Event Fundraising Using Crimson

For most candidates, event fundraising is where they reap the greatest financial rewards. Crimson users raised over $488 million in 2012 from events alone.We can talk about direct mailers, crowdfunding, and donations via mobile devices, but there is still nothing that can replace a hall or constituent’s home where you can shake hands and present a speech summarizing your political vision to real, live people. However, there are ways to maximize your attendance and giving levels at these events.If you are planning an informal, free event you can send a mass e-mail invitation. This would be perfect for an open house or meet and greet. You can use Crimson to generate email list and track RSVPs, send thank you cards, and create save the date reminders.  For events that are formal, that you are charging admission, or that is fairly intimate, you will probably want to send old fashioned cardstock invitations.If you are planning on sending a mass e-mail, obviously most people on your list will decline coming. But that doesn’t mean they can’t donate! Consider inserting a link to your online donation form (our favorite is WidgetMakr) for those who can’t attend to help sponsor your event.Need some volunteers? Create a link on your website for supporters to sign up. You can collect their personal information, list jobs for them to check off that they would like to do, and have your volunteer coordinator call them to follow up. Many times people want to help, they just don’t know where to start. Not only can you use WidgetMakr to create donation processing forms but it is great for volunteer signup forms too.People are social beings. Sometimes the biggest draw to a party is who else is attending. Facebook can be a great way to garner excitement for your event if you get the right supporters commenting. You also may want to consider posting pictures of your event the following day and when you send out your next batch of invitations; you want those who didn’t attend to feel like they missed out on a great night.Once you get your attendees to your venue, don’t forget to bring your tech devices with you. With CrimsonMobile you can have all of your vital donation information in the palm of your hand: who gave what, who has yet to give, and who needs to make good on a pledge. You can plan out your conversation and your time accordingly. With Crimson you can also process donations and print out reports telling you how successful your event was.Event fundraising and internet fundraising go hand-in-hand. They both strive to inspire people to give and vote. Once you practice synchronizing the two, I’m sure you will be amazed at the results.