How do you pivot a fundraising event?

1 Assess the situation

The first step to pivot a fundraising event is to assess the situation and understand why you need to make a change. Is it because of external factors, such as health and safety regulations, travel restrictions, or market shifts? Or is it because of internal factors, such as budget cuts, staff turnover, or mission alignment? Depending on the reason, you may have more or less flexibility and time to adjust your plans. You should also evaluate the potential risks and benefits of pivoting, as well as the expectations and preferences of your donors, sponsors, and beneficiaries.

2 Communicate clearly and frequently

The second step to pivot a fundraising event is to communicate clearly and frequently with all your stakeholders, including your team, your board, your donors, your sponsors, your vendors, and your beneficiaries. You should inform them of the reason for the change, the new format and date of the event, the impact on your fundraising goals and activities, and the ways they can support and participate in the event. You should also acknowledge their concerns and questions, and provide them with regular updates and feedback. Communication is key to maintain trust, engagement, and loyalty among your stakeholders.

3 Choose a suitable alternative

The third step to pivot a fundraising event is to choose a suitable alternative that matches your objectives, resources, and audience. There are many options to consider, such as postponing the event, canceling the event, moving the event online, transforming the event into a campaign, or creating a hybrid event that combines in-person and virtual elements. Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, and you should weigh them carefully based on your feasibility, cost-effectiveness, and appeal. You should also consult with your stakeholders and solicit their input and feedback on the alternative.

4 Adjust your budget and timeline

The fourth step to pivot a fundraising event is to adjust your budget and timeline accordingly. Depending on the alternative you choose, you may need to increase or decrease your expenses, renegotiate or cancel contracts, secure or refund donations, and allocate or reallocate funds. You should also review your timeline and set realistic and achievable milestones and deadlines for your tasks and deliverables. You should monitor your cash flow and track your progress regularly, and be prepared to make further adjustments if needed.

5 Leverage technology and creativity

The fifth step to pivot a fundraising event is to leverage technology and creativity to make your event engaging, interactive, and memorable. Technology can help you reach a wider and more diverse audience, streamline your registration and donation processes, enhance your communication and marketing strategies, and measure your results and impact. Creativity can help you stand out from the crowd, showcase your mission and values, tell compelling stories, and inspire action and generosity. You should explore different tools and platforms that suit your needs and goals, and experiment with different formats and content that appeal to your audience.

6 Celebrate and evaluate

The sixth and final step to pivot a fundraising event is to celebrate and evaluate your achievements and challenges. You should thank and acknowledge all your stakeholders for their support and participation, and share your success stories and testimonials. You should also solicit their feedback and suggestions, and conduct a thorough analysis of your data and metrics. You should identify what worked well and what could be improved, and document your lessons learned and best practices. You should use this information to refine your future fundraising events and strategies.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?