How to Follow Up After Your Fundraising Event

Throwing a fundraising event is just the start of a journey. Once the decorations are down and the guests have gone home, it's crucial to keep the momentum going. The steps you take after your event can make all the difference in maintaining lasting relationships with your supporters and setting the stage for future success. 

This article will guide you through practical strategies to engage with your attendees post-event, ensuring their ongoing support and enthusiasm for your mission.

1. Saying Thank You

Expressing gratitude after a fundraising event is the first step. It shows attendees, donors, and volunteers that their contributions are valued and have made a real difference. 

This personal touch can encourage ongoing support and build stronger relationships.

Thanking your supporters not only acknowledges their contribution but also reinforces their connection to your cause. It makes them feel appreciated and more likely to continue their support​​​​.

Aim to send thank you messages within 48 hours to a week after the event. Prompt gratitude shows you value their support and are attentive to your community​​.

Go beyond generic thanks with personalized messages that highlight the specific impact of the donor’s contribution. Share stories of how their support has helped and mention any future plans that their donation will aid​​.

Use various methods to express your gratitude, from personalized emails and social media shoutouts to handwritten notes and phone calls. Each method can convey appreciation in a unique and impactful way​​​​.

Remember, a simple thank you can go a long way in making donors feel valued and important to your organization's mission.

2. Sharing Event Highlights and Successes

After your fundraising event, sharing the highlights and successes is the second step in following up after your fundraising event. Here's how to effectively compile and share these moments:

Compile Key Moments

Start by gathering data, such as the total amount raised, and feedback from attendees to understand the event's impact and areas for improvement. Use surveys to collect attendees insights and identify what they enjoyed most​​.

Use Photos and Videos

Visual content, like photos and videos from the event, can vividly recap the experiences and successes. 

Share these visuals on social media, your website, and in emails to give everyone a taste of the event's atmosphere and achievements​​.

Share Stories and Impact

Beyond the numbers, share stories about the people and projects that benefited from the funds raised. This can include future plans, how donations are being used, and the specific impact on the community. 

It's also a chance to highlight and thank your donors, making them the heroes of the event's success story​​.

3. Providing a Financial Overview

After your fundraising event, sharing a clear financial overview with your supporters is crucial. 

This step of following up includes detailing how the funds raised will be used towards your organization's goals and projects. 

Transparency and accountability in this aspect play a significant role in building trust with your donors and the wider community.

Guidance on Sharing

Outline the specific initiatives or projects that the funds will support, breaking down the allocation in a way that's easy to understand. 

It's important to communicate the impact of these funds on your mission, increasing the sense of contribution among your supporters​​.

Importance of Transparency and Accountability

Being open about your finances creates a strong relationship with your donors. It reassures them that their contributions are making a difference and encourages future support. 

Transparency not only builds trust but also demonstrates your commitment to the cause and the responsible management of resources​​​​.

4. Gathering Feedback

Gathering feedback after your fundraising event is key to improving future events. 

To collect this feedback effectively, consider building a post-event survey that's ready to distribute with your initial thank you email. 

Focus on asking questions that provide actionable insights, such as what attendees liked best and least, suggestions for improvement, and their thoughts on the event's length and entertainment​​. 

Using tools like SurveyMonkey can simplify this process, and ensuring the survey is concise will respect your donors' time and encourage participation. 

Remember, the goal is to engage your donors and make them feel part of your mission's success.

5. Recognizing Special Contributions

Acknowledging special contributions from donors and volunteers is key to building lasting relationships. 

Beyond the traditional thank-you note, consider public recognition in your newsletters or on your social media platforms, highlighting their stories and the impact of their contributions. 

Hosting a special appreciation event or creating a dedicated space on your website for major contributors can also offer meaningful acknowledgment. 

For volunteers, personalized gifts or awards that reflect the spirit of their service can make them feel valued and appreciated. These gestures not only honor their commitment but also inspire others to get involved.

6. Planning for Future Communication

To keep supporters engaged after your fundraising event, develop a communication calendar for regular updates. 

Make a strategy that involves scheduling timely and relevant content that keeps your audience informed about your organization's progress, upcoming events, and how their contributions are making an impact. 

Regular updates can include newsletters, social media posts, and emails, ensuring your supporters feel connected and valued year-round. 

Edit your content to highlight success stories, volunteer opportunities, and future fundraising initiatives to maintain interest and encourage ongoing support.

The Ripple Effect of Thoughtful Follow-Up

Following up after your fundraiser is super important. It's your way of saying thanks to everyone who helped out, making them feel special and appreciated.

If you don't do this, or if you don't do it well, people might feel ignored. This could make them less likely to help out next time. But when you get the follow-up right, it strengthens your bond with donors and volunteers, keeping them close for future events. 

Plus, hearing what they thought about your event can give you great ideas for making the next one even better. So, always remember to follow up. 

It's like the cherry on top of your event, turning a single day of effort into a long-lasting partnership that helps your cause shine brighter.