Are you looking for a glamorous way to raise money for your nonprofit organization or charitable work? Why not host a fundraising gala?
Whether you’re on a mission to save a life, find a cure, create a greener city, or preserve the arts, you can raise money with a fundraising gala and have a smashing time.
But behind the exciting conversations, glittering gowns, and chin-chin of champagne glasses, there’s the not-so-sexy, behind-the-scenes detail you’re secretly stressing about:
How do you organize the gala budget and collect contributions seamlessly?
These critical details don’t always get the airtime they deserve, so we’re spotlighting them here.
With Braid Money Pools, you get to organize your gala budget, manage and pay for event expenses, and collect donor contributions. We know, it sounds like quite a feat - or should we say fête?
But Braid streamlines gala finances like a sleek tuxedo and helps you throw a successful event. Keep reading to see how.
Includes:
Galas are sophisticated parties that often double as fundraisers for nonprofit or charitable organizations.
Often billed as the organization’s biggest bash of the year, gala fundraisers give attendees a fabulous time while raising money for important causes.
How do charity galas make money? Give donors a wonderful gala experience, and they’ll feel inspired to give generously.
It’s like a dance. And as your delightful gala draws out the altruist in every attendee, give them an effortless way to donate by giving them Braid Pool Links. We’ll show you how below.
Ready to learn how to set up your fundraising gala money pools? Click here!
Galas feel effortless for the guests. But as the organizer, you know they are anything but. A gala event planning checklist, like this one, helps you stay on top of everything.
How do you plan a gala event?
Here’s a closer look at each item.
Galas are an attractive fundraising option. But before planning one, review your budget and financial goals:
If yes, you can confidently begin planning a fundraising gala.
How far in advance should you plan a gala? In general, the sooner you start, the better. This way, you can lock in lower prices and give donors an even better experience.
Galas have many moving parts: venue, decor, catering, entertainment, swag, etc. Organize and budget for each of these expenses with your Braid Pools:
What kind of gala do you want to throw? Dream up a fantastic idea with your committee. If you feel stumped, get inspired by the following themes:
Whichever theme you choose, you can budget for every gala expense using your Braid Pool.
What do you do at a gala?
As the gala organizer, you might think the primary goal is raising money. But that comes second. First, you need to give attendees an unforgettable event with offerings like:
You can pay for these components directly from your pool using the Braid debit card.
The proper venue is the one that best aligns with your organization, gala theme, and number of attendees.
Start this research early to lock in your best price, keep overhead costs low, and increase your budget for other event components, like advertising, catering, keynote speakers, etc.
There are many ways to get the word out about your gala: emails, websites, social media, and local advertising.
However you choose to promote it, consider including Braid Pool Links in your messaging. They’re the easiest way to secure early bird payments, and we’ll show you how to use them below.
Once you identify your fundraising goal, plan to give donors a fantastic party and an easy way to donate.
We’ll leave it up to you and your talented organizers to choose the perfect theme, decor, dinner menu, and DJ for your gala. When it comes to a seamless donation experience for your attendees, leave it to Braid Pool Links. Check it out.
Ready to check “Money Pools” off your gala checklist? Click here!
Your gala is a fundraiser, so a successful fête largely depends on how much money you raise.
For this, you need Pool Links. They are links that come with every Braid Pool, and they’re a fundraiser’s dream. Here’s how to set them up and collect donations with them.
Because Braid takes care of donations behind the scenes for you, you can focus on networking and building a better report with your donors.
Once the gala is over, you can keep donations in the pool for as long as necessary. There are no pool deadlines or expiration dates.
When spending donations for your nonprofit or charitable endeavors, use the Braid debit card to spend 100% of pool funds directly without worrying about a single transaction fee, service fee, or overdraft fee.
You can also transfer funds to a bank account using your pool’s routing and account numbers. Send funds instantly for a 1.75% fee or transfer money for free with our standard transfer option.
You now know how to simplify money at fundraising galas, from organizing your budget and gala expenses to collecting donations. All with the help of Braid Pools and Pool Links.
So, raise a glass to your savvy self and have fun raising funds to further your important work and mission.