FUNDRAISING EVENTS
FPLG COVID-19 RESPONSE
FUNDRAISING EVENTS
[UPDATE: May 26, 2020]
As with many other aspects of life during the “new normal” of the COVID-19 pandemic, the nonprofit sector and the public have adapted quickly and accepted the idea of virtual fundraising events. Even in the short time since the beginning of the crisis, a body of examples and advice has emerged on how to plan and execute these programs.
But with the somewhat unexpected and ill-advised rush by all 50 states to “reopen” in quick stages, questions will undoubtedly arise about if, or when, nonprofits should start thinking about holding in-person events again, with or without safety restrictions.
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[April 3, 2020]
In early March, nonprofits around the nation wondered whether they might have to postpone a scheduled fundraiser – or even cancel it. By the end of March, it was clear that all of these events will be on hold indefinitely.
These organizations scrambled to cope with the fallout: loss of anticipated revenue, penalties or cancellation fees, disruption to carefully arranged fundraising plans.
Many nonprofits have turned to online events.
Canceling an event on short notice triggers cancellation fees, unless the force-majeure clause in a nonprofit’s contracts applies to excuse such action, or in legal terms, to excuse performance of duties under the contract. (Event-cancellation insurance may also apply to reduce the financial liability.) However, determining whether and when a force-majeure clause will apply is not always clear.
— Anne K. Gerson, Esq., Venable LLP (3/30/20)
If an organization obtained event cancellation insurance, for example, which is typically written to cover specific events, it should check to see if there is an exclusion for communicable diseases. Nonprofits should provide timely notice to their insurance providers and keep accurate records, track expenses, and document losses carefully.
— Gene Takagi, Esq., NEO Law Group (3/20/20)
REFERENCES & RESOURCES
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US Arts and Culture Nonprofits Face $6.8 Billion Shortfall (May 19, 2020) The NonProfit Times
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Fundraising Events in the Covid Era: Here’s What to Consider (May 14, 2020) Yolanda F. Johnson, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
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Fundraisers Cancelled When Virtual Isn’t an Option (May 14, 2020) Richard H. Levey, The NonProfit Times
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Just 6% Of Nonprofits Expect Increased Revenue (May 14, 2020) Mark Hrywna, The NonProfit Times
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COVID-19 Creates an Event Fundraising Choice: Go Virtual or Go Long (May 5, 2020) Martin Levine, The Nonprofit Quarterly
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How 4-H Turned Its Largest Fundraising Dinner Into a Virtual Event (April 29, 2020) Eden Stiffman, The Chronicle of Philanthropy
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How to Write a Considerate Event Cancellation Email (April 20, 2020) GoFundMe Charity
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How to Communicate a Fundraising Event Cancellation (April 17, 2020) Claire Axelrad, J.D., C.F.R.E., Bloomerang Ask An Expert
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7 Easy Steps to Move Any Fundraising Event to Virtual (April 7, 2020) Max Friedman, Bloomerang Blog
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Event Contract Cancellation in the Time of COVID-19 (April 3, 2020) Pillsbury Winthrop LLP
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Event Cancellations: What You Need to Know (March 30, 3020) Anne K. Gerson, Esq., Venable LLP
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Fundraising from 6 Feet Away: Tips for Making Your Giving Day an Online-Only Event (March 25, 2020) Jackie Zimmerman, npengage.com
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Tips for Nonprofits During the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 20, 2020) Gene K. Takagi, Esq., NEO Law Group
- COVID-19 Event and Fundraising Resources During Possible Impact (March 20, 2020) Blackbaud
- COMMUNICATING ABOUT CORONAVIRUS AND YOUR EVENTS, PART 2 (March 12, 2020) Nonprofit Marketing Guide
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