Event Planning & Fundraising 1 “Fundraising is a Team Sport” “Maximizing what you have, instead of wishing for what you don’t have.” “Fundraising is about asking the right prospect, for the right amount, at the right time, for the right program in the right way.” Jenny Mitchell, Chavender Delphine Haslé, The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre Foundation

2 Fundraising and Event Planning 1.Ethical fundraising (and why it matters) 2.Case for Support ( what are you raising money for?) 3.Special events TODAY’S AGENDA

3 Donors don’t give to institutions. They invest in ideas and people in whom they believe. -G.T. Smith In good times and bad, we know that people give because you meet needs, not because you have needs. -Kay Sprinkel Grace Fundraising is the gentle art of teaching people the joy of giving. - Hank Rosso Welcome to Fundraising!

4 Ethical Fundraising (and why it matters!) 6 virtues of the ethical fundraiser 1.Adherence 2.Trustworthy 3.Accountable 4.Honesty and Integrity 5.Transparent 6.Courage THREE SCENARIOS “The sniff test”

5 Case for Support What are you raising money for? 1.Why us? 2.Why now? 3.Why me (the donor)? Three big questions to be answered in a Case for Support

6 Case Statement

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8 ©2014 National Museum Directors’ Council

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10 Linkage How can you link the donor back to your organization? Have they made a gift in the past, are they a volunteer, or a recipient of your programs? Interest Do your donor’s interests align with your organization’s mission? Ability Does the donor have the wealth or capacity to give a significant gift now? L. I. A.

11 Fundraising Toolkit

12 Special Events What’s your objective? SOLICITATION Cash CULTIVATION Prospects, sponsors, maintain interest THANK YOU Recognition at public event The best events are the ones that will address all three!

13 Special event revenue comes from: 1.Ticket sales 2.Sponsorship 3.Silent Auction/Raffle Special event expenses Get as many expenses underwritten as possible Communicate strategically to your audiences Build a solid plan VOLUNTEER Best practices 1.Build a volunteer team. 2.Recruit your team with clearly stated expectations to purchase a ticket themselves, and invite friends to the event. 3.Engage volunteers in sponsorship solicitation. 4.Remind volunteers of the mission of the organization to help avoid volunteer burnout. Special Events that make money

14 Sponsorship 1.Have a sponsorship policy in place that is approved by your Board 2.Provide different levels of opportunity 3.Be creative and flexible with opportunities 4.Focus on the relationship, not on the package of materials Special Events are total time sucks for staff! The event is not just one day, it’s 6 months before, the event, and the follow-up! There is no such thing as a volunteer-led event. There will always be staff time UNLESS it’s a 3 rd party event (you show up to receive the cheque). Best practices: only run a special event if you raise 50 cents on the dollar. Special Events Tips and Tricks The opportunity to provide a tax receipt is a privilege not a right.

15 Thank you! Jenny Mitchell, Chavender Delphine Haslé, The Perley and Rideau Veterans' Health Centre Foundation