4 Tips to Continue Donor Engagement After an Event

Whew. You know that feeling when your organization just gets done with a fundraising event, everything is packed up, and you are probably ready for a 48 hour nap? This feels like a good time to take a breath and rest on your laurels, but your work is not over yet. The time after your event is actually one of the most important to continue engagement with your donors.

Your donors and other supporters have just attended your event. They learned more about your organization and enjoyed your culture and community. So now is the time to reinforce their relationship with your organization and strengthen your ties.

So here are some of the best ways to continue donor engagement after a fundraising event:

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Say Thank You
This seems so simple, but hear me out. This is NOT a time to ask for further financial support, especially if they donated during your event. This is an opportunity for donor stewardship and to build support and loyalty to your organization. So say thank you! Whether with a quick phone call, a note, or a general message broadcasted on social media, make sure that your attendees know that your organization appreciates their time and support!

Share Pictures and Videos 
We all know the adage “a picture’s worth a thousand words,” so make sure photographs and videos from your event are widely shared! People will enjoy seeing the good times had by all. And if you can share them on your social media, even better! Have your supporters share your pictures, tag one another, and comment on their favorites! This can keep the engagement going well after your event is over.

Follow-Up With Facts
This is not just reporting funding received from your event (whether you choose to share total donations, net revenue, or however you calculate this “total” number to share with constituents). There is so much more information that can be shared about your event that will continue to draw interest and engagement. You can show your donors where the funding is going (i.e., highlight different programs or services and what they will receive from the revenue from the event).
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And here are some other interesting facts that you can share:

• Number of 1st time event attendees/People that had not previously been engaged with your organization
• Average donation amount from the event
• Number of volunteers that helped before, during, and after the event
• Comparisons to funds raised at past events (especially if it is an annual event)

Ask for Feedback
Provide short survey forms for your constituents to fill out after your event is over. This can be a scary proposition for some organizations, but it is an extremely valuable tool. Offering an opportunity for your event attendees to provide feedback will not only help to improve other events, but it will also make your supporters feel heard and engaged with your organization. Everyone likes to feel involved, and letting your attendees give their honest feedback (both compliments and constructive critiques) will go a long way for your post-event engagement.

Post-event engagement is commonly overlooked, but can provide so much additional benefit to your organization in the long run. Use your event to continue to build those relationship with your constituents. Employ the tactics we discussed here and get creative! Use the theme or a special detail from your event to keep the conversation going and make your supporters feel appreciated, involved, and valued!

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How do you continue donor engagement after events? We would love to hear your ideas! And as always, comments, questions, and concerns are always appreciated.