 Photo credits: Colorado Photography On Saturday, October 3, 2026, more than 500 guests put on their best Western wear and gathered at Colorado Youth Outdoors in Fort Collins for NOCOFest Goes West, the fifth annual fundraiser for Avery's Light. The night had live music, food trucks and a lot of heart, and it raised more than $290,000 for individuals with special needs and their families in Northern Colorado. At Big Deal Company, we're proud to serve as the event planning and marketing team behind NOCOFest. This year's event was the biggest one yet! For 2026, NOCOFest moved to a new venue, Colorado Youth Outdoors, and took on a Western theme. The bigger space made room for more guests, more vendors and more fun. Here's what the evening included:
Why NOCOFest Matters Avery's Light started after its founding family heard the word "no" far more often than "yes," so they set out to build a place where the answer would always be yes. "Sometimes what's missing isn't ability – it's opportunity." — Kristen Bland, Founder, Avery's Light Today, Avery's Light is Northern Colorado's leading advocate for inclusive recreation, adaptive programming and family resources. Every ticket, every sponsorship and every drink at NOCOFest helps fund that work all year long, through grants, therapy, adaptive recreation and inclusive programs that turn "no" into "yes." The community showed up in a big way:
We're also proud of how carefully the money was managed. The total event cost well under the original estimate, so more of every dollar goes straight to the families Avery's Light serves. Our job is to make sure people hear about a great event and want to be there. This year's multi-channel campaign brought big results:
A night like NOCOFest takes months of work. Here's what went into it:
Our design team also created a new NOCOFest logo, the event program, signage, social media ads and the sponsorship package. None of this would have worked without the Avery's Light board, the volunteers and an amazing community. Thank You to Our Sponsors "Every sponsor at this event is choosing to invest in possibility, helping create more opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate, belong, and thrive in our community." — Lori Couch, Executive Director, Avery's Light A heartfelt thank you to the sponsors who made NOCOFest Goes West possible:
We've loved helping NOCOFest grow, and we're thankful to Avery's Light for trusting us with an event that means so much to so many families. We can't wait to see what's next.  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.
📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & beyond! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC
0 Comments
Colorado Gives Day falls on December 8 this year. For many nonprofits, the real campaign starts five weeks earlier. Early giving opens November 1. Every gift made between then and December 8 counts toward an organization’s Colorado Gives Day total. That’s more than a month of momentum instead of a single 24-hour sprint, and most nonprofits plan for it. Last year, Coloradoans set a new record. This year, the nonprofits we work with are getting ready to build on it, starting with day one of early giving. Here’s what you need to know.  What Is Colorado Gives Day? Colorado Gives Foundation created Colorado Gives Day in 2010 to grow charitable giving among Colorado residents through the ColoradoGives.org platform. The annual event falls on the second Tuesday in December, which is December 8 this year. The giving window is wider than the name suggests. Early giving begins in November, and a $1 million+ Incentive Fund boosts every donation made during that window. Nonprofits can also compete for cash prizes, made possible by the Colorado Gives Foundation and its new presenting sponsor, PNC Bank. That incentive fund is the secret ingredient. It’s shared in proportion to giving: a nonprofit that receives 10% of total Colorado Gives Day donations receives 10% of the fund. Every gift grows an organization’s share. The Numbers Behind the Movement 2025 set a new record. 102,835 donors contributed $56,533,062, the largest total in the event’s 16-year history. That topped the $54.8 million raised in 2024. A few more figures from the 2025 results stand out:
Fifteen years ago, this story looked very different. In 2010, Colorado ranked near the bottom of the country for charitable giving. Platforms like ColoradoGives.org helped turn that around. A June 2026 Common Sense Institute report found that Coloradoans gave $6.1 billion to local causes in 2025 and contribute 110 million volunteer hours each year. That same report ranks Colorado second in the nation for the share of residents who donate.  Giving Trends Worth Watching The totals tell one story. The trends underneath tell a more useful one. Giving is growing across the board. In 2025, ColoradoGives.org processed $87 million in donations. Dollars donated rose 27%, the number of donors grew 19%, and the number of nonprofits receiving gifts rose 12%. Coloradoans are giving more, and more of them are giving. Generosity is holding up under pressure. That growth came as rising costs pushed Colorado to the fourth-most-expensive state in the nation. Budgets are tight, and donors keep showing up anyway. Monthly giving is gaining momentum. Beyond one-time gifts, Colorado Gives Foundation matched $250,000 in monthly donations last year to support nonprofits year-round. A recurring gift keeps working long after December. Businesses are joining in. Ninety-nine businesses raised $496,988. Kelly Dunkin, president and CEO of the Colorado Gives Foundation, points out that giving back boosts both brand recognition and employee engagement. Human services lead the way. Most donations go to human services organizations such as food banks, emergency shelters, and mental health care. Education, the arts, animal rescue, and youth programs follow close behind.  Why Colorado Gives Day Sets Nonprofits Up for Success Year-end giving is crowded. Inboxes fill up. Every organization competes for attention in the same few weeks. Colorado Gives Day cuts through that noise in a few ways. It turns one day into five weeks. Early giving lets nonprofits build a full campaign instead of betting everything on a single Tuesday. Donors who give in November create early momentum, and that momentum tends to draw others in. Organizations also have time to share progress, thank supporters along the way, and make a strong final push on December 8. It gives the season a clear deadline. A shared date across the state creates urgency that a single nonprofit would struggle to build alone. That’s why many of the nonprofits we work with center their year-end campaigns on Colorado Gives Day. It stretches every dollar. The incentive fund and prizes add value to every gift. That gives donors a compelling reason to give through ColoradoGives.org. It removes friction. Donors can give by credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, or Google Pay. They can also give through an IRA, a donor-advised fund, a wire transfer, or gifts of stock, and support several organizations in a single checkout. It costs nothing to join. The platform is free for nonprofits, and more organizations now use it for their own events throughout the year. The strongest campaigns treat December 8 as a finish line, not a starting line. They plan the story, the asks, and the thank-yous well before November 1. It’s the kind of fundraising support we provide for nonprofits across Northern Colorado. Local Nonprofits We’re Cheering For Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County. Since April 1, 1970, this organization has delivered hot, nutritious meals to neighbors who can’t prepare food for themselves. Today, more than 200 volunteers deliver about 57,000 meals a year to roughly 500 clients. Each delivery includes a friendly visit and a check-in, which helps older adults stay healthy and independent at home. Support Meals on Wheels on ColoradoGives.org.  SAINT Volunteer Transportation. SAINT has served the community since 1983. Volunteer drivers use their own vehicles to provide free, door-to-door rides within Loveland and Fort Collins. The mission is to help older adults and people with disabilities stay independent and connected to their community. A ride to the doctor or the grocery store can make the difference between staying home and losing independence. Support SAINT on ColoradoGives.org.  Both organizations help neighbors stay independent, connected, and safe at home. That kind of work deserves a strong December, and a strong November, too! How to Make Your Gift Go Further
Frequently Asked Questions When is Colorado Gives Day 2026? Colorado Gives Day is Tuesday, December 8, 2026. Early giving opens November 1, and every gift from then through December 8 counts toward a nonprofit’s total. Do early gifts count toward the incentive fund? Yes. Gifts made during early giving are boosted by the incentive fund, the same as gifts made on December 8. What is the Colorado Gives Day Incentive Fund? It’s a pool of more than $1 million, based on recent years, shared among participating nonprofits in proportion to the donations each one receives. How can I donate? Visit ColoradoGives.org and search for the organizations you want to support. You can give by credit card, bank transfer, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, IRA, donor-advised fund, wire transfer, or stock. Can my business participate? Yes. Businesses can rally their teams, sponsor the event, or raise money for causes their employees care about. Planning a year-end campaign? Big Deal Company helps nonprofits plan, write, and run fundraising efforts that connect with donors. Start the conversation at 970-613-1455 or bigdealcompany.com/contact-us  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.
📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & beyond! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC Every year, we plan employee retreats and opportunities to give back for employees of companies all over the country. Giveback activities are a great way to foster coworker connection while supporting local nonprofits and community organizations. Philanthropic activities like assembling hygiene kits, filling backpacks with school supplies, or volunteering at a food bank or building homes can give a traditional company retreat a long-lasting impact. Below is a list of 15 employee giveback activities that can occupy 30 minutes or an entire day. What are giveback activities for employee retreats? Giveback activities are team-building experiences that allow employees to contribute time, skills, donations, or resources to a nonprofit or community organization. Unlike traditional team-building exercises, philanthropic activities give employees a shared goal that extends beyond the company. Teams can collaborate on a hands-on project, volunteer together, or create items that will directly benefit people, animals, or organizations in their community. Sometimes, it’s a chance to get out of the office and volunteer in your own community. Other times, it’s part of a larger employee retreat that can involve travel and overnight stays.  15 Employee Retreat Giveback Ideas 1. Assemble hygiene kits Hygiene kits are a practical, hands-on project that works particularly well for corporate retreats. Many nonprofits use these regularly, including childcare facilities, foster care agencies, domestic violence shelters, and homeless shelters. Depending on the nonprofit's needs, employees can assemble kits containing:
Colorado nonprofits with this need: Grace Upon Grace Project, Justice Necessary, Weld Elves, Gift of Love 2. Create pet adoption kits Partner with an animal shelter or rescue organization to assemble "welcome home" kits for newly adopted pets, or kits with necessities for animals that have just arrived at the shelter. Possible supplies include:
Colorado nonprofit with this need: NOCO Humane 3. Assemble school supply backpacks School supply drives can become an interactive team-building activity when employees work together to assemble complete backpacks for students in need. Depending on the grade level, supplies might include notebooks, folders, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks, scissors, calculators, and other requested classroom materials. Team-building idea: Give each group a checklist and have them work together to prepare a specific number of complete backpacks. See if your employees can beat their own record year-over-year. Colorado nonprofits with this need: Hope House Colorado, WellPower 4. Make no-sew fleece blankets No-sew blankets are an easy philanthropic activity for groups that want something hands-on but don't have extensive crafting experience. Employees work in pairs or small groups to cut and tie fleece blankets that can be donated to local organizations such as animal shelters, homeless shelters, hospitals, senior organizations, and foster-care programs. Colorado nonprofit with this need: Project Linus, NOCO Humane, UCLive (UCHealth) 5. Assemble care packages for seniors Create care packages that brighten the days of older adults in your community. Possible items include:
Colorado nonprofits with this need: Samaritan House Fort Collins (Catholic Charities of Denver), Gift of Love  6. Volunteer at a community garden For an outdoor excursion, consider partnering with a community garden, school garden, or other local organization. Your team could assemble gardening kits containing seeds, gloves, hand tools, and plant markers, or volunteer directly by planting, weeding, mulching, or preparing garden beds. Colorado nonprofit with this need: The Family Center/La Familia  7. Spend the day at an animal shelter Give your team a chance to step away from the office and make a difference for animals in need by spending the day volunteering at a local animal shelter. Depending on the shelter's needs and volunteer requirements, your team might help clean kennels, prepare food, organize donations, create enrichment activities, assist with adoption events, or spend time socializing animals. Working together on hands-on tasks encourages communication and collaboration while giving employees the rewarding experience of directly supporting their community. For a retreat, consider partnering with a local shelter in advance to arrange a group volunteer day tailored to your team's size and the organization's current needs. Colorado nonprofit with this need: NOCO Humane, Animal Friends Alliance 8. Donation drive Instead of simply asking employees to bring donations, build the donation drive into your retreat. Choose a local nonprofit's current wish list and divide employees into teams. Give each team a category of needed items and challenge them to collect or purchase the supplies. You can add an additional component by giving teams a hypothetical budget and asking them to determine how they can provide the greatest number of requested items. Or, combine this activity with a kit-building challenge to sort and package donations. Colorado nonprofits with this need: Outdoor Lab Foundation, Bee’s Blessing Box, Homeward Alliance, Colorado Health Network, The Family Center/La Familia 9. Assemble disaster relief kits Help your team prepare supplies that can be distributed during emergencies. Depending on your nonprofit partner's needs, kits might contain emergency food, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies, blankets, hygiene products, or other essential items. Work with an established relief organization before planning this project. Organizations can identify which supplies are genuinely needed and help prevent unnecessary or unusable donations. Colorado nonprofit with this need: Kynd Kits – Project Helping 10. Write meaningful cards Card-writing is an inexpensive and low-lift but meaningful activity for an employee retreat. Employees can write encouraging messages for people served by local organizations, including:
Colorado organizations with this need: Caring Cards (Volunteers of America Northern Colorado), UCLive (UCHealth), Craig Hospital 11. Volunteer at a food bank or food delivery service Turn your employee retreat into a hands-on opportunity to fight hunger in your community. Teams can spend a few hours sorting and packing food at a food bank, preparing meals in a community kitchen, or delivering nutritious meals directly to people who need them. These activities are especially effective for team building because employees work side by side toward a tangible goal while seeing the impact of their work firsthand. Colorado nonprofits with this need: Project Angel Heart, Food Bank of the Rockies, Gift of Love, Food Bank for Larimer County, FoCo Cafe, Meals on Wheels of Fort Collins, Meals on Wheels of Loveland and Berthoud, Meals on Wheels of Greeley and Weld County, Vindeket Foods, Salvation Army Fort Collins 12. Visit a senior care facility Give employees the opportunity to make a personal connection by spending time with older adults at a senior living or care community. Organize a game afternoon, lead an arts-and-crafts activity, play music, read together, help with a seasonal celebration, or simply sit and visit with residents. These activities can be especially meaningful for seniors who experience social isolation, while giving employees a chance to practice conversation, empathy, and connection. Colorado organizations with this need: Holly Creek, Clermont Park, The Argyle, The Haven, Rocky Mountain PACE, Volunteers of America Northern Colorado, A Little Help Northern Colorado  13. Create care/comfort packages Give your employees a hands-on way to show care by assembling comfort packages for people going through challenging circumstances. Teams can work together to fill reusable bags or boxes with practical necessities, snacks, personal-care items, cozy accessories, activities, and handwritten notes. This type of project is easy to customize for a particular community need and can be completed at your retreat venue, making it a convenient team-building activity. Several Colorado nonprofits have specific care-package or kit-building programs, so your team can build around an organization's actual needs rather than collecting donations that may not be useful. Colorado nonprofits with this need: Make Mental Health Matter, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless, Caring Embrace, Family Promise of Colorado Springs, Samaritan House Fort Collins, United Way of Weld County 14. Clean up a park or natural area Turn your employee retreat into an outdoor service project by helping clean up and care for a local park, trail, or natural area. Depending on the organization's needs, employees might pick up litter, remove weeds, spread mulch, plant native species, or help with other maintenance projects. For a team-building challenge, divide employees into small groups and see which team can collect the most litter or complete the most designated tasks. Be sure to coordinate with the organization beforehand so your team has the appropriate supplies, permits, and instructions. Colorado organizations with this need: City of Fort Collins Natural Areas, City of Fort Collins Parks 15. Volunteer to build or repair homes Give employees the opportunity to work together on a hands-on project that helps create safe, affordable housing. Depending on the organization and project, employees may help with construction, painting, landscaping, home repairs, preparing building materials, or other tasks. Construction experience is not required. Most organizations provide volunteers with the tools and instruction they need. For larger companies, a sponsored build day can combine volunteering with a financial contribution to the organization's mission. Colorado organizations with this need: Fort Collins Habitat for Humanity, Habitat for Humanity of Metro Denver, Habitat for Humanity of Colorado How do you choose a giveback or teambuilding activity for a corporate retreat? The best activities will depend on:
The best philanthropic activity is one that provides something the nonprofit can genuinely use. Why include philanthropy in a teambuilding event or employee retreat? Philanthropic team-building activities give employees an opportunity to collaborate around a purpose beyond their normal workplace responsibilities. A well-designed activity encourages:
Looking for creative ways to incorporate philanthropy into your next employee retreat? BIG DEAL Company can help you design an experience that brings your team together while creating meaningful community impact.  Employee Retreat Giveback FAQ What are good volunteer activities for a corporate retreat? Good corporate retreat volunteer activities include assembling hygiene kits, packing food, building school supply backpacks, creating care packages, cleaning up parks, volunteering at animal shelters, working in community gardens, and sorting donations for local nonprofits. What are some easy charity projects for a company retreat? Easy charity projects include card-writing campaigns, hygiene-kit assembly, school supply kits, birthday kits, children's activity kits, senior care packages, and no-sew fleece blankets. These projects require relatively little specialized training and can often be completed at the retreat venue. How can team building and philanthropy be combined? Team building and philanthropy can be combined by giving employees a shared community-focused project that requires communication, collaboration, and problem-solving. Kit-building challenges, group volunteer projects, donation drives, and hands-on service projects are examples. What can employees make for a nonprofit? Employees can make or assemble hygiene kits, school supply backpacks, birthday kits, children's activity kits, care packages, emergency kits, pet adoption kits, comfort kits, gardening kits, and no-sew blankets. The specific project should be based on the nonprofit's current needs and donation policies. How much does a corporate volunteer activity cost? The cost of a corporate volunteer activity varies widely. Some activities, such as volunteering at a nonprofit or writing cards, may require little more than employee time and transportation. Other projects require a budget for donated supplies, kits, food, transportation, or venue logistics – all things that our BIG DEAL team can help with. Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.
📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & beyond! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC Cutting corners on event planning rarely shows up on the invoice. It shows up months later, in staff turnover and clients who quietly stop calling. Here’s what “good enough” actually costs. There is a version of event planning that looks fine from the outside. The room fills. The signage gets hung. Nobody trips over a cable. And underneath it, a coordinator has been fielding three vendor fires a day for two weeks, a sponsor who quietly decided not to renew, and nobody on the team has taken a full lunch break since the save-the-date went out. That’s the cost nobody puts on a spreadsheet. After 20 years planning events across Colorado, Wyoming, and around the US, we’ve learned that the difference between a good event and a forgettable one rarely comes down to budget. It comes down to what happens in the gaps: the vendor quote nobody questioned, the timeline nobody stress-tested, the detail that got waved through because everyone was tired. “Good enough” event planning has a price. It just doesn’t show up where you’re looking.  The Invoice Only Tells Half the Story Every event has an obvious budget: venue, catering, staffing, print. Those numbers are easy to track and easy to defend. What’s harder to see is what happens when the planning underneath those line items is inefficient rather than intentional. Research on event operations supports this. Poor workflows, disconnected tools, and unclear ownership don’t just slow down a timeline. They inflate the budget in ways that are hard to trace back to a single decision. A last-minute speaker swap, a manual process that should have been automated months ago, a duplicated task because two people didn’t know who owned it: none of that appears as its own line item. It shows up as scope creep, rush fees, and a budget that ran over, with no one able to say exactly why. By the time you’re explaining the overage to finance, the actual cause is three decisions back and impossible to point to. What It Costs Your Team The quieter cost is the one that hits your people. Most businesses and organizations that plan events internally ask team members to fill roles and positions that may not align with their job descriptions. This work is usually demanded on top of all of their other duties and expectations. When the event planning is an “addition to”, roles can become unclear, and problems can get stuck on repeat. This doesn’t just produce a stressful few weeks. It can create compounding employee disengagement. Institutional knowledge walks out the door with every person who burns out and leaves, and the next event starts from a little further behind, or from scratch. We’ve seen this up close. A regional nonprofit lost its Communications and Development Director in the middle of a fundraising cycle and brought our team in to run its annual event. They were missing a base of institutional memory to draw from. Building the tracking system, vendor relationships, and sponsor engagement plan from scratch under a tight timeline is exactly the kind of pressure that breaks a planning process not built to withstand it. It didn’t break here – the event we helped plan went on to raise more than any prior year - but that outcome depended on treating the process itself as the thing worth protecting, not just the event day. What It Costs the Brand in the Room Attendees don’t separate a mismanaged moment from the organization hosting it. A confusing check-in line, a vendor who didn’t show, a session that ran forty minutes over – none of that reads as “the caterer’s fault” to the person standing in it. It reads as a reflection of the brand that put its name on the invitation. That’s a real risk, but it’s also where a track record starts to matter. Clients who’ve worked with us more than once tell us the same thing in different words: they came back because nothing fell through in front of their guests. We’ve supported organizations like Dementia Together with the kind of full-circle marketing and event support that, in year one, helped more than double their fundraising revenue – not because the events got bigger, but because the details underneath them stopped being an afterthought. Results like that come from planning that treats every touchpoint as visible, because to the person in the room, it is.  Why “Easy” Vendor Relationships Are a Trap Here’s a pattern that shows up across the industry: the first quote gets accepted, the same vendors get rebooked out of habit, and nobody asks whether the relationship is still earning its price. It’s the path of least resistance, and it feels efficient right up until you look closely. The event professionals who consistently come in under budget without cutting quality aren’t the ones with the biggest vendor lists. They’re the ones who treat vendor management as a real discipline: comparing bids, questioning vague line items, asking why one quote is 20% higher than another with no explanation attached. That kind of scrutiny typically uncovers real savings, often in the range of 15 to 20 percent per event, simply by catching what “easy” would have let slide. Twenty years in Northern Colorado means we’ve built the kind of vendor relationships where that scrutiny doesn’t damage trust. It’s part of how the trust got built in the first place.  What Good Actually Looks Like The alternative to “good enough” isn’t more expensive. It’s more deliberate. It looks like:
That’s the standard behind events like Live Loveland’s 60 Years Celebrating Seeds of Innovation held in 2022. We managed the full marketing and advertising campaign alongside 15 concurrent events in this single day of celebration. Our tasks included press coordination that reached media outlets across the state and an appearance by Colorado’s governor. Events at that scale don’t survive “good enough.” They survive because the planning underneath them was never treated as optional.  The Real Question “Good enough” event planning isn’t a budget decision. It’s a bet that nothing underneath the surface will surface. Sometimes that bet pays off. But the cost of losing it – a burned-out team, a client who doesn’t call back, a sponsor who quietly walks – is almost always higher than what “excellent” would have cost from the start. FAQs What are the hidden costs of poor event planning? The visible costs are budget overruns, rush fees, and last-minute vendor charges. The hidden costs are staff burnout, lost institutional knowledge, damaged sponsor relationships, and attendees who quietly associate a rough experience with your brand rather than with any single vendor. How does event planning quality affect staff retention? Constant firefighting and unclear ownership wear teams down over time. When the same preventable problems keep recurring, disengagement follows, and turnover takes institutional knowledge with it — knowledge that's expensive and slow to rebuild. What's the real difference between a budget planner and a strategic partner? A budget planner accepts the first reasonable quote and manages the event as it comes. A strategic partner questions vendor line items, tests timelines before they're needed, and treats every detail as visible to the people in the room — which is usually where the actual savings and the actual trust get built. Want to see what planning without the shortcuts looks like? Read more on our site or reach out to talk through your next event! 970-613-1455  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.
📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & beyond! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC When shopping for services that help non-profits with data collection, collaboration and marketing software, many companies offer a discount to qualifying charities. Below is a comprehensive list of tools worth considering. Adobe Express What it is: Adobe Express is an all-in-one content creation app that offers video and image editing, generative AI services, stock assets, social media scheduling, PDF editing, font collections, and more. Nonprofit Offer:
Airtable What it is: Airtable is a flexible database-meets-spreadsheet platform great for project management, content calendars, CRM, and collaboration. Nonprofit Offer:
Canva What it is: Canva is a graphic design platform with drag-and-drop tools for creating social media graphics, presentations, flyers, and more. Nonprofit Offer:
Constant Contact What it is: Constant Contact is a digital and email marketing platform offering user-friendly templates, reporting, and automation features. Nonprofit Offers:
ChatGPT (OpenAI) What it is: ChatGPT is an AI-powered assistant that can help with writing, brainstorming, and research. Nonprofit Offers:
DonorSearch AI What it is: DonorSearch AI is a specialized AI fundraising tool for nonprofits that helps you figure out who is most likely to donate and how much. Nonprofit Offers:
Fundraise Up What it is: Fundraise Up is a nonprofit fundraising platform designed to help organizations collect more donations online—and increase how much people give. Nonprofit Offers:
FundRobin What it is: FundRobin is an AI-powered fundraising tool designed specifically to help nonprofits find grants and write better applications faster. Nonprofit Offers:
HubSpot What it is: Hubspot is a CRM platform for marketing, sales, service, and content management. Nonprofit Offer:
Instrumentl What it is: Instrumentl is an all-in-one grant platform that helps nonprofits find funding opportunities, write grant applications, and track deadlines and progress. Nonprofit Offer:
Mailchimp What it is: Malichimp is an email marketing platform that can be used for newsletters, donor communications, and outreach campaigns. Nonprofit Offer:
Monday.com What it is: Monday.com is a project management and team collaboration platform. Nonprofit Offer:
Neon One What it is: Neon One is an all-in-one software platform for nonprofits that helps you manage donors, fundraising, events, and communications in one place. Nonprofit Offers:
Notion What it is: Notion is a workspace for notes, task management, documentation, and collaboration. Nonprofit Offer:
Sprout Social What it is: Sprout Social is a social media management platform offering tools for scheduling, engagement, analytics, and team collaboration. Nonprofit Offer:
Tips:
BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & Wyoming. We travel too!  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.
📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & Wyoming. We travel too! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC Every customer, client, or donor interaction tells a story. A person might first discover your organization through a Google search, a social media post, a referral, or a blog article. From there, they may visit your website, read about your services or mission, sign up for emails, compare options, make a purchase, donate, or return later. That path is the customer journey. For small businesses and nonprofits, understanding that journey is not optional. It is one of the clearest ways to create more meaningful experiences, build trust faster, and turn on-time interactions into long-term relationships. At BIG DEAL Company, we believe the strongest marketing does more than generate clicks. It guides real people through real decisions with clarity, empathy, and consistency. When that happens, businesses grow, nonprofits deepen support, and brands become easier to trust.  What Is a Customer Journey? A customer journey is the full path a person takes with your brand, from first awareness to deeper engagement, conversion, loyalty, and advocacy. For a small business, that might look like this:
For a nonprofit, the path is similar, but the action may be different:
The journey is not just about the final transaction. It includes every touchpoint that shapes how a person feels about your brand. Why Customer Journeys Matter So Much Small businesses and nonprofits do not usually have unlimited time, teams, or ad budgets. That means EVERY interaction matters more. A clear customer journey helps you: 1. Build trust earlier People rarely take action the first time they encounter a brand. They need clarity, reassurance, and proof that you understand their needs or values. 2. Reduce friction If your website is confusing, your messaging is inconsistent, or your next steps are unclear, people drop off. A mapped journey helps you spot those breakdowns. 3. Improve conversions When each stage of the journey has the right message, content, and call to action, more people move forward. 4. Strengthen loyalty A great journey does not end after a purchase or donation. The post-conversion experience often determines whether someone returns, gives again, or recommends your brand. 5. Create stronger advocacy The best customer and donor experiences turn supporters into storytellers. They become the people who share your name, refer others, and expand your impact. The Core Stages of the Customer Journey While every organization is different, most customer and donor journeys follow a few key stages.  1. Awareness This is the first impression stage. A person becomes aware of your business, nonprofit, service, or mission. They may be asking:
At this stage, your website, messaging, search presence, social media, and content all matter. This is where blogs are especially powerful! 2. Considerations Now the person is interested, but not ready to act yet. They are comparing options, gathering information, and deciding whether your brand feels like the right fit. They may be asking:
This is where thoughtful content, testimonials, case studies, clear service pages, and well-structured landing pages make a major difference. 3. Conversion This is the action stage. For a small business, that may mean making a purchase, booking a consultation, or requesting a quote. For a nonprofit, it could mean donating, volunteering, signing up, or attending an event. A strong conversion experience is simple, clear, and reassuring. It removes confusion and gives people confidence to take the next step. 4. Retention Once someone has acted, the relationship is still being formed. This is where follow-up emails, onboarding, thank-you messages, service quality, donor acknowledgement, and ongoing communication come into play. A smooth, thoughtful retention stage increases repeat action and long-term value. 5. Advocacy This is where a customer or donor becomes something even more powerful: a supporter who actively shares your brand. They leave reviews, recommend your business, share your mission with others, and become part of your growth story. Advocacy is rarely created by marketing alone. It is created by experience. What Makes a Great Customer or Donor Experience? A great experience is not flashy for the sake of being flashy. It is intentional, consistent, and human. Here is what it usually includes: Clarity People should quickly understand who you are, what you offer, and what to do next. Consistency Your website, emails, blog content, social channels, and team interactions should feel like they come from the same brand. Empathy Your content and messaging should reflect what your audience is feeling, needing, and trying to solve. Ease The path forward should feel simple. Easy navigation, clean calls to action, clear donation pages, and accessible information all matter. Responsiveness When people reach out, they should feel heard. Whether someone is a potential client or a first-time donor, prompt and thoughtful communication builds confidence. Relevance Different people are at different stages. The content that works for someone just discovering you is not the same content that works for someone ready to act. Follow-through Promises matter. If your brand says it is personal, strategic, compassionate, or reliable, the experience must support that claim. Why Blogs Matter in the Customer Journey Blogs are often underestimated, but they play a major role in guiding the customer journey. At BIG DEAL Company, we believe robust content marketing is one of the smartest investments a small business or nonprofit can make because good content keeps working long after it is published. A blog can help at every stage of the journey. Blogs support awareness A blog helps your audience find you through search and discover your perspective. It gives your brand more opportunities to answer real questions people are already asking. Blogs build trust When you publish helpful, useful content, you show expertise without forcing a sales pitch. You help people before they are ready to buy or donate. Blogs support consideration A strong blog answers objections, explains complex topics, highlights your values, and shows that you understand the audience you serve. Blogs strengthen SEO and AEO Well-structured blog content makes it easier for search engines and answer engines to understand your expertise, surface your content, and match it to user intent. Blogs create momentum A blog gives you content to share in newsletters, social media, nurture campaigns, presentations, and sales or donor conversations. Blogs move people toward action The right article at the right moment can be the bridge between passive interest and meaningful engagement. In other words, blogs do not just attract traffic. They guide people forward.  Why Brand Story Matters in the Customer Journey Facts inform, but stories connect. A brand story gives meaning to the experience people have with your business or organization. It helps them understand not just what you do, but why it matters. For small businesses, a brand story can communicate:
For nonprofits, a brand story can communicate:
A strong brand story creates emotional continuity across the journey. It makes your marketing feel less transactional and more relational. That matters because people do not just choose products or causes. They choose meaning, trust, alignment, and confidence. When your story is clear, the journey becomes stronger because every touchpoint reinforces the same message. Customer Journeys for Small Businesses Small businesses often grow through reputation, referrals, and repeat business. That means the journey matters at every step. A great customer journey helps small businesses:
Without a strong journey, marketing can feel disjointed. You may attract attention, but lose people before they take action. Donor Journeys for Nonprofits For nonprofits, the donor journey is about more than fundraising. It is about stewardship, trust, and shared purpose. A donor is more likely to stay engaged when they feel:
How BIG DEAL Company Helps Shape the Journey  At BIG DEAL Company, we help businesses and nonprofits create journeys that are not only strategic but genuinely useful and engaging. That means we help shape the full experience, including: Brand messaging and positioning We help clarify who you are, what makes you different, and how to communicate that with confidence. Content strategy We build robust content marketing plans that support every stage of the customer or donor journey, not just the top of the funnel. Blog development We create blog content that helps audiences discover your brand, understand your value, and move closer to action. Storytelling We help organizations develop brand stories that resonate, build trust, and bring consistency across channels. Website and journey strategy We look at how people move through your digital presence and identify ways to reduce friction and strengthen engagement. Ongoing marketing support We help do the driving, so you can stay focused on running your business or advancing your mission. For many organizations, the challenge is not knowing that customer experience matters. The challenge is having the time and internal capacity to shape it well. That is where BIG DEAL comes in. Let BIG DEAL Do the Driving You already have enough to manage. You are running a business, serving clients, leading a team, building a mission, or raising critical support. Marketing should help move that work forward, not become another burden competing for your attention. BIG DEAL Company helps small businesses and nonprofits create customer and donor journeys that feel clear, connected, and intentional. From content strategy and blogging to storytelling and experience design, we help you build the kind of brand journey that earns trust and inspires action. So while you focus on the work only you can do, we help shape the experience that brings people closer to your brand. Customer journeys are not just marketing diagrams. They are lived experiences. They shape how people discover you, how they evaluate you, how they engage with you, and whether they come back. For small businesses and nonprofits, that journey can be the difference between being noticed and being remembered. When the journey is guided by clarity, strong content, a brand story, and a commitment to experience, it becomes one of the most powerful growth tools a brand can have. And when that journey is built with intention, your audience does not just move through a funnel. They move toward trust. FAQs What is a customer journey? A customer journey is the full series of interactions a person has with a brand, from first awareness to conversion, retention, and advocacy. Why is the customer journey important for small businesses? It helps small businesses create better experiences, reduce friction, improve conversions, increase repeat business, and generate stronger referrals. How is a donor journey different from a customer journey? A donor journey follows many of the same stages, but it focuses on mission-driven engagement, trust, stewardship, and long-term support instead of only a purchase. How do blogs help guide the customer journey? Blogs help attract new audiences, answer questions, build trust, support SEO and AEO, and move people from awareness to consideration and action. What makes a great customer or donor experience? A great experience is clear, relevant, consistent, easy to navigate, emotionally resonant, and supported by strong follow-through. Why is brand story important in the customer journey? A brand story gives people a reason to connect. It creates meaning, builds trust, and helps every touchpoint feel aligned and memorable. How can Big Deal Company help improve the customer journey? Big Deal Company helps businesses and nonprofits shape messaging, content strategy, blogs, storytelling, and digital experiences so audiences move from discovery to loyalty more naturally. What is the connection between customer journeys and content marketing? Content marketing supports each stage of the journey by giving audiences the right information at the right time, helping them feel informed, confident, and ready to act.  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.
📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & Wyoming. We travel too! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC In a market increasingly dominated by large, corporate marketing and event agencies, BIG Deal Company stands apart, not just because of what we do, but how we do it. Our clients don’t hire a one-size-fits-all vendor; they get a locally-based strategic partner focused on impact, relationships, and experiences that are meaningful. Here’s why BIG Deal Company is the smarter choice for companies seeking values-based results.  The BIG DEAL team gathers around a long table at The HUB Café in Loveland for a lively brainstorming session A Partnership-First Approach any marketing and events agencies deliver isolated deliverables and then vanish. Your deliverables may be produced by a different employee each time, or worse, by AI. At BIG DEAL, we get to know your team to provide fractional support in marketing, communications, and event execution. Our team spends hours learning your goals and business inside out so we can act as an extension of your organization, not just a hired hand. A “Connected Collective”: Experts Working as a Team Rather than a single specialist or standalone contractor, BIG DEAL Company is a connected collective of experts across marketing, advertising, events, nonprofit leadership, and communications, meeting regularly to share ideas to support your business. This model gives you precisely the right expertise at the right moment, with depth and breadth most agencies can’t match.  The BIG Deal team smiles and poses with sparkly bunny ears at our popular annual NoCo Easter Keg Hunt community event in Loveland and Fort Collins Joy and Fun, and We Really Mean It We don’t just plan events or implement campaigns, we bring joy and authenticity to everything we do. It isn’t just work for us, it’s fulfillment. Our personality shows in how we work, how we communicate, and how your audience experiences your brand. This emotional connection differentiates us from companies that never live their brand values. Details that Deliver Success Great ideas are nothing without execution. At BIG DEAL, operational precision is non-negotiable. From timelines and permits to vendor alignment and power needs, we handle every logistical detail so your events run “like clockwork.” With decades of experience and over 100 events delivered annually, we see and solve issues before they become problems - and when the unexpected happens, we handle it behind the scenes, so you can enjoy your event. Colorado Community Credibility Our team is locally embedded in Colorado and deeply plugged into regional resources, vendors, and community leaders. That means recommendations, introductions, and relationships that literally can’t be bought – but come standard with a BIG DEAL partnership. Whether it’s venue insights or nonprofit allies, our community credibility accelerates your success. Genuine Marketing in an AI Era Digital marketing today has to be more than “posting and hoping.” We build strategic communication plans that span SEO (search engine optimization), AEO (answer engine optimization), GEO (local geographical optimization), and AI-era content strategies. We understand how content gets surfaced, and how to make it work for you, not just for the search engines. We’re not scared of AI; we put it to work for us, boosting our efficiency without allowing it to diminish the quality of our work - work only real people can produce. Recognition and Real Results Our reputation isn’t built on buzzwords or an AI-generated website – it’s backed by awards, strong reviews, and measurable results. From nonprofit fundraising success to corporate retreats and community festivals, clients see real impact, and that’s what matters most. What It All Means For You Choosing BIG DEAL Company means choosing a partner that:
Ready to elevate your next project with a partner who treats your mission like their own? Let’s talk! Frequently Asked Questions 1. What types of clients does BIG DEAL Company work with? BIG DEAL Company partners with nonprofits, corporations, municipalities, and community organizations of all sizes. Whether you’re planning a large-scale event, launching a marketing campaign, or building long-term brand strategy, our team adapts to your goals and industry needs. 2. How is BIG DEAL different from traditional marketing agencies? Unlike agencies that simply deliver projects and move on, BIG DEAL embeds as a strategic partner. Our fractional support model means we act as an extension of your team – bringing expertise, accountability, and long-term vision rather than one-off deliverables. 3. Does BIG DEAL offer both marketing and event planning? Absolutely. BIG DEAL specializes in the intersection of marketing and experiential events. From digital strategy and brand messaging to full-scale event production and logistics, we ensure your marketing efforts and live experiences work seamlessly together. 4. How does BIG DEAL stay ahead in the AI-driven marketing landscape? We lead with strategy, not trends. Our team implements a three-tier visibility approach – SEO, AEO, and GEO – so your content performs across search engines, AI tools, and local platforms. Our future-focused mindset ensures your brand stays relevant and discoverable.  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest
Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & Wyoming. We travel too! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC ...and Why It Benefits Your Business Too At BIG DEAL Company, we believe strong communities and successful businesses go hand in hand. When businesses give back, they are investing in the social and economic health of the communities that support them. Studies consistently show that community-minded companies enjoy higher customer loyalty, a better reputation, and improved employee retention. Giving back also helps build real relationships, creates goodwill, and can lead to new partnerships and business opportunities. No matter your company’s size, your involvement in the community shows what you value. When people see you as a caring neighbor, they are far more likely to support your business. Here are ten meaningful ways your business can make a difference in your community, along with the benefits you might see in your workplace, brand, and bottom line.  1. Host Employee Volunteer Days Encouraging your team to volunteer together is a rewarding and visible way to give back. Consider dedicating a workday or two each year for employees to help in the community. Whether they sort food at a pantry, clean up parks, or help at a youth center, working together builds teamwork and pride. Companies that support volunteering often see higher morale, better collaboration, and a stronger sense of company culture. It also improves your reputation as a business that supports the community. 2. Offer Donation Matching or Sponsorships Matching employee donations or sponsoring local programs, events, or nonprofits is a simple but effective way to connect with your community. Donation matching shows your business cares about what matters to your employees, and sponsorships help community projects succeed while raising your profile. When your logo appears on local event banners or programs, it reinforces your presence as a community partner. These efforts not only make a difference to the recipients but also remind the public that your business values generosity and shared success. 3. Share Your Expertise or Services In-Kind Giving back is not just about money. Your business can also share its skills, products, or services. Donating your expertise, offering marketing help, lending equipment, or providing discounts can make a big difference for nonprofits and community groups with limited resources. This lets your team show what they do best in real situations. It is a creative way to use your strengths for good, grow your network, and earn recognition from community leaders and potential clients. 4. Open Your Space to the Community If your business has a physical location, consider offering it as a gathering space for community events, meetings, or classes. Hosting workshops, fundraisers, or networking events for local organizations can transform your business into a hub of activity and connection. This type of generosity not only provides valuable space for others but also brings new people into your environment who may later become customers, clients, or partners. Opening your doors to the community shows that your business is approachable, welcoming, and invested in the local ecosystem. 5. Launch a Cause Marketing Campaign A cause marketing campaign lets you connect your business with a charitable cause. For example, you could donate a percentage of sales to a local group or create a special product that supports a specific project. These campaigns help customers feel they are making a difference when they buy from you. When you are open and sincere, cause marketing builds brand loyalty and gives people a reason to choose your business. It is a win-win that creates a positive impact and increases your visibility.  6. Let Employees Lead the Giving Efforts Your employees often have strong connections to local causes that matter deeply to them. Inviting them to nominate organizations, propose volunteer projects, or help direct charitable giving ensures that your company’s efforts feel personal and authentic. When employees feel heard and empowered, they become more invested in the company’s mission. This type of involvement builds pride, teamwork, and a shared sense of purpose, all of which contribute to a positive workplace culture. Giving employees ownership of your company’s community impact also increases participation and enthusiasm for your initiatives. 7. Form Long-Term Community Partnerships Building ongoing partnerships with nonprofits, schools, or civic groups shows you are committed beyond a single donation. Long-term relationships help you build trust, see your impact, and become more involved in the community. For example, your business could sponsor a school’s art program, fund a yearly scholarship, or work with a local charity every year. These partnerships keep your business visible and help you become a key part of the community’s growth and success. 8. Support Education, Mentorship, and Career Development Sharing your expertise through mentorship, workshops, or educational programs helps build a stronger workforce and a better future. Offering internships, hosting student visits, or leading training sessions at local schools lets you make a real difference for others. It also helps your business find and develop new talent. Supporting education shows your company invests in people, skills, and opportunity, which matters to both customers and employees. 9. Commit to Sustainable and Local Business Practices Supporting your community also means caring for the environment and local economy. Buying from local vendors, cutting waste, and using sustainable practices help make your community healthier and stronger. More customers now look for brands that care about the environment and social issues. When your business follows these values, you build a better reputation and attract customers who want to support responsible companies. These steps help the planet and build trust in your brand. 10. Share Your Impact Story When your business gives back, share your story. Post updates about volunteer work, partnerships, or donations on your website, blog, and social media. Sharing your efforts can inspire others and help you connect with your audience. Being open about your community work builds trust and shows you mean what you say. People are more likely to support businesses they are proud of, and honest stories can turn customers into loyal fans.  Giving back to the community is more than just a nice gesture. It is a smart and meaningful way to grow your business. When your company supports people, causes, and local projects, you build loyalty and support that money cannot buy. Employees feel proud to work for you, customers respect your values, and partners see you as a trusted collaborator. Today, people want to work with businesses that care about more than just profit. At BIG DEAL Company, we help businesses build real connections through events, partnerships, and community engagement that make a difference. Whether you need a campaign, an event, or a local partnership plan, our team can help you create giving strategies that fit your brand and bring lasting benefits to your business and community. Together, we can make doing good a big deal.  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest
Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & Wyoming. We travel too! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC BIG DEAL Company spent hours scouring northern Colorado for this comprehensive list of event spaces for small private events in Fort Collins. These venues are ideal for groups of 50 or less and include flexible event spaces, restaurants with private dining rooms, and activity centers. *Updated November 2025 Flexible Event Spaces in Fort Collins  A Social Place Light and airy, well-appointed all-purpose community space
Atrium Music Lounge Easygoing downtown space with sound system/stage and full bar available.
Armstrong Hotel The Library accommodates up to 40 guests; The Parlor is an intimate space for smaller groups; Ace Gillett’s Lounge accommodates up to 50 guests
Cambria Hotel & Suites Fort Collins Offers two event rooms that can be set up in meeting style, classroom style, theater style, or banquet layout
Canvas Stadium Home of the Colorado State University Rams, Canvas Stadium has rooms for companies, organizations, and community events of all sizes
CanyonSide Campground (Bellvue) Unique campground and event center 40 miles northwest of Fort Collins in the Roosevelt National Forest
City of Fort Collins Recreation Facilities A variety of City-owned facilities and activity centers for small and large events
Drake Centre Large events building with small spaces available for intimate events
Edwards House Longs Peak Room accommodates up to 12 guests; Montezuma Room accommodates up to 30; Pergola Garden is also available for rent, weather permitting
Empire Grange 148 No-frills, flexible, affordable space for community and private events.
Gardens on Spring Creek A botanical oasis in the heart of Fort Collins and a one-of-a-kind venue with flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and private event spaces
Kiln. Modern, well-appointed, and fully-furnished meeting and event spaces for 2-170 guests. All spaces offer advanced lighting and state-of-the-art A/V.
The Golf Club at Fox Acres (Red Feather Lakes) Country club with flexible indoor and outdoor event spaces
Hilton Fort Collins Close to downtown Fort Collins and Colorado State University, the only rooms in Fort Collins with mountain views
 Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Collins Upscale event spaces with the comforts of home
Marriott Fort Collins Recently-renovated, flexible event spaces
Masonic Center Fort Collins Historic community center built in 1925 with a variety of large and small, no-frills event rooms.
NoCo Hive Collective Modern, neutral space that provides a flexible backdrop for all types of events.
Poudre Landmarks Foundation – Carriage House & Avery House Unique, historic backdrop with lush grounds for small events
Ptarmigan Country Club A variety of flexible event spaces are available
Rist Canyon Inn – Farmhouse (Laporte) 120-year-old farmhouse and accompanying buildings set among old-growth trees, lush golden pastures, and a glistening creek
Strauss Cabin Farmhouse Secluded venue with convenient access to Fort Collins city proper; multiple indoor and outdoor event spaces
Wolverine Farm The Event Hall accommodates up to 60 guests
Restaurants, Bars, and Breweries With Private Party Rooms in Fort Collins  Austin’s American Grill (Harmony Location)
Avogadro’s Number Music venue, bar, and vegetarian-vegan-friendly American restaurant
Beau Jo’s Colorado pizza chain with die-hard fans
Bistro Nautile Seafood restaurant with a focus on French-influenced food using farm-fresh ingredients
BJ’s Restaurant and Brewhouse Semi-private area accommodates 50-70 guests
Blue Agave Grill Two semi-private party areas accommodate 20-25 guests each
Brothers Bar & Grill Laid-back bar and grill with private and semi-private event options
 Cafe Vino Restaurant with a focus on fresh, organic, locally-sourced ingredients, featuring local craft beers, over 200 wines, and decadent pastries
The Colorado Room Can accommodate 50-60 guests
Coopersmith’s Pub and Brewing On-site brewery and English pub paired with an American dining experience
The Crown Pub Private basement accommodates 60-70 guests
Cups Community Coffee Locally owned and operated coffee shop serving delicious drinks and fresh food
The Emporium American Brasserie offering warm, approachable hospitality in an energetic space – emphasis on fresh, regional ingredients and an extensive wine list
Farmhouse at Jessup Farm The Farmhouse can host events for 10-100 guests
The Forge Publick House Craft beer bar with a warm atmosphere and a large, colorful patio
Gilded Goat Brewing Company (Midtown) Family-owned brewery and taproom with a warm, inviting space
 Ginger & Baker The Teaching Kitchen seats up to 30 guests; The Wine Cellar seats up to 48; The Mill Top accommodates 50-90 guests
Gnebriated Gnome Event Space
Hello Brew Co. Small brewery with a cozy taproom in an old house in downtown Fort Collins
HuHot Mongolian Grill Two semi-private party rooms; each accommodates up to 10 guests
Illegal Pete’s Rooftop and indoor space available for private events
Jax Fish House Upscale chain serving gourmet seafood dishes and creative cocktails in a relaxed, stylish setting
Little On Mountain Fun neighborhood eatery for brunch and supper
 Magic Rat at The Elizabeth Hotel Offbeat and unique live music venue with food and drinks
Mas Fuegos Casual Mexican eatery known for happy hour bites and vegetarian options
Maxline Brewing Locally owned, family-run brewery and tasting room in midtown Fort Collins
Maya Cove Bar and grill with casual fare and die-hard fans
The Mayor of Old Town Nationally recognized full bar and restaurant that specializes in craft beer
The Melting Pot Private, intimate tables and rooms available
Moot House Modern English pub fare and local craft beers served in cozy quarters with fireplaces
The Neighbor Event space, coffee bar, and happy hour spot in a historic building in Old Town Fort Collins.
New Belgium Brewing Classic Fort Collins brewery with lots of indoor and outdoor space
Nick’s Restaurant & Bar Semi-private function room and patio available for events
Odell Brewing and OBC Wine Project Well-known brewery with draft microbrews, a beautiful patio, and mountain views
Oregano’s Family-friendly neighborhood joint serving tasty Chicago pizzas and Italian dishes
Otto Pint Local brews and signature pizzas served in an unfussy atmosphere with lots of natural light
 Pour Brothers Community Tavern Fun, relaxing environment with local beer, craft cocktails, and unforgettable bites
Prost Brewing Co. & Biergarten German-style beers in a charming, historic building near Colorado State University
Purpose Brewing and Cellars Rustic brewery with a unique vibe and intimate space
Rally5 Local crafted eats, including gourmet burgers, power bowls, mac and cheese, and salads
Rio Grande Mexican Restaurant Delicious TexMex and margaritas in downtown Fort Collins
Simmer Relaxed neighborhood eatery for hearty American classics, beer, wine, and cocktails
Sonny Lubick Steakhouse Locally owned fine dining restaurant
Stodgy Brewing Company Friendly neighborhood brewery and taproom with a unique atmosphere
Sunset Lounge at The Elizabeth Hotel Intimate, elegant indoor rooftop lounge in downtown Fort Collins
Timnath Beerwerks (Timnath) Authentic, one-of-a-kind northern Colorado beer experience in the historic Timnath Feed & Grain Building.
Tony’s Bar and Rooftop TV, billiards, and other bar staples in an industrial space
The Whisk(e)y Pub grub, hundreds of whiskeys, and live music in a warm atmosphere with leather booths
415 Updated American classic restaurant with multiple event spaces available
Activities for Private Events in Fort Collins  Ascent Studio Rock climbing and fitness facility
Chipper’s Lanes Horsetooth Activity center with bowling, laser tag, pool, volleyball, and a full restaurant and bar
Cinemark Movie theater with private watch parties and birthday parties
City of Fort Collins Pottery Studio Educational and recreational facility offering diverse classes, activities, and opportunities for all ages; participants learn a wide variety of basic clay techniques
Color Me Mine Paint-your-own ceramics studio
The Cooking Studio A place where amateur cooks, aspiring young chefs, teams, families, and friends come to learn, explore, and unleash their inner chef
The Dinner Detective Murder mystery dinner experience
Fly High Trampoline Park Amusement center with trampolines, indoor soft play, foam pit, indoor basketball court, and dodgeball court
Fort Collins Escape Room Premier escape room experiences - 3 experiences available
Fort Fun Massive family-friendly, lakeside recreation center with mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, a skating rink, and much more
Looking Glass Escape Lounge Exciting escape rooms featuring a bar and lounge
The Lyric Locally-owned, independent movie theater and event space. Funky, artistic vibe for large events and private movie screenings/parties. Small event spaces include:
Old Town Putt Indoor mini golf course and bar for 21+ parties
 Painting With a Twist Have a night out sipping, socializing, and creating
Pinot’s Palette Upscale painting and wine experience
Rollerland Skate Center Family-friendly activity center with roller rink, laser tag maze, indoor playground, and arcade
Somewhere Secret Escape Room Explore the room and complete puzzles to find the treasure chest at the highest-rated escape room in Colorado
 X-Golf Premier indoor golf and entertainment venue
830 North – Chipper’s Lanes Activity center featuring bowling, laser tag, arcade, pool, volleyball, and a full restaurant and bar
For help planning your event, book the northern Colorado experts at BIG DEAL Company. We take on the behind-the-scenes stress, so you can enjoy your event. For business and private event tips and ideas, follow BIG DEAL on Facebook, Instagram, and Pinterest.  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest
Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & Wyoming. We travel too! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC Is It Time to Retire the Silent Auction? Why Fundraisers Should Evolve with Donor Expectations11/9/2025 Silent auctions aren’t dead–but they’re overdue for a transformation. Discover the pros, cons, and modern alternatives that help nonprofits raise more while doing less. The Silent Auction: A Fundraising Staple in QuestionSilent auctions have long been a reliable feature at nonprofit fundraisers — from gala dinners to golf tournaments. They offer a familiar structure, spark light competition, and, historically, have brought in critical revenue. But is the return still worth the effort? For many nonprofits, the answer is increasingly “no”. The hours spent soliciting donations, curating packages, labeling, tracking, and displaying items add up fast — and when the final tally barely clears a few thousand dollars, it begs a hard question: Does the silent auction still make sense in its traditional form? At Big Deal Company, we’ve helped countless organizations rethink their approach to fundraising—and yes, that includes reevaluating the time-consuming silent auction. What Silent Auctions Once Did Well Silent auctions earned their place in fundraising history for good reason. They created a shopping-meets-charity vibe, provided stability for donors, and invited participation from attendees who might not be ready to raise a paddle for a big-ticket donation. Some original strengths included:
 The Hidden Costs: Time, Labor, and Diminishing Returns Let’s be honest: organizing a silent auction is a beast.
If you were to tally every volunteer and staff hour spent on the silent auction, the results would be staggering. For some organizations, the true “cost” of the silent auction would rival or exceed the potential revenue it could bring in! This raises a critical question: If it takes 60+ hours of work to bring in $3,000, is that the best use of your team’s energy? Changing Donor Preferences: Less “Stuff”, More Meaning Today’s fundraising audiences have changed. Many donors, particularly Millennials and Gen Z, aren’t interested in baskets of lotions or home decor. Instead, they’re drawn to experiences, exclusivity, and impact. Trends we’re seeing:
The silent auction format isn’t dead—but the item-based model may be on its last legs.  The Silent Auction’s Evolution: Digital, Dynamic, and Scalable While the traditional format may be faltering, technology is breathing new life into silent auctions. The shift to mobile bidding and online platforms has redefined what a silent auction can be. From Paper to Digital Bid sheets are out. Mobile apps and websites let guests bid in real-time. This means guests can bid from across the room or across the country! Wider Reach Online silent auctions remove geographic barriers. You’re no longer limited to who is in the room. Streamlined Logistics Tech platforms handle checkouts, payments, notifications, and receipts. This can be quite freeing for your staff! Gamification and Excitement Countdown timers, bid alerts, and donation trackers make the experience more competitive and engaging. Why Silent Auctions Still Have a Place — If Reimagined Silent auctions still offer:
But the core concept needs a makeover. Simply put, you don’t have to ditch the format, but you should ditch the fatigue.  ***Smart Alternatives: Reimagine, Don’t Retire*** Cut the Clutter: Curate Fewer, Better Packages Focus on fewer high-impact auction items. Quality over quantity saves time and raises more. Shift to Experience-Driven Auctions Offer things people can’t buy in stores—private dinners, travel, meet-and-greets, and VIP passes. Bundle with Engagement Tools Silent auctions work best when they’re paired with live appeals, fund-a-need moments, and raffles. Big Deal Company: Helping You Do More With LessWe’ve worked with dozens of nonprofits to modernize their fundraising strategies—and silent auctions are no exception. Here’s how BIG DEAL can help:
We believe nonprofits should spend less time chasing gift cards and more time changing lives. And we’re here to help you make that shift. Conclusion: Retire the Old, Not the Idea Silent auctions aren’t obsolete. They are just due for a transformation. If your team is burning hours for minimal return, it’s time to evolve. Embrace technology, rethink your approach, and meet donors where they are: craving connection, not clutter. Big Deal Company is ready to help you raise more, work less, and create fundraising events that actually feel….fun!  Follow us on social media for event highlights, creative inspiration, marketing tips, and updates on our latest projects.📘 Facebook | 📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | ▶️ YouTube | 📌 Pinterest
Sign up for our online newsletter to stay updated on the latest insights and tools. BIG DEAL Company makes business personal by bringing JOY to the job in everything we do. As purveyors of fun with BIG DEAL, we support businesses and individuals in the growth of their ideas, events and marketing strategies. Our creative aptitude allows for unique ideas. Our passion for perfection makes every client a priority! Serving Colorado & Wyoming. We travel too! Contact BIG DEAL Company *** Bringing Joy to the Job *** Phone: 970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 Email Us Disclosure: *All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites and content, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC |
About BIG DEALMaking Business Personal. We pride ourselves on giving you something to look forward to. We are a connected collective of creatives - owned and operated by outstanding women. Archives
September 2026
Categories
All
 |
Services |
Company |
|
AS SEEN:
My Big Day dba Big Deal Company 2006-2026 www.BigDealCompany.com www.MyBigDayCompany.com
970-613-1455 or 303-886-3068 EMAIL US
We serve the entire United States.
BIG DEAL is based in the Front Range of Colorado. Cities we commonly serve; Denver, Southern Wyoming, the CO Mountains, and Northern Colorado: Loveland, Fort Collins, Greeley, Windsor, Berthoud, Estes Park, Lyons, Longmont, Boulder, Wellington, Johnstown, Evans, Severance, Timnath, Mead, Frederick, Firestone, Milliken
*All content produced by My Big Day; DBA Big Deal Company, including websites, are the property of My Big Day LLC and protected by U.S. and international copyright laws. You may not copy, reproduce, distribute, transmit, modify, create derivative works, or in any other way exploit any part of our materials without the prior written permission from My Big Day LLC.
