Building and Engaging Your Donor Base through Events:

What I Learned from Donors,

Volunteers and Other Smart People

Kate Lyford, Manager, Resource Development, Provident, Inc.

Introduction

• About me• About you: What do you hope to gain from today?

Solicitation Costs

• Personal Solicitation $.10• Telephone $.50-$.75• Direct Mail $1• Grants $.15-$.20• Capital Campaign $.15• Planned Giving $.20• Special Events $.50

(Cost per $ raised)

Consider:

1. Is your board excited and committed to the event’s success?2. In addition to $$, what are your top three goals?3. Who is your target audience?4. Is this event an fit for your audience and your mission?5. Do you have the resources?

And Then…

1. Create a realistic budget with an excellent CDR1. Fixed costs and internal costs

2. Determine your three year goal 3. Develop your timeline and message map4. List your needs

It’s All About the Leverage

• Honorary Chair• Co-chairs • Host committee• Working Committee• Community Partners

The $$

• Sponsorships, not ticket sales • Value In Kind• Peer to Peer

Engagement and Leverage

• Board• Volunteers• Donors • Sponsors• Staff

Let’s Talk Best Practices

• Golf tournament• Gala• Trivia night• Run/Walk

Make it Count

• Captive audience: before, during and after • Invest in the outcome• Contractor vs. staff

• Exposure

Evaluation

• Solicit feedback from all involved• Return on investment• Consider residual benefit

• Understanding efficiency: Cost per dollar raised

The Follow Through: Know What’s Next• Participants• Donors• Sponsors • Volunteers

Questions?

• klyford@providentstl.org

• 314-802-2623