?  

 Details like these can help your organization: 

• Determine what’s working and what’s not  
• Identify new donor prospects
• Inform your next event by identifying what items resonate with your event attendees
  

2. Making the Most of the Room. Once you take the time to get the right people in the room, be sure to give every guest who attends your event the opportunity to participate in giving at a level that’s comfortable for them.   

This can be accomplished by having auction items at multiple price points; a raffle at a lower amount; and/or flexible donation options, including the option to give monthly rather than a one-time donation. This can be built directly into your organization’s website, event page, and even offered during a live appeal or text-to-donate.  

3. Maximizing Technology. Many organizations make the decision to invest in technology, but then fail to use the tools to their greatest potential. Are there features you currently have through your technology you’re not using? We find that while many organizations use technology like GiveSmart at their fundraising events, they can be using it beyond events for additional campaigns, helping them raise more throughout the entire year. Additionally, using all the great features of a platform reduces the time and energy of staff and volunteers, therefore maximizing the ROI of your technology.  

Let’s talk more about not leaving any money on the table.