How to cut costs at your next fundraising

event

Secrets your vendors don’t want you to knowSecrets your vendors don’t want you to know

Prepared by: Anisha Robinson KeeysLance-Lee Planning / Best Practice Fundraising

www.bestpracticefundraising.com215.300.5112

• Book a location during slow months: September through November, January through early April

• Consider lower cost alternative locations

• Breakfast and lunch events are most cost effective

• Food stations instead of plated

Before the eventBefore the event

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Before the event

• Book entertainment far in advance

• Consider alternative entertainment (ipod, junior talent)

• Select "in season" floral items

• Personalize and create unique centerpieces

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During the event

• Create sign templates that you can personalize year after year

• Cost saving ambience: red carpet, creative lighting, pipe and drape

• Enlist local art schools

• Don’t forget you are tax exempt—sometimes venues can mistakenly add taxes to your bill

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During the event

• Enlist volunteer manpower for logistics (sports teams, halfway houses)

• Buy reusable name tags that guests can leave behind as they exit

• Have auction consignment? Get savings with their leftover items

• Solicit local luxury car companies to underwrite valet parking

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Want More Secrets?

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Visit us at Best Practice Fundraising for more information