Last updated on Aug 18, 2024

You're hosting a fundraising event. How can you ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all donors?

Ensuring that everyone can participate in your fundraising event is crucial to its success. When planning, you need to consider various factors that contribute to inclusivity and accessibility. This means going beyond just physical accessibility and thinking about how to accommodate all potential donors, regardless of their abilities or backgrounds. To create an event where everyone feels welcome, and able to contribute, you'll need to be thoughtful about the venue, communication, presentation, and more. By doing so, you not only broaden your donor base but also demonstrate your commitment to diversity and equality.

1 Venue Choice

Selecting the right venue is fundamental for an inclusive fundraising event. You must ensure that the location is physically accessible to people with mobility challenges. This includes wheelchair ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms. Additionally, consider the proximity to public transportation and availability of parking spaces. Venues should also be checked for sensory accessibility, such as areas with lower noise levels for those with auditory sensitivities. By choosing an accommodating venue, you send a strong message that all donors are valued and respected.

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Stephen Maxwell Rodriguez, MBA

Vice President of Development @ Brandeis | MBA
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It's concerning how overlooked this decision is. If you are intending to be welcoming and inclusive you need to make sure what/where you are inviting people to is the same. Having an event where there aren't accessible means of entry/egress is a bare necessity. Site tours are a great way to learn about this - also there are resources to avail that help you ensure accessibility is top of mind.

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2 Communication Plan

Effective communication is key to inclusivity. Prior to the event, provide information in multiple formats - Braille, large print, and digital copies that are screen-reader friendly. During the event, have sign language interpreters available and ensure all audiovisual presentations are captioned. It's also important to use clear, simple language in all communications to be easily understood by individuals for whom English may not be their first language or who have cognitive disabilities. In this way, you ensure that everyone can engage with your event's content.

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FauzTINO G.

Silverpreneur and storyteller
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Puntos a considerar: 1. Accesibilidad física: Asegúrate de que el lugar del evento sea accesible para personas con discapacidades físicas. Esto incluye rampas, ascensores, baños adaptados y espacio suficiente. 2. Registro y donaciones accesibles: Ofrece opciones de registro y donación en línea y en persona, para adaptarse a diferentes necesidades. 3. Personal capacitado: Capacita al personal y a los voluntarios sobre inclusión y accesibilidad, para que puedan brindar apoyo adecuado. 4. Comunicación continua: Mantén una comunicación clara y constante con los donantes para asegurarte de que estén informados. 5. Feedback y evaluación: Solicita retroalimentación de los donantes sobre la inclusión y accesibilidad del evento.

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Stephen Maxwell Rodriguez, MBA

Vice President of Development @ Brandeis | MBA
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Does your invitation include language about accessibility needs? Can it be easily read by a text to speech tool? Will you have printed information at the event? Will you make it available in different formats? Will you have ASL interpreters or closed captioning? Think through how you can make sure your communications are inclusive and accessible. Maybe your organziation should develop an internal process and check-list related to this - ensuring it meets your values as an organization.

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3 Engagement Strategy

To engage a diverse group of donors, tailor your fundraising activities to cater to different interests and abilities. Offer a variety of participation options, such as silent auctions for those who prefer less interaction or Q&A sessions for those who enjoy active engagement. Ensure that any physical activities are adaptable for people with disabilities. By providing multiple ways to engage, you help all attendees feel included and able to contribute in a manner that suits them.

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4 Financial Accessibility

Financial barriers can prevent people from participating in fundraising events. To address this, consider a sliding scale for ticket prices or even free entry for those who cannot afford to pay. Additionally, offer various donation levels so everyone can contribute according to their means. Remember that inclusivity also means economic inclusivity; by being mindful of financial diversity, you enable broader participation and support for your cause.

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Stephen Maxwell Rodriguez, MBA

Vice President of Development @ Brandeis | MBA
(edited)
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This is a tough one because if the goal of the event is to raise money, you can't necessarily alter the entry points for the event. What you can do though is ensure, in other efforts, you provide a way in which donors, regardless of level, can see themselves making a difference. Remember that almost everything can be personalized in today's world, so your work here should be, also. Perhaps you still have the gala model where tables are purchased. You could also have a virtual showcase afterward, pulling together snippets of the event, along with opportunities to see the mission in action for donors at any level.

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5 Cultural Consideration

Cultural inclusivity is another important aspect of your event. This includes recognizing dietary restrictions by offering a range of food options that accommodate different cultural and religious practices. Also, be mindful of dates and times that may conflict with cultural or religious holidays. By being culturally sensitive, you show respect for the diverse backgrounds of your potential donors and create a welcoming atmosphere for all.

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6 Feedback Loop

Finally, establishing a feedback loop is essential for continuous improvement in inclusivity. Provide channels for attendees to share their experiences and suggestions, both during and after the event. This can be done through surveys, comment boxes, or designated feedback sessions. Actively listen to the feedback and be willing to make changes for future events. This not only helps refine your approach but also demonstrates that you value and act upon the input of your community.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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You're hosting a fundraising event. How can you ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all donors?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Venue Choice

2 Communication Plan

3 Engagement Strategy

4 Financial Accessibility

5 Cultural Consideration

6 Feedback Loop

7 Here’s what else to consider

Fundraising

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You're hosting a fundraising event. How can you ensure inclusivity and accessibility for all donors?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Venue Choice

2 Communication Plan

3 Engagement Strategy

4 Financial Accessibility

5 Cultural Consideration

6 Feedback Loop

7 Here’s what else to consider

Fundraising

Rate this article

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