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10 Must-Know Tips for Running a High-Impact Fund-A-Need

A Fund-A-Need is one of the highest-earning moments at charity events. Use these proven strategies to turn your Fund-A-Need into the most powerful collective moment of generosity during your event.

1. Define One Clear, Compelling Need

Set a single, specific purpose for the appeal. Donors give more confidently when they understand the impact.

Tips:

  • Clearly show what each gift level funds (e.g., “$1,000 provides a week of meals for 20 families”).
  • Highlight real stories or testimonials.
  • Avoid spreading attention across multiple needs.

2. Build an Emotional Mission Moment

A strong emotional connection fuels giving.

Include:

  • A short, heartfelt video or speaker.
  • A beneficiary story.
  • A mix of data + emotion (skip long statistic dumps).

Goal: Help donors understand why giving matters right now.

3. Use Strategic Giving Levels

Offer a ladder of amounts that appeal to all donors.

Typical Levels:
$10,000 • $5,000 • $2,500 • $1,000 • $500 • $250 • Other

Best practices:

  • Start at the highest level to create momentum.
  • Pre-secure a top gift to kick things off (keep reading to learn how to do this strategically).
  • Include at least one widely accessible level.

4. Choose a Skilled Emcee or Auctioneer

Your host sets the tone and energy.

Their job:

  • Guide the room into giving mode.
  • Celebrate impact at each tier.
  • Keep the pace upbeat and inclusive.
  • Build excitement around every gift.

5. Prep the Room Before the Ask

Warm the audience before inviting donations.

Recommended flow:

  • Welcome remarks
  • Mission or impact story
  • Brief program overview
  • A high-energy or inspiring moment

This builds trust and readiness to give.

6. Make Giving Easy and Visible

The smoother the process, the higher the participation.

Tools:

  • Mobile giving or donation platforms (learn how Trellis can support you here).
  • Paddle raises (use Trellis to simplify post-event payment processing).
  • Thermometers or progress displays to highlight success in real time.

Important: Celebrate participation—never compare or shame.

7. Prime the Pump With Anchor Donors

Secure 30% of your fundraising goal through high-value donors before the event.

Why it works:

  • Signals leadership and confidence
  • Reduces hesitation
  • Creates instant momentum

Release these pre-seeded donations throughout the Fund-A-Need to keep energy high. (Learn more about using Pre-Seeded Donations on Trellis here.)

Challenge matches can also boost excitement.

8. Keep the Tone Positive and Inclusive

Great Fund-A-Needs feel uplifting, not pressured.

Do:

  • Celebrate every gift.
  • Use inclusive language (“Gifts of any size make a difference”).
  • Keep things moving—don’t stall at slow levels.

Don’t:

  • Guilt or shame.
  • Drag out the segment—aim for under 15 minutes to keep momentum high and your agenda on track.

9. Follow Up Quickly

Keep the impact alive after the event.

Afterward:

  • Send personalized thank-yous.
  • Share totals raised.
  • Provide impact updates or stories.
  • Send receipts promptly.

10. Review and Learn

Use your results to strengthen next year’s strategy.

Evaluate:

  • Giving levels and participation
  • What emotional elements worked
  • Operational notes for improvement
  • Any adjustments needed to the giving ladder

Consistent review helps grow your Fund-A-Need success over time.