Special Events: Proven Strategies for Nonprofit Fund Raising

by Alan L. Wendroff

A practical and accessible guide to organizing and producing special events "Special Proven Strategies for Nonprofit Fund Raising is a clear guide for staff and volunteers planning and staging special events. But its most significant contribution may be Alan Wendroff’s discussion of the role that special events play in the organizations’s total development program and the various contributions special events make to a nonprofit organization in addition to fund raising." —Eugene R. Temple, Executive Director Indiana University Center on Philanthropy "Many organizations have learned the art of successful special events from Alan through his classes—now many more organizations can get the full training through this comprehensive and practical book. Alan shows us that special events are no mystery. They succeed with consistent planning, follow-through, and lots of heart. This book puts us on the path to making an event achievable, creative, and memorable." —Jan Masaoka, Executive Director Support Center for Nonprofit Management "Special Events is a practical, step-by-step guide that takes the mystery and risk out of event-based fund raising. For the novice or seasoned professional alike, this ready reference is sure to become a trusted companion, chock-full of scribbled margin notes and folded page corners. Alan Wendroff’s wit and wisdom make for engaging reading, revealing the many financial and organizational rewards that accrue from well-planned special events." —Richard S. Hirschhaut, Director Greater Chicago/Upper Midwest Region, Anti-Defamation League "Charitable events can be very, very good, as they can be horrid. Alan Wendroff’s book provides sound advice and practical tools that should ensure both donor satisfaction and nonprofit financial success. The easy-to-read text plus the attached disk provide all you’ll ever need to hold impressive winning events." —Claude Rosenberg, author, Wealthy and Wise founder and Chairman, The Newtithing Group

214 pages, Hardcover

First published January 14, 1999

Reviews

[Noelle Rutecki]

Excellent guidebook. Not only does this provide a thorough overview of all steps involved in planning and managing a successful non-profit special event, but also outlines a strong framework for a donor-centered approach that will help any non-profit to better marry their events with a comprehensive moves management model of financial development.

Unfortunately, the weakest section is the update that he included in this edition to cover internet and web strategies. Most non-profits will find that in this rapidly evolving area of fundraising, their current practices are already three steps beyond his guidelines.

Still, I'll keep this close on hand as a quick reference guide to best practices that ensure success both for a specific event as well as the non-profit's overall strategy.

[DeLoria]

Good resource on non-profit fundraising. This book provided a simple to understand--yet detailed--step-by-step guide to planning and carrying out special events for the non-profit.