If you’ve worked in the fundraising world at all, you’ve likely heard the phrase, “You have to spend money to make money.” Now, we know it can be easy to brush this saying off as a cheesy phrase, but we want to take a closer look at it. Why exactly is this phrase so common? Does it hold any truth to it? We’re here to answer these questions and show you why your next nonprofit fundraiser needs to invest in an event production agency!
Are People Still Going to Nonprofit Fundraising Events?
In recent years, there’s been more and more discussion around the value of fundraising events. In a post-COVID world, people are wondering if fundraising events are a thing of the past and are considering moving their efforts to social media and online platforms.
We’re here to tell you that nonprofit fundraising events are very much alive and well! In fact, statistics show that over 80% of US donors still attend in-person events as of 2025—that’s a huge market you don’t want to miss out on. In our experience, nonprofits do well to combine both social media efforts and in-person events. While social media can help to raise money, events do the same with the added benefit of re-inspiring your audience with your mission.
Why Spending Money Leads to Raising Money
Now, it may seem counterintuitive, but the name of the game in fundraising is that you have to spend money to raise money. While event production agencies have many benefits, you may be cautious of an investment like this—and rightfully so, you want to spend your funds well.
In our experience with nonprofit fundraising events, we’ve found five key ways a partnership with an event agency can not only help you reach your goals but also save you money during the planning process.
1. Get the Best Price
We know you have a budget for your fundraising event, and you want to make the most of it. Did you know that an event production agency may be able to help you stretch that budget as far as it can go? At Akire Events Agency, all our clients benefit from our vendor partnerships, who we know give us the best possible price in the industry. From venue pricing to food catering, letting our team handle the price negotiations allows you to throw a stellar event for a fraction of the normal cost.
2. Memorable Events Create Repeat Donors
When you work with us, our goal is to have you reach your fundraising goals and exceed them if possible. But we’re also looking to the future. We know the success of one event can influence the success of events to come. Our event planning model is designed to create events that will be remembered for years to come—not just one night.
When we incorporate things such as learning styles or surprise and delight moments, we’re creating an event that people want to come back to. So the next year, when you’re planning your fundraising gala or event again, you’ve got a line of people from last year who are eager to sign up and bring their friends, creating a cycle of repeat donors!
3. Experience the Mission
Do you find yourself saying that your nonprofit’s mission is something that has to be experienced to fully understand? If so, hosting an event (whether it’s a fundraiser or just an experience) is a great way to bring the mission of your organization to life. We’ve had experience doing that ourselves.
For example, one of our clients wanted to host an event for Israeli educators. To help bring their mission to their attendees, we recreated the streets of Tel Aviv in Chicago. Attendees were able to physically experience iCenter’s vision and mission through sight, smell, touch, sound, and taste. Just imagine the impact you could make by providing the same experience for your donors!
4. Interact with Your Donors
When you’re handling event planning and logistics yourself, you’re unable to truly interact with your donors throughout the event. You could miss out on crucial conversations or be unable to voice your appreciation to the attendees you interact with.
By investing in an event production agency, this burden is taken off your plate. You’re free to enjoy the event alongside your donors and answer their questions in person. A personal touch with your donors can greatly benefit your cause, and you should be able to celebrate with them for their support!
5. Statistics Support a Higher ROI for Higher Investment
Finally, while it may be a tough pill to swallow, studies have shown that the more money an organization is willing to spend on a fundraising event, the more they tend to raise. Not only that, but a study done on hospital fundraisers also saw that a higher upfront investment for events correlated to increased donor retention and a higher overall revenue—leading to long-term success. So if you’re struggling to find the ROI in your fundraising events, perhaps consider the benefits of investing back into your event.
Reach Your Fundraising Goals with Akire Events Agency
At Akire Events Agency, we love working alongside nonprofits for their fundraising events. We’re passionate about what we do, and we know you’re passionate about your mission. Together, we can create an event that truly brings your mission and vision to life for donors and your team alike. So if you’re ready to take the next step in your fundraising efforts, get in touch with our team today to plan your upcoming event!