May is excited to welcome A.J. Steinberg, an expert in nonprofit event coordination and engagement strategies, to discuss the intricate details of orchestrating an event for your nonprofit entity.  A.J. shares her wisdom about the three tiers of donors and the importance of cherishing them. She will dissect the factors leading to event failures and the ingredients contributing to their triumphs. A.J.'s dedication to her craft shines through as she deliberately redirected her lucrative expertise to empower nonprofits in attaining their fundraising aspirations. Brace yourself for a standout episode that you'll find yourself revisiting often.   IN THIS EPISODE:   [01:08] A.J explains how she began specializing in nonprofit fundraising in 1999 and the differences between then and now [05:36] A.J. discusses the three levels of fundraisers and how language makes a difference  [10:10] A.J. provides an example of how not to start fundraising and describes how complex event planning can be [18:12] What is A.J.’s strategy to engage board members to meet her expectations, and what is the intention of your event? [29:17] An example of a gala that went from unsuccessful to very successful and should you hire a professional fundraiser or get training  [35:49] Some tips about getting volunteers and A.J.’s final recommendations for engaging community   KEY TAKEAWAYS:    Don’t just do high-end fundraisers. Be sure to include your mid-level donors so they feel appreciated, and even do free events to market to new segments. Teach your board that they are not just asking for money when they invite their friends to a gala. They are offering an opportunity. If your event was not fun and engaging, no one will want to attend another one of your events. Planning of the event is important, but planning the structure and delivery of your “ask” is imperative to success.   RESOURCES:   For Profit Law Group - Website   Nonprofit Counsel - Website   Nonprofit Counsel - Instagram   Nonprofit Counsel - Linkedin   Queen Bee Funding - Website   A.J.'s Email   ABOUT THE HOST:   May Harris has been a pioneer of nonprofit law practice for over a decade, having founded For Purpose Law Group in April 2012. She serves the nation's nonprofit sector with unparalleled expertise, prioritizing her client's missions, visions, and values. She specializes in nonprofit & tax-exempt organizations, social enterprise & business law, and estate planning & charitable giving.   GUEST BIOGRAPHY: A. J. Steinberg With over 20 years of experience as a nonprofit event planner and engagement strategist, A.J. Steinberg has produced over 100 successful events and raised millions of dollars for organizations with her Los Angeles-based production company.