Special Events: Proven Strategies for Nonprofit Fundraising, 2nd Edition

Acknowledgments.

Introduction: Special Event Fundraising—A Beginning.

A Few Definitions for Fundraising Special Events.

Seven Goals for a Successful Special Event.

Dinner à la Heart: A Creative Special Event.

Who Will Benefit from This Book?

How to Use This Book: An Overview.

METT Checklist.

Conclusion.

Chapter 1: The Master Event Timetable (METT).

The Master Event Timetable (METT).

To Do This Week: The METT in Action.

Master Event Timetable Applied to Dinner à la Heart.

METT Checklist.

Conclusion.

Chapter 2: Choosing the Event.

Do Not Pass Go—Should the Organization Have an Event?

Key Elements for Executing a Special Event.

Choosing a Special Event.

Five Models for a Special Event.

Emergency Drill.

METT Checklist.

Conclusion.

Chapter 3: Monetary Goals and Budgets.

Introduction.

Key Elements to Consider When Putting Together the Special Event.

Budget Strategy.

Event Pricing.

Calculating Revenue Sources.

Estimating Attendance: Calculating Minimum Revenue.

What Items Make Up Gross Revenue?

Packaging of Premium Tables and Advertisements.

Underwriters and Sponsors.

In-Kind Donations.

Revenue Considerations for Events in Smaller Communities.

Mastering Revenue and Expense Items.

Putting It All Together.

Computer Spreadsheets and Databases: Keeping the Event and the Budget on Track.

Conclusion.

METT Checklist.

Chapter 4: Recruiting Volunteer Leadership for Your Event.

First Enlist the Stakeholders.

Agency Governing Board.

Agency Development Committee.

Reverse Networking.

The Event Chair and Agency Professional.

Co-Chair Responsibilities.

Who’s on First?

The Community-Wide Event Committee.

Honorary Chairpersons.

Volunteers and Communication.

A Case Statement for Special Events.

METT Checklist.

Conclusion.

Chapter 5: Networking in the Community.

The Community-Wide Event Committee—The Marketing Team.

Committee Information Kit and the Agenda for the Committee Meeting.

Underwriting the Event: Corporate Sponsorship.

List Management.

METT Checklist.

Conclusion.

Chapter 6: On the Internet: Plan an Event Online Real Quick!

Building the Structure.

First Decisions.

An Input Screen.

First Recruitments.

Required Documents.

The Marketing Process.

Save That Date.

Potential Enhancements.

A Very Clever Invitation.

In Internet Reminder.

An Actual Strategic Plan.

METT Checklist.

Conclusion.

Chapter 7: Marketing.

Definition and Introduction to Special Event Marketing.

Identifying the Market.

Segmenting, Targeting, and Positioning.

Key Marketing Words and Actions.

A Special Event Marketing Plan.

A Special Event Marketing Plan—Example.

Riding the Internet Wave.

Getting Your Message to the Media.

METT Checklist.

Conclusion.

Chapter 8: Special Event Administration.

Introduction.

The First Concerns: Location, Food, and Service.

Important People.

Negotiating Points in Contracts.

Event Staffing Requirements.

Don’t Be Stingy with Servers.

Designing the Site: Where to Place the Tables and Podiums.

Postal Matters.

Insurance.

Printing and Printers.

Additional Considerations: Decorations, Additional Administrative Concerns.

Financial Matters.

Conclusion.

METT Checklist.

Chapter 9: The Final Weeks to Event Day.

Master Event Timetable Introduction,

Motivational Techniques for Event Committee Members.

The Hot-Prospect Scenario.

More Motivational Techniques for Event Committee Members,

Seating Guests,

Reception and Check-In Desk.

Documents.

Setting the Pace for the Event.

The PDQ Checklist.

Conclusion.

METT Checklist.

Chapter 10: The Big Day: Why Success Is in the Details.

Introduction.

The Final Countdown.

Event Day—Time Line.

Conclusion.

METT Checklist.

Chapter 11: Thank You and Goodbye!

Introduction.

Always Say Thank You.

How to Say Thank You.

Finance.

Evaluation.

METT Checklist.

Conclusion.

Special Resources.

Documents.

Computer Software.

Professional Organizations for Nonprofit Agencies.

Reference Bibliography.

Index.