You know how they say the first time is always the hardest? Well, it is true whether we are talking about skydiving or planning a charity event.
Although it is a great start, it is not enough to just have good intentions, a good idea, and lots of enthusiasm.
You also need a strategy and a well-thought plan so you will not get overwhelmed.
In this article, we are going to give you some useful pointers that will ensure your first fundraiser will be a success. This way, no one will know it was your first time planning one.
So let’s get started.
Start Planning Well in Advance
That is something you have probably heard before, but it is worth repeating. No matter the size of your charity event, you cannot just leave everything to the last minute if you want everything to go as smoothly as possible. Consider things like:
- The size of your event – Knowing this will help you figure out other details regarding your event. For instance, whether you will need volunteers or not and how much sponsorship the event will require.
- What type of event you want to hold – From golf fundraisers to silent auctions, there are many fundraising events you can organize. The rest of your planning process will depend on the type of event, so it is best to have this aspect figured out from the gecko.
- The location – Keep in mind that the best venues usually get booked months in advance. You will probably be competing with other organizations looking for a place as well. Getting a head start will help you secure a date and time at the perfect venue.
Most event planners recommend starting planning at least six months in advance.
Considering this is your first time planning an event, you can expect some bumps down the road.
Make sure you give yourself a cushion so that you will have a chance to deal with whatever issues might arise along the way.
Keep Your Charity Event Fun
Sure, the primary goal of any fundraiser is to raise funds. However, you will not manage to achieve your goals if you fail to create a memorable experience for your guests.
Donors attend charity events because they want to learn more about your cause and possibly get involved. However, they also want to enjoy themselves and have a pleasant time.
If this is your first time planning a fundraiser, you might be tempted to try and squeeze in much information about your organization. If you do so, however, you risk overwhelming your guests.
The key is to create a balance and ensure your guests will have an excellent time while also getting your message across.
Play It Safe when Choosing Entertainment
The entertainment you choose will have a huge influence on the outcome of your event. No pressure, right?
Again, if this is your first time planning an event, it is better to choose entertainers who typically appeal to a broad group of people.
For instance, you cannot go wrong with magic. Someone like Simon Pierro, also known as the iPad Magician, will make your event stand out and provide a fun experience for all attendees.
Another excellent choice would be comedian Jeff Allen. He has plenty of experience performing at charity events, so you can rest assured his comedy will not offend anyone.
Top Qualities You Should Look for When Choosing the Entertainment for Your Charity Event
High-quality entertainment will do wonders for your nonprofit event. It will help you encourage donations and keep your guests entertained throughout the event. There’s always a but, and here comes a big one. Not all entertainers are created equally, which means, you have to be careful when hiring entertainment.
In this article, we will show you some of the most important qualities to look for when choosing the entertainers to perform at your fundraiser, so everything will go off without a hitch.
Experience Is Key
Experienced performers are resourceful entertainers. They know the ropes and are better equipped to tackle any issue that might arise during their act.
For instance, if there is an unexpected sound problem during your event, they will not panic on stage. They, most likely, had to face these types of situations in the past and can improvise something and overcome technical difficulties, so nobody feels uncomfortable.
The Grable Group is proud to represent a broad range of talented speakers and artists, with industry experience in nonprofit events, and who are more than capable to switch to Plan B and C, if the situation asks for it.
Trustworthy
It is not enough for entertainers to be talented; they also need to be reliable and deliver on their promises.
The question is, how can you find out if an entertainer can be trusted, without wasting much time? Well, the easiest way is to look for recommendations from previous clients. Credible entertainers have testimonials and referral letters, and they are usually provided online.
Take our recommendations page, for example. It is easy to access, updated and shows real feedback we’ve received from our clients.
If you can find no good reviews, that is most likely a red flag, and you should not ignore it. If you have any doubts about the credibility of an entertainer, it is better to look for other options.
The last thing you want is to book an entertainer, who will show up late for your charity event or make inappropriate comments on stage.
Communication Skills
It is important you can collaborate and communicate effectively with the entertainer, who will perform at your event. The entertainer you choose should be willing and available to answer questions you might have in a professional, yet friendly, manner.
Remember that communication is crucial to making sure your unique needs and requirements are met.
Looking for an Entertainer Who Has All These Qualities to Perform at your Charity Event?
Entertainment can make or break your fundraising event, so you should not take this aspect of the planning process lightly. Also, it is best to look for entertainers as soon as possible and book them in advance. This way, you can make sure the entertainers you want will be available when you need them.
The artists and speakers we represent have all the qualities mentioned in this article and more. They can set the right tone at your event and provide quality, clean entertainment to elevate your event and please your guests.
Want more options?
We represent a vast pool of artists and entertainers, so you will have no problem finding someone suited for your event.
We want to make choosing the entertainment for your first event as easy as possible. Get in touch with us today if you have any questions.
