Fundraising is the number one component to the success of any nonprofit organization. There are a number of ways nonprofits raise funds including event contributions, online donations, planned gifts, and in-kind contributions. In order to do any of these, you need to utilize your network. We at Do Good Events consistently partner with nonprofit organizations and assist them with the event contributions branch of fundraising. Here are six ways to engage your fundraising network to support your nonprofit event. Sponsorships Sponsorships for nonprofit events are a way for businesses to align with ..read more

When we start planning any event with a new or returning client, one of the first steps is to determine who are the key event partners. From AV to production to décor to entertainment, and more, it’s crucial to have collaborators you can trust. This rapport allows the event planning process, and especially event day, to be less stressful, more fun, and more successful overall. Here are the top five categories of event partners we typically start with…and rely on! Venue & Catering Partners Having a solid relationship with the event venue manager is vital. We always recommend an in-person me ..read more

Over the last few years, the number of mobile bidding platforms and event technology solutions have grown and evolved a ton. Without context, looking at the options can be beyond overwhelming. We at Do Good Events work with different platforms and there are amazing aspects of all these platforms and there is not a one-size-fits-all. We have compiled this list of things to consider when picking a platform to help you cut through the confusion. Event Goals Keep your goals front and center. Think about what you will need technology for and how that fits into your goals. If you are planning a fun ..read more

Once again it feels as if we blinked and here we are at the end of the year! 2023 is coming to a close and 2024 will be here soon. But, before it arrives, we love taking this poignant time of year to review at what we learned, saw, felt, celebrated, etc!  The year began with our (typical) slower time of event execution but we saw one of our biggest influxes in event sale inquiries of all time! It was clear that events were back, new ones were being created, and many were needing new support as they dealt with staffing shortages.  In these event sales, we received many calls to suppor ..read more

It’s July, you know what that means, fall galas are coming up fast! We’ve broken down the last 90 days before a gala for you to make sure you’re not forgetting anything on your list.  90 Day Countdown Communications Write & distribute press release if needed Send Save the Dates Auction Begin adding silent auction items and description to your tracking documents and event software/mobile bidding site This will help you see if there are any categories that are not represented in your offerings Logistics Revisit Budget to address concerns With the bulk of your expenses confir ..read more

Authentic messaging, we’ve heard it for years, but what does it mean?  “You’re true to your own personality, values, and spirit, regardless of the pressure that you’re under to act otherwise.” Mind Tools This is truly an interesting concept as it applies to events, particularly fundraising events!  If your event purpose is to raise funds, there are a few boundaries that are proven to create success at events. So let’s talk about how to choose authenticity over expectation in the 3 largest components of your event. Authentic Program Your program is the greatest opportunity to express ..read more

Whether you had been planning for weeks, months or years your event certainly had a lot of time and energy put into the planning process! So, how do you make sure you not just survive but enjoy the day of your event? These five tips will help you have a memorable event day!  1. Be the host It’s easy to get sucked into the details, vendors and management but guests want to see you! Plan to greet guests and delegate for someone else to manage the last minute changes. Throughout event day, find moments to connect with attendees – perhaps making the rounds during dinner or holding the door op ..read more

Budgets are often one of the most stressful parts of your event planning process, but they don’t have to be! Even in the post-COVID world riddled with high inflation, you can set realistic expectations for all those involved. When you are starting out with a new event, your budget may focus on broad categories. A more established event may dive into deeper detail. Let’s take a look at some of those categories:  Expenses Venue Your venue can be a large expense and determine many of your other budget items. Different events require different vendors and can have certain restrictions. A ..read more

It’s is hard to believe that 2022 is coming to an end! As we reflect, the past 12-months have been jampacked with many events, new learnings and desire for togetherness.  2022 kicked off with a combination of hybrid, in-person and virtual events. Our first in-person events began in February and was met with enthusiasm! It set the tone for a year of events. Trends of this year included guests arriving early, giving generously and sharing gratitude for togetherness.  As many of you did, we anticipated many health safety precautions and virtual elements to continue throughout 2022. Howe ..read more

Guest Blogger: Patrick Kirby – Do Good Better Consulting Ok, we all get it. You have to say thank you for gifts. Your parents and teachers probably drilled that into you as a child, or somebody along you’re the way let you know that it’s just plain polite to say thanks when someone gives you something. As a nonprofit leader you’re probably salivating at the prospect of hopping on the phone or firing up your favorite social media platform to get your gratitude on this time of year. It easy, expected and downright built into how our culture has designated this as the season of gratitude. But dur ..read more