How are charities educating participants of their golf fundraiser about their mission?
afp asks:
For golf events where the majority of golfers/sponsors are not personal supporters of the charity, how are those charities educating participants about their mission and encouraging them to donate personally?
Answer:
This is a common occurrence at charity golf tournaments—a past supporter or participant registers for your event and taps into their personal and professional network to field a team. These folks likely don’t know much, if anything, about your organization or the work you do.
Not only is this a huge opportunity to raise awareness about your mission, but steward and onboard new donors. Golf events are especially unique in that they organically expand your donor base while simultaneously raising crucial dollars for your work.
That being said, it’s important for organizations to create a cause connection with golf tournament participants in order to convert them into regular donors outside the golf event. Organizations have done this in a variety of ways:
Taking advantage of the event’s registration website to share photos, videos, and messaging about the organization’s work, in addition to making specific donation asks before, during, and after the event.
Using an event management platform’s messaging feature to send emails and/or push notifications about the tournament’s fundraising goals and progress.
During tee time events, staff are positioned near the first hole and chat with golfers about the organization while they wait to tee off.
Organization staff and/or volunteers drive around on golf carts throughout the day, talking to golfers about the mission, handing out goodies (can coolers, ball markers, tees, drinks, etc.), making sure things are running smoothly, and being visible.
Setting up banners and displays at high visibility spots around the golf course, such as near the check in area, in the clubhouse, or next to buffet tables or bars.
Taking a few minutes at any post-tournament gathering (banquet, dinner, cocktail hour, awards ceremony, etc.) to thank participants for attending, talk about the organization's mission, and share what the golf event is raising money for.
Sending a thank you following the golf tournament with a brief impact story that highlights what the golfer or sponsor’s contribution did for the organization.
About AFP Asks
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