Soapbox Engage Blog

Nonprofits and organizations have been hosting fundraising galas for many generations. This classic fundraiser is typically geared toward corporate sponsors, major donors, board members, community leaders, and other "high-value" supporters.

Just because galas are a more traditional fundraising strategy doesn't mean they need to be archaic or outdated! You certainly can spice things up, get creative, and take your next fundraising gala to new heights. We've rounded up some clever ideas, tips, and insights to help you do just that!

Table of Contents

1. Go hybrid for your 2021 fundraising gala
2. Sell tickets in pairs for your next fundraising gala
3. Experiment with food and dining styles
4. Allow virtual giving options
5. Pair fundraising activities with pure entertainment
6. Consider adding a fun twist to your next charity gala
7. Leverage videos to engage potential guests on social media
8. Send handwritten invitations to ideal guests

8 Creative Ideas and Strategies for Your Next Gala Fundraiser

Some of these ideas and strategies are considered best-practice, and every nonprofit should consider incorporating them into the next gala fundraiser. Others are creative ideas to consider trying or experimenting with. Because every nonprofit has a slightly different target audience, it's essential to determine your organization's best strategies and approaches.

1. Go hybrid for your 2021 fundraising gala

Hosting a hybrid event with both an in-person and virtual option comes with its own pros and cons. Still, in the age of COVID-19, many nonprofits are incorporating this strategy to appeal to a larger audience and raise more money.

Consider offering a certain number of in-person tickets and the rest as virtual. You can charge more for the in-person tickets and include the traditional gala festivities--a meal, drinks, entertainment, and a night of celebration together. Of course, virtual tickets would sell at a lower price, but you can include a care package with items that fit the gala theme, like branded items, snacks, or even a bottle of wine or ingredients to make a signature cocktail.

With this virtual option, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the event either in-person or online via Zoom (or another virtual platform). This expands your potential audience--and your fundraising potential!

2. Sell tickets in pairs for your next fundraising gala

While we're on the subject of ticket ideas, if one of your goals is to increase your supporter base or list of potential donors, one strategy is to sell tickets in pairs. The goal here is to encourage everyone to bring a friend!

This works on multiple levels. It incentivizes your current supporters to invite new people to your next gala. Because your current donors already believe in your cause, they'll likely speak highly of your organization and want to make sure their guest has a good time at your event. Indirectly, you're mobilizing your current donors to become advocates on your behalf! Everyone wins.

One key to the success of this strategy is ensuring all attendees register for the gala so you can follow up with the "plus ones" after the event. A great tool to make this easier is the Soapbox Engage Forms app. Easily collect contact information before or at the gala and keep everything organized.

Another strategy to make this ticketing option easier is to use the Soapbox Engage Events app and ask for the contact information of both attendees on the customizable registration page.

Either approach has some pros and cons to consider. On the one hand, asking for the contact information of both guests at the time of registration might deter people from purchasing their tickets until they're sure they have a "plus one." On the other hand, asking for people's contact information at the door might make it easier for people to simply not bring a friend despite having the second ticket. It may take a bit of experimenting to see what works best for your nonprofit.

3. Experiment with food and dining styles at your fundraising gala

One way to shake off that "traditional" or "archaic" vibe at your next gala is to get creative with the food and dining ideas. Food can range from a traditional multi-course plated dinner to an informal, family-style approach.

Are there opportunities to tie the food into your event theme or your organization's mission? Plenty of nonprofits are mindful that the food, beverages, and venue don't conflict with their mission. Still, there are many opportunities for these aspects of the gala to complement your mission, too!

For example, if your nonprofit serves and empowers families, then emphasizing a "family dinner" atmosphere and having people pass dishes around the table (rather than serving plated meals) can really create a sense of interactivity and fun and add the finishing touch to your next gala.

4. Allow virtual giving options

Gone are the days when people carry checkbooks or cash. Online giving is practically expected now. Allowing guests to make donations online (via their phones or computers) before, during, and after the gala lets them give freely. It also lets supporters who may not be able to attend your gala contribute to the cause.

Set up a custom donation page for your next gala with the Donations app. Share the link on the gala registration page, your social media, and at the gala. This is especially critical if you're hosting a hybrid event with both in-person and virtual attendees.

5. Pair fundraising activities with pure entertainment

Guests don't want to feel like every part of the gala costs more money. Balance financially focused activities with ones that are purely for fun. For example, if you decide to host a silent auction, add an entertainer like a musician or stand-up comedian.

Consider what kinds of entertainment "translate" well to both an in-person and virtual setting. For example, your virtual attendees might be able to enjoy a stand-up comedian or musician more than a DJ or dance party.

6. Consider adding a fun twist to your next charity gala

Most people picture a stuffy, formal dinner party when they think of charity galas. Don't be afraid to shake things up at your next gala! Invite guests to come in costume and prepared for a festive, themed gala!

Whether you go with a "Red Carpet Evening" or you decide to host a Vegas-themed night with charity poker and games, the ideas and options are endless! When choosing a theme, make sure it aligns with your organization's ethos and values, but don't be afraid to get creative!

Here are just a few examples of some fun gala themes to get the creative juices flowing:

• 70's Disco ball
• Masquerade
• Dancing With The Stars
• Roaring 20's
• Black and White ball
• Oscars themed

7. Leverage videos to engage potential guests on social media

Create a series of videos to market your upcoming gala and engage potential attendees. These don't need to be expensive, professionally produced videos. Create a short video that introduces your organization as a whole. Next, you'll want a video that includes a story and explains the meaning behind your upcoming gala and why it's an important event for your cause. Finally, create a brief awareness video that explains the primary cause that your organization works to address.

These three videos will help you build trust with new followers and help your audience understand the "why" behind your upcoming gala.

8. Send handwritten invitations to ideal guests

Study your list of current donors and followers. Identify the top individuals you'd like to have at your upcoming gala and send a handwritten invitation. This is a really thoughtful gesture and sure to grab their attention more than a mass email or printed invitation.

If you've got quite an extensive guest list, you can always outsource this kind of task to freelancers on Fiverr or Upwork or find a local volunteer who is happy to donate some time.

Knowing your audience is critical to hosting a successful fundraising gala. Don't be afraid to get some of your key donors involved in the planning process as you plan your next event. They might have some great ideas to spice up your next gala, too! It's an excellent opportunity to listen to your supporters and create opportunities to engage them in new ways.

Here are three more event planning resources to help you plan your next gala or fundraising event.

• Easy Ways to Make Your First Fundraising Gala A Success: Fundraising galas have long been a successful tool for charities adn nonprofits to expand their network adn raise much-needed money. But it can be challenging to organize and execute an effective gala. This blog has some handy tips and tricks to help you decide whether a gala is the right fundraising event for your nonprofit and how to make your next gala a smashing success.
• Event Management Software: What Your Nonprofit Needs to Know: Planning fundraising events of any size can be overwhelming at best! Without the right tools and resources, it can get downright exhausting. Event management software can help organize and handle many aspects of event planning with a host of digital tools. This blog presents some top features and things to look for and consider to help you invest in the right event management software for your nonprofit.
• Make A Fundraising Calendar in 5 Simple Steps: Creating a fundraising calendar can be an excellent recipe for year-round fundraising success! The great news is that you can develop and implement a fundraising calendar any day of the year! Head over to this blog to get some tips, tricks, and strategies from nonprofit experts about how to build an excellent fundraising calendar.