November 1, 2001 | Read Time: 1 minute
Planning Special Events
by James S. Armstrong
“Special-event campaigns might be thought of as two distinct yet intertwined projects,” writes James S. Armstrong, director of the Children’s Hospital Foundation, in Oakland, Calif. “One project aims to deliver a satisfying event; the other concentrates on delivering a profit.”
This workbook is meant to help fund raisers achieve these two aims by offering practical guidance on all stages of planning a special event. The first four chapters provide an overview of special events, including their role in a larger fund-raising plan. Later chapters cover specific aspects of planning–basics such as selecting the right event, drawing up a timeline, and creating compelling promotional materials, as well as such topics as handling last-minute surprises and thanking volunteers and donors. Finally, a resource section provides explanations of the basic types of special events, answers to frequently asked questions, and a list of organizations that can provide additional information.
The book includes more than two dozen worksheets, and lists of tips on such topics as finding prospective donors and choosing a caterer.
Planning Special Events is part of the Indiana University Center on Philanthropy’s “Excellence in Fund Raising” workbook series.
Publisher: Jossey-Bass, 350 Sansome Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94104; (415) 433-1740 or (888) 378-2537; fax (415) 433-0499 or (800) 605-2665; http://www.josseybass.com; 186 pages; $27.95; I.S.B.N. 0-7879-5248-6.
