The Special Events Toolbox brings together 25 years of Cause Effective's event planning experience in one complete how-to guide for nonprofit organizations. This is a unique publication providing planning guidance for objectives, logistics and marketing, and identifies common pitfalls to avoid.

Table of Contents

Introduction

Sample Chapter

Take Stock of Your Organization Checklist
In order to determine what objectives you want special events to accomplish for your organization, you need to identify the human and financial resources at your disposal that will help make those objectives achievable. The following checklist can help you create a clear picture of where your organization is now, how it got there and where you want it to go.

Establish Objectives for a Special Events Campaign Worksheet
Every special event must begin with objectives and every special event question must be answered with objectives in mind. Having clear, shared objectives keeps all parties headed in the same direction and helps establish guidelines around decision making.

Sponsorship Opportunities
The most effective fundraising happens when the right person asks the right person for the right amount of the right thing at the right time in the right place and in the right way. Establishing the “right” sponsorships levels for your event is the “right” way to get started.

Timelines
Timelines give you the “what”, “when” and “who” for each task of your special event. With your objectives and budget, timelines help in the initial decision-making process about how many and what types of events you need to plan for.

Event Evaluation
Sometime after the last toast is made and before all involved with your event return too deeply to their normal routines, take the time to look at what you have accomplished and what you have learned from your experience. It is invaluable information for your organization in future event planning.