Charity Navigator recently published their 2007 Special Events Study questioning the financial value of charities holding special events. Although fundraising is not the only purpose for putting on a special event (and probably not the most important), it was still disturbing to read the details and conclusions of the Charity Navigator study. I was not the only one who was disturbed.
The report did not sit well with others who questioned the message of the study. I was happy to discover Peter Panepento from The Chronicle of Philanthropy researched the claims and found a different story. The article, Critics Dispute Claim That Charities Lose Money on Special Events at http://www.philanthropy.com/free/update/2007/05/2007051002.htm documents his findings. The Association of Fundraising Professionals also commented on the issue at http://www.afpnet.org/ka/ka-3.cfm?content_item_id=24074&folder_id=2345.
Special events are important to many charities. They can aid a nonprofit organization in raising funds, increasing community awareness, and identifying additional volunteers and advocates to help carry out its mission. Proper planning and a mindful use of funds for a special event can result in helping your cause and making the world a better place.
