Why People Really Attend Fundraisers

Last weekend I attended a fundraiser for a great local charity. There were almost 500 people in attendance.  When it comes to attending any sort of event I approach it like a potential case study.  There is always a lesson to be learned or an idea solidified.  In this particular case, I was out to solidify my notion of why people really attend fundraisers.  The added bonus was that I was able to put on the tux and accompanying sly grin. I think doing research should be fun.

Why do people attend fundraisers?
Make sure you etch the next sentence permanently into your mind. A very minute number of people actually attend fundraisings events because the money goes to a good cause. This might offend some people, especially the organizer of such an event.  Over the last 15 years I’ve attended well over 50 fund raisers of all kinds.  In some instances people have flown in from all over the world just attend a one night fundraiser. A ticket price to the event of $150-$200 is pale in comparison to what people pay for airfare, lodging, food, etc. Why would someone do this? Because raising money for a charity isn’t really the motivating factor.  They’re there for a very different reason.

Try the following next time you attend a fundraiser. Ask a few people at the fundraiser the following question, “What brings you to this event?” Chances are you’re going to get one of two very common answers.

• The person is there because they know someone either organizing or associated with the event.
  
  
• They’re there because they consider the event a “good time.”

You’d be surprised at how few times someone says they’re at an event, because it supports a good cause. In all the times I’ve asked the question, only two or three people have answered with conviction, “I’m here to support a good cause.” 

I hope the information is carefully considered by those who organize fundraisers. Most event organizers falsely think people are attending their event because it supports a good cause. That type of false logic can doom a fundraising event. Always remember people attend your event because they want to have a good time or a unique experience.

Today the competition is fierce and people are far more protective of their dollar.  You have to go that extra mile. The best way to raise money for a good cause is by making sure the event is an amazing experience for those in attendance. If your event isn't a good time, regardless of the cause, people won't come back to support it.

Want to get more great info? Check out the articles below:

• Why Well Planned Events Fail
• How to Get Them To Your Event
  
• Getting Them to Buy Tickets Early
• Turn Your Event Into an Experience
• Leveraging Your Sponsor's Digital Resources

• The Event Promotion System
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