GRANT WRITING, FUNDRAISING ISSUES, MISC.
GOLF OUTINGS ARE MORE THAN A FUNDRAISING EVENT

A zealous board member decides that your organization can raise lots of money by having a golf outing, and everyone on the Board thinks it is a great idea. Now the expectation is that YOU will coordinate the golf outing, and raise lots of money. And you are not even a golfer! What's a Development Director to do?

Golf outings are a great event for many organizations. However, you must realize that a golf outing should be considered a "friend" raising event first, and fundraiser second. Golf outings are a great public relations event.

The golf outing provides current donors with another opportunity to support and participate in your organization. But, golf outings are also a wonderful opportunity to introduce your organization and your mission to a whole new group of potential donors. You can tactfully "introduce" your organization during the evening program via the welcome address made by your CEO/Director or a testimonial given by a recipient of your services. You may want to consider showing your organizational video during the cocktail hour. Don't forget to stuff your brochures or recent newsletter in the golfers' goody bags that you will distribute during the evening. Let them know how grateful you are for their support that day and where their contributions will go.

How do you go about making it a successful outing? First, put together an enthusiastic and active committee. It should consist of a chairperson and ten committee members or more who will be responsible to make the outing a success. Members should be required to bring their own foursome, as well as recruit another foursome.

Second, sponsorship is the key to success. A title sponsor as well as other sponsors will help to make this a successful fundraiser. To give those who do not play golf an opportunity to participate in the outing, have a sponsorship such as a tee or hole sponsor at a lower cost. You can include as many sponsors as you can get!

Write and call your vendors and ask for their support. Ask them to take a sponsorship and to play in the outing.

And don't forget your donors, board and committee members, alumni, etc. Send everyone invitations whether you think they are interested in golf or not - - even those out of the area. You never know who is interested in playing, or if they will be in the neighborhood and want to join in the fun.

There are ways to enhance the excitement of the outing and to raise additional funds such as golf contests, raffles and silent auctions. A major goal is to ensure that each golfer has a fun day of golf, gets great goody bag gifts, and has ample opportunity to win prizes. If they have a great day, they will want to come again next year and hopefully bring their clients or friends.

Many Development Officers feel that if they do not have a large enough donor base to ensure successful attendance at a golf outing. It is the Golf Committee that you will rely on to bring in the golfers. A dedicated committee is vital to the success of the event, not your donor base.

And don't forget - - PLAN EARLY. For a spring golf outing, plan now in the fall. Get your committee together and identify potential sponsors. Throughout the County, nonprofit agencies are running successful golf outings, and there is no reason why you can't too! See you on the green!

Arleen N. Johnson is owner of anj enterprises, an events management company. Arleen has initiated and organized golf outings and galas for such clients as the Franciscan Friars of the Atonement, Pace University Lubin School of Business, St. Nicholas Russian Orthodox Church and American Express Financial Services. (845) 221-9931, anj@frontiernet.net.

September 2002