May 2025
Spring means event season at Empowered Nonprofits — and this year, we’ve already (em)powered through eight major events. We’ve known firsthand what’s trending and what’s generating excitement. As always, we’re here to share our top takeaways to help you elevate your next event. Let’s dive in!
Invitations: Go Digital AND Printed
We often hear this question from our clients: “Do we still need printed invitations? Can we just do digital?” The answer is: you need both!
Printed invites create a tangible, personal experience that cuts through the email and digital overload. They help your organization stand out — a critical move in today’s “attention economy,” where staying top-of-mind is everything.
But we also recommend pairing print with strategic digital tools. Use email and social media as follow-ups, not replacements. And make your printed pieces work harder by including a QR code for RSVPs, donations, and sponsorships.
QR Codes: Your One-Stop Fundraising Tool
QR codes have become essential for modern nonprofit events. With one scan, guests can RSVP, donate, bid in silent auctions, learn about honorees, and join your paddle raise. We’re seeing organizations get creative with placement: on invites, acrylic table toppers, signage, napkins, even embedded in centerpieces. Our advice is to integrate QR codes into your design from the start. They’re not just tech tools — they’re part of your visual storytelling.
Our advice is to integrate QR codes into your design from the start. They’re not just tech tools — they’re part of your visual storytelling.
Design a Unique Event Brand
We help our clients to develop their unique branding for their galas with a custom name, logo, and theme. A clear and consistent visual brand makes your event recognizable, repeatable, and memorable. Make sure to design a look and feel that can carry across all touchpoints: invitations, signage, slideshows, and night-of materials.
Use a mix of printed and digital materials during the event. Think looping sponsor slideshows, printed auction displays, and branded signage — all designed to keep the spotlight on your mission and fundraising goals.
Fundraising That Energizes
The Empowered team has seen a shift in night-of fundraising activities. The days of traditional live auctions with big ticket, experiential prizes are not as common these days. Incorporating aFund a Need that ends with a “Paddle Drop,” a surprise raffle, adds a fun twist to the night of fundraising and keeps the momentum going. Paddle Drop prizes can be high-value packages or travel experiences that feel exclusive and exciting.
And while silent auctions may bring in less than they used to, we still recommend including them if they’re a tradition for your audience — they provide additional giving opportunities, and are key to offering multiple entry points for support.
Venues and Vibes
More clients are opting into unconventional spaces – from warehouses to galleries– to create an atmosphere that’s more exciting and less formal. Although these venues offer a fresh take, it can come with added costs (A/V, rentals, catering), so we advise balancing
creativity with practicality. Look for spaces that offer built-in amenities or flexibility with vendors and budget accommodations. There is also a shift toward buffet-style dining, food stations, and interactive dessert options — a move that invites connection and keeps the energy flowing throughout the night.
Programs that connect
The most effective programs are concise, emotional, and multimedia-driven. Combine powerful video storytelling with rehearsed, timed speeches. This mix keeps your audience engaged and your message clear. Variety in your run-of-show through shorter honoree speeches, intentional transitions, visual decks, and mission moments will keep your audience connected and inspired. Above all, make the case for why your work matters NOW.
That’s a wrap on Spring 2025 straight from the Empowered event marathon runners. Stay tuned for our fall events!
Whether you're planning your next gala or campaign, we're here to bring the creativity, strategy, and spark to make it memorable and impactful.