Scott Helmer’s Ultimate Guide to Fundraising Event Success
10 Essential Ingredients to Raise More, Reach More, and Make a Lasting Impact
After helping over 200 good causes raise more than $3 million, Scott Helmer has learned a thing or two about what makes a fundraising event truly successful. Whether you're a small team or a well-established nonprofit, these 10 essential strategies will help you exceed your fundraising goals, inspire your community, and create an unforgettable experience.
But this isn’t just about one night. A well-run event can do much more than raise money—it can build lasting momentum that supports your mission for years to come.
🚀 Bonus Insight: Beyond the Event
Think of your fundraiser as the start of something bigger. Every part of your event—from how it’s promoted to how it’s perceived—can fuel your future growth.
Invite the media – Even if they don’t attend, a press release adds credibility and gives them a reference point for future coverage.
Promote across all channels – Every post, event listing, and hashtag helps boost your search visibility and creates a digital footprint for future events.
Showcase success – If your tickets sell out or sponsorships are fully claimed, say so. Messaging like “sold out” or “sponsorships closed” builds urgency, excitement, and credibility.
Tag partners and supporters – Public recognition strengthens relationships and encourages future collaboration.
Encourage attendees to share – Photos, testimonials, and videos create buzz that lasts long after the event ends.
Momentum matters. Treat this event as a launchpad for future visibility, donor trust, and community support.
✅ 10 Essential Ingredients to Raise More, Reach More, and Make a Lasting Impact
🧭 1. SET A CLEAR FUNDRAISING GOAL
Start with a specific dollar amount in mind. Decide how much you want to raise and communicate it to your entire team—whether that's two people or twenty. A goal that’s written down, shared, and understood keeps everyone focused and aligned. You can't reach a target no one sees.
👉 Also explain what the funds will support. Whether it’s new therapy equipment, scholarships for families, facility improvements, or expanded programming, be specific. People are more likely to give when they know exactly how their donation will make a difference.
📣 2. MAKE YOUR GOAL PUBLIC
Let your community know exactly what you're aiming for—and why. Post your fundraising goal on your website, social media, and in emails. When people understand the mission, the dollar amount, and what their money will help accomplish, they’re more likely to take action.
👉 Be specific about where the funds are going. Whether it’s covering therapy sessions, buying new equipment, supporting veterans, or funding program expansion, clarity drives connection. It turns a dollar amount into a story people want to support.
Update your audience as you get closer—it builds excitement, urgency, and trust.
🌐 3. CREATE A DEDICATED EVENT PAGE
Build a landing page on your website that houses all the details: what your organization does, what this event supports, how to donate or buy tickets, and what to expect from Scott’s performance. Make this your go-to destination for links, updates, and sharing—it’ll help with SEO and build trust.
🎟️ 4. SELL TICKETS ONLINE—MAKE IT EASY
Make it easy for people to say “yes” by offering digital ticketing. Use a trusted platform like:
Eventbrite – reliable, well-known, and mobile-friendly
Givebutter – built for nonprofits with donation tools
Zeffy – 100% free with no platform fees
Link your ticketing page prominently from your website and all social posts.
👉 And when your event sells out, tell people! “SOLD OUT” messaging creates urgency and builds demand for your next one.
👉 Pro Tip: Once your ticketing page is live, we’ll link to it from the Tour Dates section on Scott’s official website—so make sure it’s ready! Everyone we send your way will go there to learn more and purchase tickets to attend your event.
🤝 5. BUILD SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Sponsorships are one of the best ways to meet your fundraising goals before the event even begins. Offer tiered packages—Presenting Sponsor, Gold, Silver, Community Partner, etc.—and clearly list what each level includes (branding, VIP tables, shout-outs).
👉 If your sponsorships sell out, announce it. It communicates demand, value, and credibility.
🎁 BONUS TIP: NAME YOUR EVENT — AND YOUR SPONSORSHIP LEVELS
Don’t just call it “a fundraiser.” Give your event a name that reflects your mission and inspires people to get involved. Whether it’s Voices for Hope, Rock the Rescue, or Stand Up for Students, a meaningful name helps your event stand out, feel more memorable, and connect on an emotional level.
Also consider branding your sponsorship levels to fit your cause, industry, or theme. Instead of generic titles like Gold or Silver, try Trailblazer / Partner / Supporter, or create levels that align with your work. This adds personality, reinforces your message, and gives sponsors a sense of purpose in your success.
Use your event name and sponsorship tiers across all materials—your website, signage, tickets, social posts, and press—to strengthen visibility and drive engagement.
🏪 6. CONNECT WITH LOCAL BUSINESSES
Use this concert as a meaningful reason to introduce your organization to local businesses. Most don’t even know you exist—yet. Bring them sponsorship info, ask for auction items, or simply invite them to attend. Even if they don’t commit this time, you’re planting seeds for future support.
🎁 BONUS TIP: REACH OUT TO THOSE YOU SERVE — AND THOSE WHO SERVE YOUR COMMUNITY
If your cause supports members of your community—such as first responders, active-duty military and veterans, individuals with special needs, youth, or families in crisis—consider extending a personal invitation to them and their families.
Reach out to local schools, police and fire departments, the American Legion, VFW, community centers, and faith groups to let them know this event is for them.
Also consider inviting your mayor, city council members, state legislators, or even the governor. Elected officials often appreciate the chance to attend local events that support good causes—they may even help spread the word.
When the people you serve feel seen and welcomed—and when your community leaders show up in support—it boosts attendance, builds trust, and takes your event’s impact to a whole new level.
💵 7. USE AUCTIONS, RAFFLES, AND MATCHING GIFTS
Maximize the moment:
Host a live or silent auction with donated items
Run a 50/50 raffle—many winners donate their share back
Promote the autographed guitar Scott donates on stage
Secure a matching sponsor to double the dollars raised
These elements can elevate your total far beyond expectations.
📲 8. PROMOTE ACROSS ALL CHANNELS
You can’t over-communicate. Promote your event and ticket sales through:
Your website
Social media (Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, etc.)
Email blasts
Flyers, posters, and community calendars
👉 Encourage your sponsors, supporters, and donors to share the event on their platforms as well. Their audiences will help amplify your reach and build third-party credibility.
🎸 9. CREATE AN UNFORGETTABLE EXPERIENCE
This isn’t just another event—it’s an opportunity to inspire.
Offer food and drink
Publish a detailed schedule
Introduce Scott’s story and music before the show
Make it crystal clear what their support is helping make possible
👉 The more emotionally connected people feel, the more likely they are to give—and give again.
📬 10. FOLLOW UP AND BUILD FOR THE FUTURE
Your event doesn’t end when the lights go down.
Send thank-you notes to donors, sponsors, and volunteers
Host a quick team debrief—what worked, what can improve?
Add attendees to your email list
Personally call major supporters to thank them
Celebrate your team with a casual post-event hangout
Events like this raise money—but more importantly, they build momentum for years to come.
🔥 BONUS TIP: Add a Golf Tournament, Car Club, or Motorcycle Run for Extra Impact
Many fundraising events successfully pair with a golf tournament earlier the same day or even in the days leading up to the main event. It’s a great way to engage donors, sponsors, and community partners with a fun and competitive activity that sets the stage for a successful fundraiser.
Another powerful idea is to partner with a local car club (classics, exotics, etc.) or motorcycle club—especially Harley-style riding groups. These clubs love supporting good causes and are often eager to help in a big way. Many will even organize their own mini-fundraiser leading up to your event and present a donation check live on stage or during your program.
Here’s how to bring them in:
Invite a club to join as an official partner
Organize a group ticket package that includes:
A special parking or display area for their vehicles
VIP or reserved seating at the concert or program
A food and drink voucher or bundle deal
Encourage them to promote the event to their own members and followers
Consider offering a spotlight moment during the event to recognize their support
It’s a great way to draw in a new audience, energize your program, and create even more fundraising momentum.
🚀 Ready to Make Your Event a Success?
With Scott Helmer live in concert, you're not just adding entertainment—you're activating a proven, emotionally charged experience that raises serious funds, energizes your community, and supports your mission in a powerful way.
You've got the 10 essential ingredients—now it's time to use them to create real results.
🎵 Ready to take the next step? Bring Scott Helmer’s powerful music, message, and mission to your event. It’s turnkey, impactful, and proven to help good causes like yours raise more, connect deeper, and leave a lasting impression.
📣 SEE WHAT OTHERS ARE SAYING
Read what real people are saying about Scott’s music, message, and impact—visit the Testimonials & Reviews page.