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.

Breaks Happen: An Opportunity to Build Stronger Community Connections

While serving your public safety mission, breaks in public trust and confidence in your department happen. In their own ways, each break is painful for everyone involved.

Perhaps one of your members didn't behave respectfully on a call or out in public. Perhaps a resident reacted emotionally to traffic being impacted while you addressed a victim's need in a car accident. The list of potential sources for breaks in public trust and confidence could go on and on. 

When was the last time you looked at those breaks as the doctor did in the above collar bone break - as an opportunity to build stronger community connections?

Think of one situation in your department you think represents a "break" for your mission. Maybe it's between members. Maybe it's with a council member or fire board member. Maybe it's with a retiree. Maybe it's with a call victim. 

Sit down face to face with the source of the break. Thank them for taking the time to meet with you. Ask them to share their perspective on why they are upset. Just listen.  

After they've had a chance to share their concerns, repeat the person's feelings about the situation back to them to confirm understanding. 

After you've listened, consider whether there is one action you could implement from that was shared because of the "break." 

An example: Let's say a resident felt one of your volunteers responded too quickly to a call with his or her blue light. Would it be proper to remind all volunteers about the responsibilities that come with the blue light at an upcoming training? 


Keep the source of the "break" informed on your follow up. Let them know you are sorry they had a negative experience with your department.

Breaks are opportunities to make your incredible service to your community even stronger. 


When "breaks" are listened to, treated with respect and kept informed,in almost all cases, community connections will be stronger. 


What break experiences have you had in your department?