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Figure 3.12: A memorial bench sold by Minneapolis-based non-profit People for Parks
This bench, and many like it, face the Lake Harriet band-shell/band-stand that hosts numerous free concerts throughout the Summer. It is dedicated to the
late Jeff Winter, former head of the organization until 2012.
(source: People for Parks)
Types of fundraising events
Various fundraising events have been staged by civic and community groups. For some organizations, events are
of considerable financial importance. Detroit PAL, 58 for example, raises half of its $2.1 million turnover from a
major auto show in Detroit and several other events. Similarly, The Belle Isle Conservancy’s annual and heavily
female-oriented Polish the Jewel luncheon, now in its ninth year, raises up to $300,000. A range of the types of
event are included in Table 3.8.
The aim is almost invariably to sell tickets but a suggested donation is sometimes requested instead. Donations
have the added advantage of being tax deductible, meaning that the donor can reclaim tax they paid on the
money donated. Several online mechanisms are available that take the strain out of selling tickets. 59 Of course,
not everyone can buy tickets online so other options, such as asking local stores to stock them or having a buyat-the-door
option, have also been used. Some events may actually be fun-raisers as they never really make any
money, especially after staff time and overhead costs are factored in.
However, they are good opportunities to spread the word about your asset to a group of people who otherwise
may not be aware of it.
58
Historically the PAL referred to Police Athletic League. The League was established in 1969 to improve relations between the police and community following the 1967
riots. Today the police have minimal involvement in such programs in the city (down from 60-odd officers involved to 3).
59
For example, http://www.eventbrite.com/t/how-to-sell-tickets-online.
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