🎉 Your First Fundraising Event: How to Plan It · Free Lesson
Lesson 5: After the Event — Keep the Momentum Going
What you do in the 24 hours after your event can significantly increase your total. This lesson shows you how to make the most of the post-event moment.
Within 24 hours of your event ending, thank everyone who came, donated, or helped. This is not just good manners — it is good fundraising strategy.
People who feel appreciated are far more likely to support you again. People who feel ignored do not give twice.
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Social media post: Post your final total with a genuine thank-you. Include photos from the event.
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Personal WhatsApp messages: Send individual thank-yous to your helpers and biggest supporters
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Email to donors: If you have email addresses, send a short thank-you with your total and a reminder of your JustGiving page for anyone who wants to give more
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Share your results
Sharing your results publicly does several things:
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It motivates your supporters: Seeing the total grow makes people feel their contribution mattered
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It attracts new donors: People who did not come to the event may donate when they see the results
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It builds your credibility: Consistent updates show you are serious and making real progress
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It creates momentum: A successful event makes your next event easier to promote
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The fundraising thermometer: Update your fundraising thermometer graphic in Canva and post it. Visual progress is incredibly motivating for your supporters.
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Plan your next activity
The best time to plan your next fundraising activity is immediately after a successful event — when your motivation is high and your supporters are engaged.
Look at what worked well and what you would do differently. Use this to inform your next event or activity.
Remember: fundraising is a marathon, not a sprint. Consistent, regular activities over many months will always outperform a single big event.
✏️ Post your event results
After your event, post your results on social media with a genuine thank-you. Update your fundraising thermometer. Send personal thank-yous to your helpers and biggest supporters.
Brilliant! You have completed your first fundraising event and handled the follow-up properly. In the final lesson, you will put together your complete event strategy for the months ahead.