Charity golf tournament key software features

In a world of rapid change and constant advancement, we’re all happy one thing remains at the same steady, peaceful pace – golf! Popular with nonprofits, golf tournaments are an excellent opportunity to host a family–friendly event while bringing in major donations. Charity golf tournaments can bring in challenges but the fundraising technology powering one should be easy to use. When selecting a software, look for a simple solution so donors can pick up some clubs and focus on what truly matters – the mission and organization everyone is passionate about. 

Connecting digitally with donors is key to a successful fundraising event, as mobile bidding is the fastest–growing trend in fundraising. On average it increases the amount raised by 30% when transitioning from paper bidding. Complex events with unique needs like charity golf tournaments are the perfect opportunity to showcase what is possible when we combine the right tools with passionate people.  

Here, we explore the features that will help turn your golf tournament into a big win:  

Ensure a smooth check–in process.
With golfers usually playing teams of four, golf tournaments can provide unique challenges in registration. To ensure a smooth check–in process, it is crucial your software can handle the quirks of an event with the possibility of multiple pricing tiers. Additionally, consider the option for discounts so guests can form teams with their family or friends, and the ability to support multi-flight or multi-course tournaments.   

On game day at golf tournaments, or any event taking place outdoors, the last thing any organizer wants to focus on is complications around registering attendees who are waiting in the sun. Look out for an integrated solution so you’ll be ready to quickly register guests, keeping check-in lines moving, and the games going.  

Consider desktop and mobile customization. 
When establishing a marketing campaign around an event, one of the most important areas to showcase is trusted messaging and with a look and feel guests can recognize. Create a consistent aesthetic that is intuitive and natural. Find software that builds upon what you already know and uses rich text, video, and enhanced image placement all easily located within the platform. Be sure your golf tournament software includes on-the-go giving capabilities and a mobile responsive web design to make your giving site as easy to use on a mobile phone as it is a desktop. This means no additional work required, which saves time and delights donors. 

Do you need volunteer management?
When planning a large event, like a golf tournament, you’ll likely have volunteers with all hands-on deck. When exploring software options, volunteer management is key to organization efficiency when it comes to events. Different software will include the ability to integrate to fit your organization’s needs, such as background checks if children are involved. Most organizations will need the ability at the very least to track volunteers with contact information that is easy to access.  

Use social media to spread the word. 
A strong social media presence is essential in reaching across generations. Between Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, social media has over two billion users. Reach all your potential donors most efficiently and find event software that is designed for the social media landscape. For example, it is important to feature your text–to–give code on all social media channels in bios, stories, and posts so both those onsite and at home are well informed and equip to donate.  

Monitor your fundraising progress.
The data is endless. Be sure you have access to data onsite so you can adjust in real time. Use intuitive reporting in a dashboard style format so you can track exactly how your fundraising efforts are paying off during the tournament.  

Recognize your sponsors.
Chances are, you worked hard to secure sponsors for your golf tournament. When you’re looking into fundraising software ask about whether it supports ad space. Providing your sponsors with online advertising is a great way for them to get additional exposure to your donors and golfers.   

Keep payments simple.
If possible, find a software that allows donors and golfers to make donations, buy mulligans, and more, right from their mobile phones. If they need a mulligan when they’re on the course, they can just pop it into their cart! Having golfers process payments on their own helps cut down on work at checkout at the end of your tournament and allows them to feel more in control of their purchases. 

Say thank you
After an event closes, successful software will be one you can rely on to deliver your thank you messages to donors in bulk to minimize administrative tasks. The best tool will automatically generate tax receipts, donation letters, and thank you letters to send to your attendees and donors. A small gesture such as a thank you can increase post–event donations and the likelihood that a donor would return to a future event hosted by your organization.  

Our latest research study breaks down exactly who is interested in golf tournaments among donors.