Nonprofit events are known for many things. Doing good. Raising funds. Attracting like-minded people focused on a shared mission. But they sometimes get a bad rap when it comes to the quality of the events themselves.

Fortunately, there are many ways to host a fun and engaging event on a limited budget. Philanthropic organizations routinely hold events to help create awareness about their cause, rally volunteers and raise funds. But how can you make your event stand out? How can you make it equally memorable for your guests and compelling for potential donors? Whether you are organizing a simple charity run, a benefit concert or an annual gala:

1. Offer plenty of tasty treats to make your event unforgettable.
2. Set clear objectives.
3. Choose a memorable theme.
4. Engage your audience.
5. Create unique experiences. 
6. Plan thoroughly to make your event stand out.

Here’s some other food for thought to help you get the ball rolling:

1. Start by Setting Clear Goals

The first step in organizing a charitable event is to identify the goals you want to achieve. Do you want to raise funds for a specific cause, create awareness about a particular issue, or increase your volunteer base?

Once you have identified your objectives, you can build your event around them. Set specific targets so that you can measure the impact of the event. Be sure to communicate your objectives with your team, and ensure that everyone is on the same page. Additionally, ensure that all logistics, including catering, entertainment, venue and transport are secure and appropriate.

2. Choose a Memorable Theme

A well-planned theme can add color and character to your event. Choose a theme that resonates with your cause or organization, and that can capture the imagination of your guests. You can create a theme around a particular color, charity or any aspect that speaks to your cause. For example, if your organization focuses on education, choose a theme that highlights books or literary characters. A consistent theme can also help you create a strong brand identity for your event.

3. Engage Your Audience with Delicious, Upscale Sweet & Salty Snack Options

Any nonprofit event should provide a variety of snacks that are broadly appealing – and gourmet sweet and salty snacks such as chocolate pretzels and caramel popcorn are always crowd pleasers. Highly popular snack ideas include:

• Nut mixes
• Variety of flavored popcorn
• Anything drizzled with chocolate or caramel
• Sweet & salty pretzels

4. Offer Fun Ways to Get Your Guests Involved

Your guests are the most crucial aspect of your event. Involve them in the planning and promotion of the event. Create multiple engagement opportunities that involve attendees. Consider these tips for creating an inclusive and interactive event that everyone will remember:

• Host social media contests, polls or quizzes.
• Loosen wallets through a live auction.
• Allow guests to share their thoughts, ideas, and feedback about the event.
• Have a voting system for naming your event, logo or theme.
• Provide awards such as low-cost gift baskets.

5. Offer Other Unique Experiences

Make your event memorable by offering unique experiences that your guests won’t soon forget. Whether it's a silent auction, a photo booth, a raffle or an art exhibition, provide activities that will leave a lasting impression. You can also have special guests such as celebrities or industry leaders who can connect with your cause or draw in your target audience. By offering a range of experiences, you can cater to different interests and create a diverse range of activities.

Gourmet Snack Provider Funky Chunky Will Help You Achieve Your Fundraising Goals

When you hold a fundraiser with Funky Chunky, you get access to an incredibly wide variety of delicious edible goods. You can simply order edible goods from us, or let us help on the fundraising end. Here’s how it works:

1. Work with us to set up  your organization’s fundraising goals.
2. Give each participant a unique link where buyers can purchase online.
3. Collect your cash as our automated marketing does the selling for you.