HOW TO HOST A NON-EVENT FUNDRAISER
What is a non-event fundraiser?
A non-event fundraiser is an event that raises money but doesn’t have to really exist. A fundraising opportunity that is easy and requires minimal cost to put together yet provides a return of pure profit. It’s a win-win situation for both parties.
Step1
Send out invitations to supporters and potential supporters asking them to makea donation to the non-event for the privilege of not having to attend the said non-event.
Step 2
Enclose a brief description about the fundraiser and how their donation will make a difference to reducing global poverty. Keep everything simple and straight to the point. Provide a date of whe the event will take place (representing when donations should be in by).
Step 3
Enclose a return envelope for the contribution. Suggest a contribution based on the savings of not having to attend the non-existent event.
Ex: divert your potential spending on clothing, travel, etc for the event and donate that amount to the cause
Step 4
Send a Thank You to show the guest your appreciation of their support and their charitable donation to your fundraiser, as well as thank them for not coming to your event.Source
What guarantees a successful non-event?
Be creative and have fun with it!
Example Non-Event Invite
WE ASK YOU NOT TO JOIN US
FOR
THE BORGEN PROJECT’S NON-EVENT FUNDRAISER
BENEFITING
THE WORLD’S POOR IN OUR ATTEMPTS TO DOWNSIZE GLOBAL POVERTY
NOTTO BE HELD ON
(INSERT DATE)
AS A GUEST, YOU WILL
ENABLE A NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO WORK WITH CONGRESS TO INCREASE POVERTY-FOCUSED AID
Donating will guarantee you an undisturbed night of NOT having to attend this event as well as the satisfaction of knowing that your charitable contributions are helping to save the millions of lives who have fallen victim to GLOBAL POVERTY.
SUGGESTED CONTRIBUTION: DIVERT THE AMOUNT YOU WOULD HAVE SPENT ON THIS EVENING TO THIS URGENT GLOBAL CAUSE
We truly hope that you can partake in this Non-Event Fundraiser and looking forward to your non-attendance
EXCLUSIVE INVITATION TO THE
“NON-EVENT” OF THE YEAR
The Borgen Project cordially invites you to stay home and watch TV... You’re welcome. :)
We considered throwing the fundraiser of the year, but then we decided that helping the world’s poor shouldn’t require good people to go through this expensive ordeal…
$140: Two tickets to a swank, black-tie fundraiser.
$120: Tuxedo rental for him.
$180: Fabulous dress for her.
+$110: Cost of impulsively raising your paddle after the auctioneer said, “Do I hear $110?”
$550: Amount The Borgen Project just saved you by not throwing a black-tie fundraiser.
$ : Your self-determined ticket price to the “The Borgen Project’s Non-Event of The Year.”
As an innovative, high-profile nonprofit that is downsizing international poverty, we were a bit tempted to throw an impressive fundraiser worthy of our cause... But that’s so not The Borgen Project! For starters, most of our team has spent time in many of the most troubled regions of the world; famines, wars, refugee camps, slums and AIDS orphanages, traversing through these places is what has brought us to The Borgen Project and shaped our perspective. We enjoy a good party, butour style is to keep it cheap… And no party is cheaper than a non-existent party. So instead ofhaving our team spend weeks planning a fundraiser, we’re going to keep them focused on righting preventable wrongs. And instead of asking you to spend your Friday night in a stiff suit or uncomfortable heels, we’re just asking you to donate a portion of what such a night might have cost you.
When isn’t it:New Years Eve, Saturday, December 31st2011
Where isn’t it:It won’t be held at Rockefellar Center in New York City.
Who’s not coming: 1,000 tickets will be sold, but not one person will show up.
Two Ways to Donate/Purchase your Nonexistent Ticket
1. Donate online at borgenproject.org/donate
2. Mail in checks payable to “The Borgen Project”
The Borgen Project
1416 NW 46th St Ste 105 PMB 145
Seattle, WA 98107
The Borgen Project is 501(c)(3), nonprofit organization. Your contribution is tax-deductible!