Since the beginning, one of the killer apps (does anyone use that term anymore?) we planned for GivingCity Austin was a fundraising events calendar. If you’ve ever tried to organize a fundraiser for a nonprofit organization, one of the hardest things to come up with was the date – you don’t want to compete with another fundraiser or, worse, a Longhorns game.
Beyond planning, a calendar of Central Texas fund raising events would hopefully garner enough eyes to serve as a cross-promotional tool, too. When a nonprofit publicizes its fund raiser, it struggles to reach beyond its own group of supporters for attendees.
Right now I’m in love with Eventbrite. It seems like lots of Austin events are taking advantage of its simple platform, promotion and ticket selling tools. I’ve registered for a number of events through Eventbrite myself, and found it totally easy to use.
The GivingCity Austin fundraising calendar wouldn’t replace online applications like that. In fact, it could link directly to your Eventbrite page. Rather it would include your event on a public calendar – online, in email blasts and in the magazine – publicizing your event to anyone who comes to or gets GivingCity.
(And the other part of the plan is that everyone would come to or get GivingCity to see the fundraising calendar.)
Oy. Don’t get me started about how excited I am about this calendar thing.
I’m looking for feedback, ideas, requests as we speak. And we have top men working on the development now. Top. Men.
Stay tuned!
SO needed! I am walking around with a Austin Monthly, that I have scribbled on after I have called every NPO in town! Can’t wait.
I know, I have that issue, too. And it’s a fantastic resource. But we both know about 200 fundraising events will pop up between now and the end of the year, so a living, breathing calendar of these things is the only way to go.
But you do bring up a good point. We should offer a print option. Always thinking!
When do you think this will be ready? I’m so excited at the prospect of finding a perfect date for our fundraising event–and your calendar idea is perfect!
We have a loose deadline in place, but since we’re making more than just a static calendar, one never knows exactly when it will be done. Plus we’re doing it in our “spare time.” That’s not to say it won’t get done, just that it’s not funded right now.
Not the answer you were hoping for. Sorry. Everyone’s telling me it’s needed, so we are working on it. Thank you!
I just moved back to Austin from Minneapolis, where there is a strong tradition of philanthropy. Minnesota Monthly maintains an excellent charitable event calendar, I am including the link below to provide a model. Thank you for doing something like this for Austin!
Cheers,
Mary
http://www.minnesotamonthly.com/media/Minnesota-Monthly/Events-Pics-Calendars/Charitable-Registry/
Wow, thank you for sending that link! Really valuable resource for us as we build our calendar and events content.
Monica
I love the concept! Please let me know if you need photographic services. I’ve been looking for a noble volunteer gig to give something back. austinamericana@gmail.com
Thanks! I sent your contact information to our art director.
Anyone looking for part-time help for volunteer coordinating or event planning? Would love to hear from you! Email me and let’s talk!
Not sure if my email link above will work…it’s chasermartin@gmail.com. Thanks!