Tips for Your Next Community Meal

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The many yummy meals hosted by your department, as well fire and EMS organizations across the country provide important budget support. They create stronger connections with members of the community. How might these events become even better?

1. The 2010 Charity Event Research Report contains detailed input from 850 prospective donors nationwide on how to make fundraising events more effective. The report includes one finding particularly relevant to these meals: Let someone your organization serves give the speech. If you have some sort of presentation(s) during your meal, consider whether a grateful victim might share his or her perspective on what your emergency services mean from firsthand experience. 

2. A wide array of research reports indicate that donors respond most generously when maximum choice is given to them to direct their support. If you're not already doing so, consider making your meal cost a free will donation. Departments who have made this transition have seen their average proceeds from the meal increase.

3. Clearly communicate at your meal the specific investment you will make with the generous event proceeds to further the mission of your department. Report what you did with last year's proceeds. If possible, make this part interactive. For example, if you're planning on or purchased a thermal imaging camera, demonstrate through a display the difference the camera makes in spotting fire and victims. 
 
These are three ideas. What's working well at your community meal? How are you thanking the incredible donors who allow you to move your mission forward with their support? Please share your perspective through the comments section below.