Nonprofit organizations of all sizes rely on fundraising events to keep their supporters engaged with their work during and between major fundraising campaigns. While nonprofit events come in all shapes and sizes, from formal galas and auctions to casual lunches and street fairs, the importance of smart planning strategies is a constant.

Raising funds for a nonprofit can be a challenge. Even with the right advisers, team, plan, and dedication, pulling off a successful fundraising event can be quite difficult. Many organizations have adapted their fundraising efforts to new technology and trends; using mobile technology and donor management software has become common. Whether you choose to remain traditional or switch to more tech-savvy methods, here are some lessons that can help you increase your donations and grow your fundraising community.

Spring fundraising season is upon us and the pressure is on for nonprofits to hit their goals at upcoming galas or events.  Here is a quick checklist to make sure your nonprofit is ready:

You’ve seen fundraising thermometers before. Everyone uses them—when I was a kid, we used them for elementary school fundraisers, church fundraisers, building funds, and other events. Today, nonprofits use them for peer-to-peer fundraising, capital campaigns, and lots of other places.

But it’s when they combine event fundraising with fundraising thermometers that really exciting things happen.

Events are fun! They introduce your organization and its mission to new people. They celebrate the wonderful work you do. But no matter how glitzy the venue or the meal, or how high-profile the guest list, every nonprofit wants to maximize net revenue.

Peer-to-peer fundraising campaigns have huge amounts of potential if they’re executed properly. Between your organization’s network and your fundraisers’ networks, you can gain massive exposure and collect plenty of donations.

But first you need two things: the right tools and the right motivation. That second element is why so many peer-to-peer campaigns start off with a stellar kick-off event!