At long last! A book on fundraising that emphasizes the importance of volunteers and the principles of volunteer management. Tapping their many successes in raising money through special events, the authors generously share their blueprint for selecting, planning, and running a profitable fundraiser--whether yours is a grassroots organization or a major institution. Have you ever experienced a fundraising event that was too much effort for too little return? Then this book is for you! Includes complete, step-by-step instructions to producing a perfect event, the "Dynamite Dinner." And remember, volunteer issues are woven throughout the book, not as an afterthought in a minor sub-section.

"... great fundraising ideas and plenty of advice on managing volunteers at fundraising events." --Rob Jackson, Volunteer Development Officer Royal National Institute for the Blind, London, England.

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Excerpted from "Orientation and Training of Event Volunteers"
Orientation and training will be different for those who serve on the leadership task force or steering committee, and those who are providing a short-term skill or assistance during the event itself.

When orienting and training the leaders of the event, we often make the assumption that the lead individuals know all about the organization and have the skills to plan and stage an event. In fact, no one comes with these precise skills unless they have previously led a similar event. Even then there is no guarantee that they had a good experience. So, these event volunteers who make up the steering committee need training and orientation to avoid trial-and- error efforts resulting in many wasted hours.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments 9
Preface 11
Introduction 13
The Evolution of the Fabulous Fundraising Event 14
25 Reasons the Dynamite Dinner is Perfect 17

Section One: The Essentials of Producing an Effective Fundraising, Event 21
1.Fundraising Events: Setting the Stage for Success 23
Why Fundraising Events Get Off to a Bad Start 24
Developing Guiding Principles on Fundraising Events 25
Ensuring Success with Events Sponsored by Others on Your Behalf 28
Summary: Setting the Stage for Success 32

2. Choosing The Right Event 33
Criteria for Selecting Fundraising Events 34
Clear goals for staging a special event 34
Access to appropriate attendees, sponsors and underwriters 36
Types of events that meet your goals and reach targeted markets 37
Event appropriate to organization's goals and mission 42
Adequate staffing 43
Projected budget aligned with your goals 44
Clear expectations of the work for the event 45
Planning/oversight task force with appropriate representation 46
Adequate time to prepare for the event 46
Benefits of event worth the time and effort 46
Summary: Choosing the Right Event 47

3. Event Volunteers: From Selection to Recognition 49
Enhancing Volunteer Involvement in Fundraising Events 49
Clear and expanded job opportunities 50
Selection of event chair(s) 52
Recruitment and placement of event steering committee 55
Orientation and training o event voteers 58
Organized management of volunteers on day of the event 60
Recognition and appreciation of volunteers 61
Summary: Event Volunteers 65

4. Planning, Budgeting, and Publicizing Your Fundraising Event 67
Planning Your Fundraising Event 68
Event-planning software 68
Timelines for the event 68
Budgeting 69
Estimated working budget 69
Budget updates 69
Actual budget 70
Ending financial statement 70
Resource Acquisition Generated through Sponsors and Underwriters 70
Supporting underwriters 70
Ways individuals or businesses support your event 70
Recognition of your sponsors 71
Add-on revenue potential for events 72
Publicizing the Event 72
Public relations committee 72
Selling tickets 73
Invitations 73
Press and radio coverage 74
Flyers 75
Summary: Planning, Budgeting, and Publicizing your Event 75

5. Evaluating Your Fundraising Event 77
Why Do Evaluations? 78
When to Conduct an Evaluation 79
Methods to Gain Evaluation Information 79
Evaluation input gathered at the event 79
Evaluation from volunteers 79
Getting feedback from donors/underwriters/sponsors 81
Getting feedback from staff who work on events 82
Feedback from facility personnel 83
Feedback from attendees of event 83
Evaluation by leadership/steering committee and event chair(s) 83
Summary: Event Evaluations 85

Section Two: The Complete How-to Guide for Staging a Dynamite Dinner 87
Introduction 89
Deciding to Sponsor the Event 93
Selecting Event Leadership 97
Completing Tasks in Preparation for the Event 99
Managing the Evening of the Event 121
Following Up After the Event 123
Continuing the Impact of this Event 125
Testimonials 127
Appendixes 131
Selected References 165
About the Authors 167