Forget everything you think you know about fundraising events. There's a simple and creative way to get your donors excited to give, and it has nothing to do with a traditional gala. On this episode of Hey Nonprofits, host Trevor Nelson sits down with expert event planner Mary Davidson to discuss the most brilliant fundraising idea we've ever heard. Mary explains why simplifying your event with shorter, mission-centric programs and creative gamification leads to more engagement and bigger donations. She shares powerful insights on the importance of in-person connection, tips for collaborating with other leaders, and her own journey from a nonprofit employee to a successful business owner. If you want fresh, actionable strategies to make your next fundraiser a huge success, this is the conversation for you.

🔗 *CONNECT WITH US* 🔗

Connect with Mary on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryrosedavidson/

Hey Nonprofits! on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/hey-non-profits-raise-more-money/

Connect with Trevor on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/trevor-nelson-b8922a167/

💙 *ABOUT HGA FUNDRAISING* 💙

This episode was brought to you by HGA Fundraising. The team at HGA helps event fundraisers create auction success with the most profitable (and mission focused) auction items in the space. Trips and experiences that excite donors, ignite bidding, and help your organization RAISE MORE MONEY.

To learn more about HGA Fundraising click here: https://hgafundraising.com/trips-and-experiences/

Sign up to receive the HGA Fundraising newsletter to receive fundraising insights from the brightest minds in the space: https://hgafundraising.com/subscribe-to-newsletter/

Feeling stuck with your fundraising? No matter where you are at in your journey, HGA offers FREE coaching for fundraisers:

https://hgafundraising.com/nonprofit-coaching/

📌 *CHAPTERS* 📌

0:00 The Truth About Nonprofit Work

0:24 How Trevor Discovered The Better Events Podcast

1:43 The Podcast Every Fundraiser Should Hear

2:52 The Unseen Heroes of Fundraising Events

4:36 What is an "Event with a Purpose"?

5:24 Why Seattle is a Nonprofit Hotspot

7:02 From Nonprofit Employee to Business Owner

9:10 The #1 Sign You Need to Start Your Own Business

11:34 The Mindset Trick All Great Leaders Use

12:28 "Fake It 'Til You Make It" Actually Works!

13:49 Who REALLY Runs a Fundraising Event?

15:24 Avoid This Mistake at Your Next Event Meeting

17:09 Why In-Person Events Are BACK!

18:37 The Secret Sauce of In-Person Fundraising

20:06 The Real Reason Nonprofits Hate Events

22:37 The "Less is More" Event Strategy That Works

24:35 Understanding Your Donors' Giving Style

25:50 Why Your Event Needs Different Ways to Give

27:05 The Most Creative Fundraising Idea We've Ever Heard!

29:00 The #1 Trend in Events Right Now

30:07 Video vs. Live Speaker: Which Is Better?

31:39 The Best Fundraising Game You've Never Heard Of

33:52 The Great Debate: Live Auction or Fund-A-Need First?

36:08 How to Avoid Burnout in the Nonprofit World

38:54 The Power of Collaboration Over Competition

41:45 Mary's Conference for Event Professionals

44:03 Where to Find Mary Davidson Online