Create_Events_Where_Everyone_Belongs.pdf

Transcript

1. Stop Hosting Charity Gala Spectacles: Create Events Where Everyone Belongs Claire Axelrad, Fundraising Coach | Speaker | Trainer
2. Meet Claire • 30 years in-the-trenches development staff leader helping raise millions for such organizations as San Francisco Food Bank, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Jewish Community Center, S.F. Conservatory of Music and California School of Professional Psychology. • 15 years nonprofit fundraising/marketing coach • AFP Fundraiser of the Year • Best Nonprofit Blog – Fundraising Success Magazine • Speaker: ADRP; ALDE; American Bar Association; Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP); Career Learning; DER; Foundation Center; Fundraising Summit; ICON; NAYDO; Top Nonprofits; U. S. Olympics Committee and more. • Regular Contributor: Bloomerang, Nonprofit PRO, SOFII and more. • Member: California State Bar Claire Axelrad
3. Once upon a time…
6. If I couldn't remember why I was there, how could I possibly feel inspired to support the mission?
7. Why do so many fundraising events leave people feeling like spectators instead of participants?
8. Think about the best event you've ever attended.
9. • Someone welcomed me. • I was introduced to other people. • I felt included. • I felt comfortable. • I felt appreciated. • I felt seen. • I made some connections.
10. I belong.
11. What is the real purpose of a fundraising event?
12. To create a community people want to join.
13. Hospitality is how community begins.
14. Hospitality is the first gift you give.
15. We ask guests to be generous with us. What if we were equally intentional about being generous with them?
16. How to create a generous experience using 5 “rituals of belonging.” 1. Eliminate the “Best Table in the Room” 2. Celebrate Every Way People Make a Difference 3. Put a Human Face on Your Mission 4. Give Everyone a Shared Purpose 5. Create a Shared Moment
17. Creates an Outsider Experience VIP-only receptions that separate "important" guests Creates a Sense of Belonging One welcoming gathering space where everyone feels included Head tables and visible hierarchy Leaders, staff, volunteers, and donors seated throughout the room Speeches filled with organizational jargon Stories and language everyone can immediately understand Guests passively watching the program Recognition focused primarily on giving level Guests actively participating in the mission Recognition that celebrates every way people contribute
18. 1 Eliminate the “Best Table in the Room”
19. 2 Celebrate Every Way People Make a Difference
20. Invite people to stand as you recognize the many ways they’ve helped make your mission possible. “If you’ve volunteered your time this year, please stand.” “If you’ve shared our mission with a friend or family member, please stand.” “If you’re one of our staff members or volunteers, please stand.” “If this is your very first event with us, please stand.” “If you’ve made a financial gift of any size this year, please stand.”
21. 3 Put a Human Face on Your Mission
22. Facilitate this simple exchange that changes the conversation. “Tonight, we’d like to ask everyone to spend a few minutes getting to know the people at your table. If you’re seated with a member of our staff or a volunteer, ask them what first inspired them to become involved with our organization. And if you’re one of those staff members or volunteers, we’d love for you to ask others at your table what brought them here tonight.”
23. 4 Give Everyone a Shared Purpose
24. Sample Discussion Question: A comprehensive human services organization Imagine a family arrives at one of our shelters tonight with nothing but the clothes they’re wearing. Beyond a roof over their heads, what would you hope they experience during their first 24 hours?”
25. 5 Create a Shared Moment
26. Sample Discussion Question: A comprehensive human services organization “Earlier this evening, you talked about what you would hope a family experiences during their first 24 hours with us. I’d like everyone to think of one word that captures what you hope every person we serve will feel.” [Pause.] “Now, on the count of three, I’d like everyone to say your word out loud.”
27. A chorus of voices calls out how your organization makes people feel. “Hope.” “Safety.” “Compassion.” “Belonging.” “Love.” “Respect.” “Joy.”
28. The real opportunity every event offers?
29. Let’s stay in touch! connect@auctria.com FB Group: Auction Team Talk @auctria
30. Let’s stay in touch! Claire Axelrad claire@clairification.com 415-317-0594