Musical Sounds Inspire Support
Music Inspires and Actually Improves the Bottom Line
The frequently dreaded fundraising event remains a critical way to acquire new donors, build community, retain donors, and raise unrestricted dollars. To effectively convince people, every moment of the event must build the mood with the mission in the center. Music is a critical tool. The right playlist can actually help you tap into your guests’ emotions and raise more money. So don’t leave the tunes to the tech guys—think it through! We love choirs, drum lines, a great DJ, or a thoughtful playlist. We have specific songs we play as honorees walk on and off the stage (all shared below!).
Why should events celebrate mission and move donors emotionally you may ask?Well, according to the F2018 Fundraising Effectiveness Survey Project, the average donor retention rate in 2017 was just 45.5%. The survey states, “As a general rule, retaining and motivating existing donors costs less than acquiring new donors.” So if you get it right at the event, with people really feeling the impact of your good work, you can actually improve your retention rate.
The angelic voices of an a cappella choir provide a powerful kickoff for a program. We had the Brearley B-Naturals sing “America the Beautiful” with an image of the Statue of Liberty on the backdrop screen to launch a gala for the Mercy Center, whose work centers around helping immigrants achieve the American Dream. You could hear a pin drop after that—the audience was awed. The next speaker was set up for success and the whole program flowed from that point. Yep, they are invited back by popular demand this year and we are thinking of “Over the Rainbow.” Click here to check them out!
A drum line or drumming circle is a great way to welcome guests as they enter. A live band or quartet is always fun, as long as it remains in the background.
Have a good DJ who builds the mood. The DJ Dee Wiz at our Hip Hop Public Health event made the evening more entertaining with little riffs and sound effects as the speakers addressed the audience about eating right and exercise.
If you can’t afford a DJ, never fear—a great playlist can make a difference. Consider how background music sets the mood of a movie or show. Click on the links below for our Spotify Playlists for some selections that we adore:
Songs selected for these playlists should compliment the energy in the room. The song should be pre-edited to begin on the exact timestamp that the main section of the song begins and ends. For example, take “I’ve got the power” by Snap. It is an iconic song used for multiple commercials and events. It actually begins with a clip of someone talking about sputnik. If we edit out that part and begin the song at 0:13, it’s ready to be added to the playlist.
Here are our standby choices for speaker walk on music and the digital marker.
If you want to take your event to the next level or have Growth for Good audit your fundraising efforts, please reach out to us at: contact@growthforgood.com.
“What I have come to appreciate most about Growth for Good is that sense of relief they provide from the moment the planning for an event begins through the Gala Debrief at the conclusion. Their help choosing the right theme, venue, honorees, speakers, auction items, emcee, and entertainment keeps everyone on point and adds to the overall success of the event.”
-Stephen J. Stritch III, Executive Director of Mercy Center
