For many nonprofits, fundraising at events is the cornerstone of the budget, but year after year the board will ask: How can we raise more money at our next event? Obviously doing the same event over and over and expecting more and better results is not the answer. So what is?

1. Expand the Event or Raise Ticket Prices. This is a bold move but many groups reach capacity with an event and do not change the ticket price. A for-profit group would certainly take this step if they had an oversold venue. It’s not simple though. Event committees and board members become accustomed to event habits (location, price, atmosphere) and it will be necessary to articulate the strategic reasons for the change. Use technology to expand your reach via livestreaming or additional satellite locations.

2. Get people who are not at the event to donate. Use software (ours is great!) to integrate social media by showing it on the screen, or encouraging people to reach out to their networks while at the event. Does that really work? Yes, it does. If people see you online having a good time and raising money for a good cause they will donate before, during and after the event. Swell software lets your donors challenge their friends via social media to donate even when they are not there. And, let’s face it, with today’s busy schedules some people would rather just give the money than have to actually attend the event. Capture those people.

3. Practice good donor retention. Make sure you have a way to capture all the new people you brought to your event, both online and in person.