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PEER REVIEW BLOG

The Ups & Downs Of The Spring 2023 Event Season

We recently reached out to the programs that participated in our 2022 benchmarking study for an update on their progress in mid-2023. While the majority of the 38 responding programs experienced positive trends, there were definitely some ups and downs.

71% of programs indicated that participation was up while only 53% of programs said the same for peer-to-peer revenue.

THE UPS

While many programs saw continuous momentum from 2022 with participants eager to return to in-person events, several other themes emerged when program leaders were asked to what to attribute their growth, such as:

Earlier recruitment efforts
With less uncertainty about holding in-person events, many programs launched participant recruitment earlier than last year. This approach allowed fundraisers more time to raise money and build their teams, creating a solid foundation for success.

New investment in advertising
Several programs reported increasing their digital marketing spend or implementing a more efficient and targeted ad buy. By expanding their reach and attracting a larger pool of potential fundraisers, they experienced positive outcomes.

Proactive fundraising activation
Some programs introduced new fundraiser activation strategies, such as match campaigns and early fundraiser incentives. These initiatives motivated participants to start fundraising immediately, setting the stage for increased engagement and contributions.

THE DOWNS

Some leaders expected a bit of a “sophomore slump” going into the second full year of in-person events after the pandemic but shared common challenges that contributed to declines in their programs, including:

Staff turnover
Many program leaders acknowledge that the majority of their event teams are still new, having come on board during or after the pandemic.These teams require additional training, tools, and support to maximize their potential and contribute to program success.

Lack of solid volunteer support
The scarcity of volunteer leaders equipped to lead successful fundraising campaigns has been a long-standing challenge for numerous organizations. The absence of competent volunteers negatively impacted program outcomes.

Economic concerns
Some program leaders indicated that fundraisers expressed apprehension about soliciting donations during times of inflation and economic uncertainty. This hesitation stems from a perception that potential donors may have tighter budgets, making it more challenging to give.

SO WHAT?

With the fall event season just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to think about how to build upon these positives and overcome these negatives.

  • Set recruitment milestone challenges: Motivate staff by setting internal incentives or challenges to achieve recruitment milestones earlier than in previous years. This proactive approach will foster early engagement and provide a solid foundation for fundraising efforts.
  • Re-evaluate marketing strategies: Review your marketing spend and explore new strategies or investments in select areas. By testing and refining your approach, you can optimize your digital marketing efforts to attract a wider audience and generate more interest in your cause.
  • Implement early bird fundraising challenges: Encourage early fundraising activity by incorporating an early bird challenge in your participant communication. By incentivizing participants to start fundraising early, you can build momentum and increase overall fundraising success.
  • Foster mentorship and peer support: Pair up new staff members with experienced mentors who can provide guidance, answer questions, and offer peer support. This mentorship program will empower newer team members and facilitate their growth within the organization.
  • Engage volunteer leaders in planning: Arrange in-depth planning sessions with your volunteer leaders to strategize how best to reach your overall fundraising goals. By involving them in the planning process, you tap into their expertise and create a shared sense of purpose.
  • Provide impact messaging: Equip your fundraisers with impactful messaging that highlights how even small donations contribute to your mission's success. By effectively communicating the value of supporters' contributions, you inspire and motivate potential donors.