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At Big Deal Company, we’re proud to support several incredible nonprofit partners with everything from development strategy and campaign planning to event production, as well as internal and external communications. And if there’s one question we hear across the board, it’s this: “Are our fundraising events still worth it?” It’s a great question - and an important one. As fundraising trends continue to shift in a post-pandemic world, many organizations are taking a closer look at how events fit into their overall development plan. Are they bringing revenue? Are they building relationships? Or are they draining resources without delivering meaningful returns? Recently, our team member, Carrie, had the opportunity to dive deep into this topic for her capstone project that was part of her time at the Institute for Leaders in Development. She explored the transition many nonprofits are making - from transactional, event-heavy fundraising models to more transformational, relationship-forward strategies.  Why the Shift? Events have long been a go-to fundraising strategy. They create visibility, bring people together, and can be an exciting entry point for new supporters. But they also come with real challenges:
A recent White Paper by Big Deal Company on event trends in Colorado found that over 70% of event hosts reported increased expenses, and nearly 63% saw declining attendance. When the return on investment (ROI) shrinks and burnout increases, it’s time to reconsider how events fit into your fundraising mix. So….Should We Kill the Gala? Not necessarily. However, we recommend evaluating every event through a strategic lens.  During an ILD interview with Lizz Helmsen, a consultant with Carter Global - a philanthropic forward nonprofit consulting company- shared her perspective as an “event killer,” but not because she’s anti-event. Rather, she encourages nonprofits to be selective and intentional. Her framework for event evaluation includes three key criteria:
Tools for Quantifying Your Events A simple Event Evaluation Rubric can be used to review past and upcoming events. Ask yourself:
Sometimes, it’s not always about the dollars raised at the event - it’s also about the long-term return. For example, an intimate donor dinner that sparks a $25,000 multi-year gift a few months later could have a bigger impact than a large gala that breaks even. What’s Next? Make the Shift with a Plan If you’re considering shifting from large-scale events to more relationship-based fundraising, have a roadmap. Here’s what we recommend:
Don’t Forget Your Small Donors In relationship-focused fundraising, every donor matters. Small, recurring donors are often the backbone of a sustainable giving program. With the right communication and engagement strategies, they can grow into long-term supporters, advocates, and even major donors over time. Let’s Build A Smarter Strategy Together Fundraising isn’t one-size-fits-all. During her ILD journey, Carrie heard from nonprofit leaders using all kinds of models - some event-heavy, some event-free - and each one had valid reasons for their approach. The key is to be intentional, data-informed, and mission-aligned. At Big Deal Company, we’re here to help you do just that. Whether you’re planning your next signature event or rethinking your entire development calendar, we’re ready to help you ask the right questions and build a plan that works - for your mission, your team, and the community you serve.  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
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In our marketing climate where social media algorithms change overnight and trends come and go in minutes, one digital marketing tool has steadily yielded growth for both for-profit businesses and nonprofit organizations: email marketing. At BIG DEAL Company, we know firsthand how a well-crafted email strategy can drive sales, deepen customer relationships, and keep donors engaged – even during tough times. Whether you are selling a product or service or promoting a mission, email marketing is not just an option – it’s essential.  Why email marketing still works With all the talk about social media, it’s easy to forget about the original online marketing: email. The amazing thing about email is it is one of the few marketing channels you own. Unlike social media, where your content can be buried by algorithm changes, emails land directly in your audience’s inbox. That means your message reaches real people in real time. The numbers back it up, too. Email marketing still consistently delivers one of the highest ROIs (Return On Investment) of any digital marketing channel, averaging $36 for every $1 spent, according to a Litmus study. For businesses: Stay front-of-mind, sell smarter In a competitive marketplace, visibility is everything. When customers are watching every dollar (like in our current economic climate), they’re more likely to buy from brands they trust and remember. Email marketing keeps your business top-of-mind with regular, valuable communication. Promotions, product launches, behind-the-scenes updates — they all build loyalty and drive conversions over time. Even in a slow economy, your audience still spends money — just more thoughtfully. For nonprofits: Build trust, retain donors For nonprofits, email is a lifeline. It’s your direct connection to the people who care about your cause. When budgets are tight and giving slows, staying in touch is more important than ever. Regular email updates keep donors informed, inspired, and invested. Plus, email campaigns are cost-effective. You don’t need a big budget to run a smart, strategic email program. You just need a plan, and we’re here to help.  Especially in uncertain times When the economy wobbles, many organizations instinctively cut their marketing budgets. But history shows that businesses and nonprofits who maintain or increase visibility during downturns are better positioned for growth once the dust settles. Email marketing offers a low-cost, high-impact way to do just that. Instead of going dark, use email to:
Even if people aren’t ready to buy or donate today, consistent communication ensures they’ll think of you when they are. It’s worth the investment No matter your size or sector, email marketing is one of the smartest investments you can make. It doesn’t just sell – it nurtures. It builds relationships, reinforces your brand, and keeps your audience engaged long after the first click. At BIG DEAL Company, we help businesses and nonprofits create email strategies that cut through the noise, because your message deserves to be heard. Ready to launch or level up your email marketing game? Let’s make it a BIG DEAL. Contact us now. For marketing and event news and tips, follow BIG DEAL Company 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  In the detailed, and often fun world of event planning, the decision to hire a professional can easily be seen as an unnecessary expense. Many people believe that handling the logistics and details on their own will save money in the long run. However, what many fail to consider are the hidden costs associated with not bringing in an experienced event planner, like BIG DEAL Company. The effects can extend far beyond the initial budget, affecting both the success of the event and the long-term reputation of the organization. One of the most tangible impacts of forgoing an event planner is the potential for overspending. Hiring a skilled event planner can actually save money. We know this sounds counterintuitive, but professionals possess extensive networks and negotiating skills, enabling us to secure better deals on venues, catering, and other essential services. Without this expertise, your business may find itself paying a premium for services that could have been obtained at a lower cost. In other words, we’ve got the hookup on great pricing. Moreover, the value of time cannot be overstated….seriously. Planning an event demands a significant investment of time, effort, and resources that could be better spent on building your business. A dedicated event planner, adept at managing timelines and coordinating logistics, can streamline the planning process and ensure that the event runs seamlessly.  The true return on investment (ROI) becomes evident when considering the impact on the success of the event itself. BIG DEAL Company brings creativity, innovation, and attention to detail to the table, transforming an ordinary event (yawn) into an extraordinary one (hooray). From thematic designs to engaging entertainment options, our expertise will enhance the overall experience, leaving a lasting impression on attendees. In contrast, a poorly executed event can tarnish the reputation of your organization and hinder your ability to draw in future attendees or clients. When your event is a smash hit you will enhance your brand image, foster positive relationships with stakeholders, and generate valuable word-of-mouth marketing. The cost of not hiring an event planner like BIG DEAL Company extends far beyond the immediate financial investment. It involves missed opportunities, overspending, and the potential for a tarnished reputation. The next time you’re preparing to plan the next company event remember that your ROI isn’t just in dollars but also in time, success, image, and future opportunities.  As a collective of experts, BIG DEAL Company specializes in creativity. With superior organization, marketing experience and original ideas, we pull off amazing events and campaigns!
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, 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
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We serve the entire Front Range; 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
