Reducing Dependency on Fundraising Events & Federal Dollars—A Nonprofit Case Study with Kim Zoeller at Ray Graham Association
In my consultancy, I’ve been accused of not liking nonprofit fundraising events like galas, benefits, and golf. Especially golf.
Not entirely true.
I just want fundraising events to be used in a broader relational strategy as a STEP in your major donor’s experience with your organization. Not, THE MAIN experience a donor has with you.
So, what happens when nonprofits do this?
Well, you can hear directly from my client Kim Zoeller at Ray Graham Association in this new Case Study Podcast. She speaks specifically about her organization's golf outing at minute [23:00].
But, there are so many great nuggets in this case study video! If you're a nonprofit organization that's trying to become less dependent on entities like the Medicaid System by scaling your major-gifts fundraising, then this ones for you!
Now, back to Golf! Kim and I joked that I'd have to eat my words because you'd never think I'd be promoting the success of a Golf Outing on my podcast! But, here we are!
Listen for these shifts in her event strategy as her team sought to fit the activities into their broader model and plan…and I won’t spoil all the results…
Before: Filling foursomes with any golfer
After → Using the year’s lead-up to build relationships w/mission aligned golfers
Before: Transactional ticket selling with folks who often weren’t mission-aligned
After → Prioritizing relationship-building and investment-level conversations before the golf event
Before: Entire team allocating too much time and energy to event planning/logistics
After → Hired an event planner so the development team could have real conversations at the event
And…the most fun thing? Donors came up to her and her team afterwards asking if they could give a larger donation?
Ummmm….Yes. At the golf outing.
Nonprofit Leader - There is a path to holding your fundraising events a bit looser so that it fits into your organization’s overarching financial need. It’s a big part of my work and it's key when you're trying to model into an hours-to-dollars model. Too often the transactional activities and made-up event goals that galas, walks, and golf outings demand is actually what’s keeping your team from raising more money every year. It's the opposite of what the sector has taught us. But, it’s time for change.
Hop on over to my LinkedIn Post and give Kim (and her incredible team) all the congratulations and high-five she deserves!
How about you? Are you ready to start using your fundraising events within a larger, relationship-focused fundraising strategy? You can apply to work with me here.
Whenever you’re ready to diversify revenue, there are THREE things you can do next:
👣 Follow me on LinkedIn here where I share the same lessons I teach my clients about attracting larger gen-ops dollars and adding 7-figures + to their bottom line.
🍎 Read my GUIDE! THE TRUTH ABOUT GIVE/GETS :: Top 5 Reasons Your Board’s Give/Get Is Leaving Thousands (Sometimes Millions) on the Table. See how limiting board members to the Give/Get model restricts gifts and keeps your staff from reaching their full fundraising potential. Here to get it.
📈 Work with me to scale your org's revenue by 2-5X and fund your organization’s Strategic Plan // If you’re a business-minded CEO already raising MILLIONS but need to diversify revenue and secure more general-operating dollars to invest in growth, you can apply to work with me here.
