As university students prepare for their fall semester exams, there’s only one thing on their minds: the winter holidays! Most students make plans months ahead to make the most of their holidays. However, these students are also mindful of the generosity of spirit that comes with this holiday season. This is the reason many universities and colleges host fundraising events on their campuses before the holidays.
These fundraising initiatives in universities are held to support a variety of noble causes. Such events play a pivotal role in spreading joy and the spirit of giving. These events are often organized to raise money for student scholarships or campus improvements, or to support clubs and student organizations. However, putting together a successful fundraising event can be challenging for students. The good news is, these challenges can be averted with the right strategies and ideas.Â
In this blog, let’s explore the strategies that have previously proved successful for organizing fundraising events in universities.
1. Increasing Donations through Gift-matching programs
The holiday season brings a sense of joy among people as they bask in the spirit of Christmas and the New Year. During these festivities, the idea of launching a themed fundraising campaign for a university event has proven to be effective in the past. Encouraging donors to double their impact by partnering with corporate sponsors can be highly successful. This approach not only enhances the credibility of the fundraising campaign but also increases donor engagement.
Gift-matching programs are a philanthropic strategy where donations are matched by a third party, like a corporation or major donor, to increase the total amount raised and motivate donors.
2. Maximize Donations with an Effective End-of-Year Fundraising Drive
The end of the year is an ideal time to reach out to donors and request their generosity. This period provides an opportunity to share stories of students who have benefited from these fundraising campaigns, inspiring donors to support these noble initiatives. The holiday season, encompassing Christmas, Thanksgiving, and other celebrations, promotes a strong sense of goodwill and reflection. People are more generous and compassionate, eager to assist those in need and make a positive impact.
Many countries offer tax deductions on contributions to eligible charities. Donors aiming to lower their taxable income for the year are encouraged to make donations before the calendar year ends.
3. Engage Alumni Through Inspiring Reunion Events That Encourage Donations
As the winter season approaches, it serves as the best time for alumni to gather and raise funds for students through various events. Hosting a virtual or in-person event can double your fundraising efforts. A themed fundraiser has always attracted more donations from alumni. Such events provide the perfect opportunity for alumni to reminisce on the time they’ve spent in their alma mater.
4. Increase Participation with Interdepartmental Fundraiser Day Challenges
Competitions among university students often foster friendly rivalry and strengthen connections. Organizing a one-day event online where departments of a university can participate to bring in more donors, which potentially leads to more donations. At the end of this type of competition, recognizing the winning department can foster a sense of appreciation, which makes them donate every year to a noble cause.
5. Encourage University Spirit by Selling Fundraising Merchandise
Among the universities around the globe, one of the most unique brand positioning is selling university merchandise. This is a great way of attracting more students across all departments. One can offer special winter collection merchandise to cater to specific needs. This sparks enthusiasm amongst the students to organize and bring in donors for a much better fundraiser.
6. Utilize the Strength of Crowdfunding to Benefit University Initiatives
Crowdfunding has always been effective in the case of fundraisers. From organizing a student-led trip to asking for funds by hosting various events, donors come in, in numbers. Donors always cater to one specific need to help in the crowdfunding process; this approach ensures it. This strategy has proven to bring substantial funds on a much larger scale. When the campaign meets it’s goal, the funds are released to the the campaigner.
7. Build Relationships with Donors Through Personalized Thank-a-Thon Events
Winter is the time for universities to connect with their community. A thank-a-thon event is where students call up these donors and thank them for their donation. This creates a deep-rooted appreciation that guarantees donations from these individuals next year as well. This approach encourages more participation. This type of purpose-driven event attracts audiences on a larger scale. It builds stronger donor relationships, boosts donor retention, and can lead to future donations by reminding donors of the organization’s work and their impact. Donors should be appreciated for the donations so that they bring in more the following years.
Empower your Fundraising Events with Dryfta
The winter season brings people on a large scale; hence, handling them requires a system that adheres to this cause. That is where Dryfta, an all-in-one event management platform, comes in. Right from organizing the event to the post-event thank-a-thon, you can rely on this platform without any worry.
We provide a range of different services to organize and navigate through all aspects of university fundraising events. Apart from in-person events, Dryfta’s services are perfectly suitable for hosting virtual and hybrid events too.Â
If you still have a doubt lingering in your mind about your options, you can book a free demo and see for yourself.