I'm almost afraid to post this. I know there are many who vehemently disagree. However, I've just read another post about how social impact organizations should get out of the event business. And I get it. I really do. But I don't fully agree. I understand that many in the social impact space seriously dislike events or put up with them as a necessary part of our work. Why don't we like them? They tend to have high costs to raise a dollar. We rarely factor in staff time to the expense ratio and too often -- they don't align with our mission. Further, events come with a high opportunity cost. Small staff teams find their time hijacked with event details instead of researching grant opportunities or meeting with potential individual donors or stewardship of current donors or professional development. Events often involve a considerable amount of volunteer management. However, events are also a relatively accessible way for a wider group of donors and potential donors to support and share in our mission. They are a good 'first gift' opportunity for individuals who want to learn about our work. As long as they are part of a diversified revenue generation portfolio and either woven into the organization in a seamless and integrated manner (i.e. a signature event) or delivered as a fully third-party community event -- I think they have their place. For me, signature events are most effective when we can afford to invest in experts like Hala Events & Communications Inc. Third-party community events are a joy when we have amazing folks like Anita Dhillon and Navdeep Gill who are leading the charge this weekend for the Ride for Raja in support of Peel Children's Aid Foundation. Finally, and equally important to thinking and caring about donors, sponsors, volunteers, board members and the communities we work alongside, as they relate to events, so too must we ensure we are doing our best for the staff team. I'm grateful every day for this incredible team. We are accomplishing great things together and that makes every day meaningful, purposeful and a privilege. (Missing from the photo are Joan Forde and Nada Ali who manage the Community Care Centre.) Thanks for all you do Joan, Nada, Christopher Kannampuzha, Farzana N., Ambar Syed, CFRE, BA, (me), Taqwa Ibrahim and Ursula Ladner #GoTeamGo #SocialImpact #philanthropy #events #purpose
Jennifer Harris
7mo
I think the challenge is we swung wayyyy too far into events and direct marketing that we lost sight of where the real magic happens - in long term, deepening relationships. If we practice fundraising with intention - events absolutely have their place. If that’s all we do, we will likely stay on a fundraising / sponsorship z/ random event guests rat wheel.
Real Estate Sales Representative
7moNice pic