From Galas to Gatherings

In our last blog post, we explored approaches to modify your annual fundraising event with principles of Community-Centric Fundraising (CCF).??

While we covered a lot, we can’t lie… we still have a bit of a bone to pick with galas. And, as we saw in a recently published Star Tribune article, so do many of our youngest supporters!

Galas have long been highly exclusive, often organized with the intent of appealing to corporate sponsors. With a collection of major gifts and sponsorships on the line, the pressure to pamper is like no other.?

While black-tie events with barrier after barrier to entry are so last year, we believe that galas, when tweaked, can become gatherings.? With the peak of gala planning season on the near horizon, here are some ways to modify your approach and shake up the experience for different?groups of supporters.?

Donor-Centered Gala ?? Community-Centered Gathering

Guests

• Ticket purchase is required. ?? There are little to no financial barriers in accessing the event.
• VIP exclusives receive special attention and privileges. ?? VIPs are no more. People with more influence and resources don’t receive more consideration or attention than anyone else.
• Community members are not invited. ?? Community members are not only invited, but inform the event.?
• Host committee members are selected because of their network and access to wealth. ?? Host committee members are selected because of their enthusiasm and ability to bring others closer to the work through the event.?

Staff

• Staff often have to work the event. ?? Staff can choose to participate as fully as they’d like. They can not attend, they can volunteer, they can work (for additional compensation!), or they can attend as a guest.?
• Staff, despite working the event, receive lesser treatment than guests. (e.g. boxed lunch instead of a plated meal) ?? Staff receive the same experience and treatment as all guests.

Board Members

• Board members are expected to buy a table and invite their networks. ?? Board members are asked to contribute some of their resources (i.e. their money, their time, their social connections, etc.) to the event without expectation or financial pressure.?

If reading this piece sparked any spicy new thoughts or ideas to look into, consider attending our upcoming ActionLab. Our next session is focused on dreaming more expansively about your next gala.?