Events involve so much focus on the attendee experience, that we often overlook the wonderful opportunity to include a philanthropic component. Special and corporate events have enormous potential for good, and we’re here to show you how your event can give back to your community or your favorite charity. There are a number of ways to introduce fundraising and charity to your event, but it’s important to remember that the effectiveness of your ideas depends on how well they excite donors, increase engagement, motivate immediate action, and inspire supporters and attendees.

Picture this: dozens to hundreds of people gathered together with a common mission, sponsors prepared to spend significant amounts of money to promote their brand, and engaging activities and delicious foods at every turn. Yes, it’s a networking meeting or a big celebration, but it’s also an incredible opportunity to give back! Wizard Studios knows the importance of giving to those in need and supporting our community, so we’ve found innovative ways for transforming occasions into opportunities for generosity. 

If you plan to make this year the year you prioritize giving back at your event, keep reading for some charitable event inspiration! 

DONATE YOUR PROCEEDS TO CHARITIES

One of the best ways you can ensure your event gives back is by designing your entire event around supporting a charity. Find a non-profit charity that aligns with your company’s values and whose mission will speak to your attendees and inspire them to donate. It feels good to do good, so if you advertise that all the proceeds will be going to a charity that your target audience would wish to support, you’ll find out just how charitable and generous people can be! Sharing this giving opportunity will look good for your brand and establish your organization as one that cares about others. 

FIND THE PERFECT ENTERTAINMENT

Just like finding the right charity to support, choosing the perfect entertainment for your event has a major impact on how much you are able to give back. It’s important to find performers that not only support and believe in your brand but also your philanthropic endeavors and ideas. Invite speakers or panelists to your event to discuss certain social issues and charities. Let them inspire your guests to follow suit. Finding entertainers or keynote speakers and experts who share your event’s vision is key. The ideal entertainment might develop into dependable collaborators for increased community impact. The wrong ones might send the wrong message to your audience, so partner with socially responsible brands.

CHARITABLE RACE OR RUN

Charitable tuns are growing in popularity across the country. Avid runners and joyful walkers come together for a race and typically finish off with a series of festivities and delicious foods. By marketing your event to your community, you can charge an early entrance fee and take free-will donations at the event for all the runners’ friends and family!  Be sure to advertise that 100% of the donations will be given to your chosen nonprofit. This is a great way to get people outside, get some fun exercise, and feel good about giving back to those in need. It’s a win-win!

MATCHED MONETARY DONATIONS

Professional events can be fantastic venues for charitable donations, but in order for them to really be successful, your mission needs to be relevant. People love to help others, but we are bombarded every day with phone calls, emails, and flyers asking for monetary donations. Many of us don’t have the funds to support every cause, so we often start to ignore or turn a blind eye and deal with the guilt later. If there is a worldly connection to your event’s mission or if people are in critical need, attendees are more inclined to help with charitable gifts. A great way to encourage donations that doesn’t feel scheme-y is with matched monetary donations. If your company has the means to do it on your own and match your guests’ donations, then that’s wonderful! If not, find a sponsor to boost the ante and keep your attendees up-to-date on how much was donated and matched! Remember, we’re all in this together.

ADD A FUNDRAISING COMPONENT TO ANY EVENT

Even if your event isn’t centered on fundraising or a certain charity, you can still add a charitable component. Announce to attendees that you are donating a certain percentage of your ticket sales or proceeds to a nonprofit organization. A great way to suddenly include a charitable option is by giving ticket buyers the option to add on a donation as they check out online. Your guests will be moved by your business’ generosity and encouraged to contribute to the cause you've chosen, as well as buy tickets to your event because it has a charitable component. 

Wizard Studios is passionate about giving back and we are always excited when events host those opportunities. There are so many more ways you can help your community and the world by hosting an event that gives back! If you’re excited to give back and inspire others through your next event, contact Wizard Studios today!