Should I Invite the Media to a Fundraiser?

The media can bring awareness to a fundraising event.

More Media, More Awareness

Newspapers can help spread the word about a fundraiser.

According to the tips on the Fundraiser Help website, media involvement is one of the best ways to raise more money at a fund-raising event. "Media coverage is essential to drawing a big crowd," the group says. Newspapers, TV and radio stations are always looking for stories that interest their audiences, including information about people, organizations and good causes that charities support. Suggest to media organizations that they cover the story surrounding your fundraiser.

Don't Depend on Media Alone

Mail and email campaigns can be used to share fund-raising information.

Although inviting the media can be an effective way to share information about your cause, don't rely on it solely to draw a crowd. The FastTrack Fundraising Tips and Articles website suggests getting the word out in other ways, too. These include signs and posters, mass mail and email campaigns, and social media networking. The more publicity that is made in advance, the more people will attend your event.

Bottom Line

More people at your fundraiser means more money for the organization.

The more ways you you use to get the word out about a fundraiser the better. The media are a good avenue for communication, but publicitiy coordinators should not only invite local newspapers, TV and radio stations to the event. They should also send them press releases with information about the fundraiser to distribute beforehand.

However, don't overlook such grassroots publicity methods as posters, letters and word-of-mouth. The more people you can attract to your event, the more money the organization will gain for its cause.

References

• Fundraiser Help: Fundraising Event Tips
• FastTrack Fundraising Tips and Articles: Getting the Word Out--Promote Your Fundraiser