Where can I find information on fundraising through special events?
The Foundation Center Library has many resources to assist you in the planning and implementation of successful special events. Some of the topics covered include auctions, charity balls, phone-a-thons, walk-a-thons, raffles, and many other fundraising vehicles.
Web Resources
Books:
- Allen, Judy. Event Planning: The Ultimate Guide to Successful Meetings, Corporate Events, Fundraising Galas, Conferences, Conventions, Incentives, and Other Special Events. New York, NY: John Wiley & Sons, 2000. A comprehensive textbook about all aspects of special events. Includes sample worksheets.
- Axelrod, Terry. Raising More Money: The Ask Event Handbook. Seattle, WA: Raising More Money Publications, 2004. Numerous templates and sample forms are provided for the various stages of planning and implementing a fundraising event. Also gives advice for leveraging the success of the event after it's over.
- Freedman, Harry A. and Karen Feldman. The Business of Special Events: Fundraising Strategies for Changing Times. Sarasota, FL: Pineapple Press, 1998. Directed at both experienced and novice event planners, provides practical advice and detailed checklists.
- Goldstein, Lauren. The Special Events Toolbox: A Nuts-and-bolts Guide to Planning and Implementing Successful Special Events Campaigns for Nonprofit Organizations. New York, NY: Cause Effective, Inc. 2004. Includes many worksheets and sample forms for the multiple stages of planning and implementing special events.
- Reiss, Alvin H. CPR for Nonprofits: Creative Strategies for Successful Fundraising, Marketing, Communications, and Management. San Francisco: Jossey-Bass Publishers, 2000. Presents case studies that offer accessible, adaptable strategies for dealing with a broad range of nonprofit concerns, and includes a chapter on special events.
- Selling Goodness: The Guerrilla P.R. Guide to Promoting Your Charity, Nonprofit Organization, or Fund-Raising Event. Los Angeles, CA: Renaissance Books, 1998. The author encourages nonprofits to learn public relations from the corporate world and to promote their causes vigorously through newspaper, radio and television venues, public speaking and crisis public relations.
- Stallings, Betty and Donna McMillion. How to Produce Fabulous Fundraising Events: Reap Remarkable Returns with Minimal Effort. Pleasanton, CA: Building Better Skills, 1999. Provides advice about choosing the right special event, selecting volunteers, planning, publicizing, and evaluating the event. Also contains a how-to guide for planning and managing a dinner event.
- Ukman, Lesa (ed.) IEG Sponsorship Sourcebook: The Comprehensive Guide to Sponsors, Properties, Agencies and Suppliers. Chicago, IL: IEG Inc., annual. Compiled for the benefit of corporations looking for sponsorship opportunities, the IEG Sponsorship Sourcebook can also be helpful for nonprofits seeking sponsors for their events.
- Wendroff, Alan L. Special Events: Proven Strategies for Nonprofit Fund Raising. Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, 2004. Provides a strategy for conducting special events, using the Master Event Timetable (METT) as a guide. Provides worksheets, sample documents, and illustrations of real-life examples from launch through evaluation.
Periodical Articles:
- Causer, Craig, Jeff Jones, and Matthew Sinclair. "Fundraising Ideas That Work." NonProfit Times 17 (1 March 2003) p. 25-8. Provides examples of successful local fundraising events, including a theatrical production, a garage sale, and a camping trip. Also available online.
- Boice, Jacklyn P. "Star Light, Star Bright: How to Make Your Special Event Truly Memorable." Advancing Philanthropy 12 (July-August 2005) p. 12-16.
- Klein, Kim. "The Correct Use of Special Events." Grassroots Fundraising Journal 18 (February 1999) p. 9-10. Reviews reasons for conducting a special event and recommends completion of three preliminary tasks to ensure success.
- Lewis, Nicole. "Marking Charity Milestones: Anniversary Celebrations Can Draw Attention and Dollars." Chronicle of Philanthropy 18 (January 12, 2006) p. 29-31.
- Pope, Tom. "Unusual Fundraising Can Bring New Donors." NonProfit Times Direct Response Fundraising Edition 18 (15 June 2004) p. 1, 4, 6. Describes some uncommon fundraising ideas, ranging from benefits that involved hair cuts to campaigns that entailed pig-kissing. Also available online.
- Steinert, Moli and Donna Canali. "Pledge-Raising Events: Making Your Effort Count in Dollars." Grassroots Fundraising Journal 21 (November-December 2002) p. 12-16. Walkathons and running events are examples of pledge-raising occasions. This article explains how to determine if your organization is appropriate for such a project, and if so, how to organize the event and develop promotional materials. Several successful examples are given.
For other books and articles on special events, try searching our Catalog of Nonprofit Literature (CNL), the Center's bibliographic database. You could start searching on the subject "Fundraising--special events".
Many of the books and articles found through CNL can be located in Center Libraries and Cooperating Collections. It is best to call ahead to verify a specific library's holdings.
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