Certificate of Fundraising Events

Overview

Across two sessions, Defining Your Event and Executing Your Event, this series will walk you through the process of staging successful events – from initial thoughts around event types and how to determine which best fits your event strategy, to mounting an event that generates buzz, meets your goals, and continues to be talked about long after you’ve tallied the revenues.

Join long-time event planner and consultant Peggy Gillen, who has been consulting with nonprofits throughout the pandemic to help them consider options and throw successful events as our sector adapts to the next normal.

Each session will discuss the current environment, how the pandemic has affected events, and projections for the future. In-person, virtual, and hybrid events will all be explored.

Note: You may sign up for the full two-part Certificate or for either one of the two courses. See the Defining Your Event and Executing Your Event pages for further details about each and to sign up for either one individually.

Key Concepts

• Making your event unique and memorable, regardless of format.
• Choosing the type of event that works for your organization, and designing it for success.
• Setting clear goals and objectives for your event.
• The importance of timing.
• Determining who your audience is and how to get them to your event.
• Knowing your market and the competition.
• Careful and meticulous planning.
• Developing relationships with vendors.
• Being prepared for anything “day of.”

Audience

• Executive directors
• On-staff event planners
• Fundraising/development staff involved in events
• Board members who plan or support events
• Volunteers who plan events