Fundraising Special Events: A Line in the Sand for Analysis

Photo credit: http://www.flickr.com/photos/misbehave/

Have you found a way to add 24 hours to each day? If so, your department probably doesn't struggle with the need to balance volunteer training and call demands with the time it takes to pull off a fundraising special event.

Independent Sector is a leading national organization that uses research and multiple sources to quantify the value of volunteer time. According to Volunteering in America, the state of Iowa ranks second in the nation for overall rate of volunteerism among its entire population.

When reviewing the Volunteer Sector data, $12 an hour represents the low end of the value scale for the various types of activities volunteers do every day to keep nonprofits moving forward. I feel this is a great line in the sand to draw in terms of analyzing your special event(s). Steps to take:

1. Make a list of your department's special event(s). 

2. Make your best estimate of the total  number of volunteer hours devoted to making the special event a reality. 

3. Divide the net proceeds from your special events by the total number of volunteer hours.

4. If that number is less than $12/hour, your time may be better spent on other fundraising activities. Ideas for such other activities will be discussed in future blogs.

What's working for your department in terms of special events with a net benefit to your mission greater than $12 when you get through #4 above? Add your thoughts to the comments section below.