Modern fundraising has definitely changed the rules of the game to a certain extent, and organizers have found themselves needing to adapt to that changing atmosphere and to, well, find some innovative ways to attract donors. And, well, travel packages stand out as amazing options nowadays. They are appealing and they can definitely increase engagement, as well as the overall revenue of the event.
Here is more about fundraising in general: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fundraising
Now, if you are planning on organizing an event like this yourself, and if you’re thinking of adding travel packages for donors to bid one, here’s what you should absolutely know. Not all travel packages are the same. They don’t all perform the same, so choosing the wrong one can result in rather low interest and underwhelming returns.
This means that you will have to do your best to choose the right packages for your event. And, if you haven’t done this before, or if you haven’t perhaps been that happy with what you have previously chosen, then you may be looking for some help. Well, that is precisely what you will get here, because below we will talk a bit more about what it is that you should do and keep in mind when aiming at choosing the right travel packages for your fundraising event.
Consider Your Audience
Unsurprisingly, the very first thing you should consider when trying to make this particular choice is, of course, your audience. After all, a package that may be quite appealing to one group may definitely be completely unappealing to another. Your task is, therefore, to first understand your donor base, so make sure to start there before going any further. Go here if you need some tips on how to plan the entire event.
What is it, though, that you should consider when aiming at getting to know your audience? For one thing, you should consider the demographics. Are we talking about professionals, couples, families, retirees, or some other groups? Then, think about whether they prefer luxury and relaxation, or perhaps some cultural experience and more adventurous ones? Choosing a package that matches your donor style is undeniably important, so don’t forget to research your audience thoroughly.
And Your Event Type
Of course, you also want the packages to match your specific event type. After all, different types of fundraising formats call for different types of travel packages, and I am guessing you understand that already. So, you won’t choose the same type for a live auction as you would for a silent auction or a raffle. Take some time, therefore, to consider your event type and to think about which option could work best for you.
Remember That Flexibility Is Valued
Whatever it is that you want to go for, you should absolutely remember that flexibility is extremely valued among donors. After all, you can’t know their schedules, and you don’t want the packages to be too restrictive, because that could lead to a lot of people losing interest, simply because their lives don’t allow them to, well, travel during the specific periods. So, look for those options that offer flexible traveling windows, extended booking timelines, and clear redemption instructions, as well as minimal blackout dates. When it is easy for donors to use the package, they will be far more likely to bid higher amounts on them.
Go for Destinations with Broad Appeal
Choosing the right destinations is also extremely important here. And, well, opting for those that consistently perform well in fundraising environments is always a good idea. Usually, the most popular travel fundraiser categories include beaches and resort destinations, major entertainment cities, wine and culinary escapes, iconic international cities, as well as adventure destinations with guided experiences. The main idea is for you to avoid those niche trips unless you are absolutely sure that your audience will love them.
But Limit the Number of Offered Packages for Exclusivity
While you should go for popular destinations, you should still create some amount of exclusivity. And you can do that by offering a limited number of packages. If you offer too much, all of it may be watered down. Not to mention that your donors may find themselves confused about what to actually bid on. So, choose a small and curated selection and clearly highlight the advantages of each package.
Measure Performance and Adjust
After the event is over, you should take some time to actually measure the performance. Take a look at what kinds of packages performed the best, which ones reached or even exceeded your expectations, and which generated the most engagement. In the end, you should use this type of date to refine your strategy if necessary, and to make smart choices and improve the results at your next event.
