7 Summer Fundraising Committee Planning Tips for a Successful Fall Event
Want a smoother, more successful fall fundraiser? Start with strategic summer planning. While things may feel quieter during July and August, now is the time to lay the foundation that will set your fall fundraising event on fire.
These seven actionable committee planning tips will help your nonprofit make the most of the summer months and maximize impact when the big day arrives.
1. Recruit and Confirm the Right Fundraising Committee Members
Your fundraising committee is the engine behind your event.
Summer is ideal for:
- Reviewing last year’s team structure
- Reconnecting with past volunteers or board members
- Reaching out to new potential committee members with relevant skills
TIP: Search for local professionals with fundraising or event planning experience on LinkedIn or through your donor database.
2. Define Roles and Responsibilities for Each Committee Member
Avoid confusion and duplication of effort by clearly outlining committee roles from the start.
Common fundraising event committee roles include:
- Auction Procurement Lead
- Marketing & Communications Coordinator
- Logistics & Venue Manager
- Volunteer Coordinator
- Sponsorship & Donor Relations Chair
TIP: Provide a one-pager or short description of each role’s duties and tasks to align expectations and accountability.
Build a Detailed Fall Fundraiser Timeline and Planning Calendar
A great fundraising event starts with a smart timeline.
Use summer to:
- Reverse-engineer key deadlines from your event date
- Add soft and hard deadlines to a shared calendar
- Schedule committee meetings now to avoid fall scheduling conflicts
TIP: Use digital planning tools like Trello, Asana, Monday, or Google Sheets to keep everyone aligned.
4. Begin Early Auction Item Procurement and Sponsor Outreach
Get ahead by locking in donations and sponsors while your competition is still at the beach:
- Start with returning sponsors and major gift donors
- Personalize your pitch with recognition opportunities
- Focus on high-value auction item procurement (experiences, getaways, exclusive access)
Use Greater Giving’s donor tracking tools to manage asks and monitor donation or sponsor opportunity status in real time.
5. Re-engage Volunteers and Build Committee Morale This Summer
Summer is a great time to build community and excitement among your volunteer fundraising team.
Consider:
- Hosting a volunteer appreciation picnic or happy hour
- Offering mini tasks or micro-volunteering roles
- Launching a private Facebook Group or Slack channel for engagement
6. Finalize Your Fundraiser Budget and Set Fundraising Goals
With fewer distractions, summer is the perfect time to:
- Analyze last year’s event performance
- Create a budget aligned with your fundraising goals
- Assign spending limits to committee teams
7. Establish Communication Platforms and Meeting Cadence Early
Clear communication prevents confusion—and missed deadlines. Set your system now:
- Choose platforms (Google Drive for docs, Slack for chat, Zoom for virtual meetings)
- Schedule your standing meetings in advance
- Assign a committee secretary or point person to send agendas and recap notes
Start Now to Set Your Fall Fundraiser Up for Success
Summer isn’t a fundraising off-season, it’s your secret weapon. By recruiting early, setting timelines, and getting organized, you’ll head into the fall with confidence and a team that’s ready to deliver results.
Ready to turn plans into action? Request a Demo of Greater Giving’s software
