• Ask yourself the needs of your organization from the event

Ask yourself when you want to host the event, whether you want to raise some amount or not.  If you want to raise money, how much do you need for your course? Also, are you trying to connect to new supporters and get the right revenue streams? If so, are there adequate ways to attract these new clients and educate them about your organization and your initiatives? Establish whether the nonprofit's outcomes will help you fund your course before investing time and resources into it.

• Define the needs of the guests from the event

Any fundraising event is always more about the guests. As such, their needs must always come first during planning. Before anything else, plan how you will entice the guests and try as much as possible to interact with them so that you can understand what they need. Ask them about your past events, what they liked, what did not please them, and what they feel should change in the future. Some may say that they like some music, others may prefer it mellow while some may prefer comedy. Take this advice and come up with something that will make all happy.

• Think of how you will fulfill the needs of the guests

After gathering information about what the guests of your event will require, now you have to think of how to meet these needs. For example, if they need entertainment such as live music or someone to speak at the event, think about how you will get a good performer or speaker. You can get a client to speak about their experience on one of the past events, how their contributions have changed lives, and even let them give video evidence where possible. However, all these should depend on your budget and the demands of your guests.

• Create an events budget

After gathering all the information about how your event should look like, you must come up with a budget for the amount you will spend. A budget will help you keep your expenditure at manageable levels and save money. While budgeting, include every detail- from food to entertainment and venue charges. Always ensure that there is room for readjustments in your budget to cater to an unforeseen increase in expenses. Budgeting is one way of saving money.

• Choose a good venue

An event is as good as the venue that will be used to host guests. As such, select the right venue that will give the visitors the serenity they desire and infuse the flair. Shop around for the best possible venue, looking at discounts, cost, the serenity of the environment, security, and comfort.  You can even look for a place associated with charity to cut down the cost and possibly project you as a charity organization. Ensure that you ask the right questions during the vetting of the venue. Know exactly what the amount you are paying includes.