To learn well you have to learn from the best. The nation’s 100 largest organizations exceeded raising $1 billion in revenue through fundraisers in 2011 with the top five organizations taking away the most profit. How did they do this? Here a few tips we can learn from the highly successful and experienced non-profits:
1. Diversity in events for an organization is key. Reaching all groups of people is vital. Knowing your audience is important when selecting charity fundraising items for an auction, however, creating a broader audience base can be even more beneficial. Reaching all groups of people helps your non-profit become more established and more successful. For example, when we think of “March of Dimes”, the non-profit organization that raises funds for research and programs to end premature birth, birth defects and infant mortality, we think of the oldest nationwide charitable walking event. However, March of Dimes has many other events that take place such as Bikers for Babies, for those 35,00 supporters who would rather ride than walk; Signature Chefs auctions; and Jail & Bail, where “prisoners” need to raise donations for bail money. With these combined efforts, March of the Dimes raised nearly $134 million in 2011. The American Heart Association events include the organization’s Heart Balls, Heart Walks, Go Red For Women Luncheons, and Youth Markets, making their revenue stream more than $255 million.
2. Quantity of events: The more events, the better. Children's Hospital Los Angeles saw fundraising events revenue soar from less than $200,000 to almost $3.2 million in 2011. Why? This skyrocketed jump in revenue was primarily due to the added fundraising events that were not held in previous years. Charity auctions have been proven to be quite successful in providing non-profits an inexpensive way to fundraise. Research shows that unique fundraising Items receive well over 175% of their fair market value. One of the most staggering statistics for Charity fundraising items is autographed music memorabilia, which receives 720% above fair market value.
3. Effective leadership and organization for an event changes everything. For example, the AHA’s Go Red For Women Luncheons jumped by 12.5 percent in one year. Suzie Upton, the chief development officer attributed the success to the, “hard work, dedication, and passion of our volunteer leadership."
