What You’ll Learn
- Define what a fundraising event is and different types of fundraising events
- Describe how to decide whether to hold an event or not
- Identify different event levels and set goals for an event
- Determine event logistics and budget
- Explain best practices for follow-up
Why This is Important
Fundraising events can be a great way to get new people involved in your campaign and move current volunteers and donors up the ladder of engagement. However, they take careful consideration and planning to be successful. After taking this course, you’ll be able to decide when an event is a good option, how to throw a great event, and how to build on a successful event.
Key Resources
- Examples of Event Invitations
- Template Event Budget
- Event Planning Timeline and Checklist
- Sample Event Sign-in Form
- Example Event Tick Tock
- Event Scenarios Worksheet
- Event Packing Checklist
- Template Donation Thank-You Letter
Related Trainings
- Preparing for Call Time — Learn how to prepare your host or candidate for call time, which is the key to getting invitees to show up
- Staffing Call Time — Learn how to staff your host and candidate while they are calling event invitees and reminding them to attend
- Thanking and Following Up with Donors — Write thank-you letters to donors and follow up with attendees who haven’t contributed yet
Kelly Dietrich
Trainer
As founder and CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee (NDTC), Kelly Dietrich brings more than 20 years of experience on dozens of Democratic campaigns across the country.
Kelly started NDTC in 2016, where at the time it was a collection of videos covering an array of campaign topics, available to campaigns and their volunteers for free. Five years later, those videos grew into a fully fledged training program with hundreds of courses, videos, and articles about running effective campaigns. Kelly’s expertise in various areas — fundraising, staff training, sci-fi (maybe not as much) — have shaped NDTC into an industry leader in Democratic politics.
Originally from Missouri, Kelly lives in Chicago, IL with his wife, daughter, and dog, Tulip, who is allegedly part cat. Beyond work, Kelly is a diehard Kansas Jayhawk and an avid poker player. Kelly also serves on the board of directors at his local park, Sheil Park. This is where he “plays” basketball, which according to his wife can only be loosely considered a hobby. Even with all these interests, Kelly remains committed to making sure high quality tools and training are available to any Democrat who steps up to run for office, work on a campaign, or make their community better.