By GolfStatus.org – an event management platform specifically for golf fundraisers.
Free Webinar On February 23:
How to Host a Successful Virtual or Hybrid Golf Fundraiser for Your Nonprofit
As virtual events continue into 2021 and the outlook for traditional in-person fundraisers looks bleak, golf tournaments have become especially crucial for nonprofits large and small. Event management technology has made organizing and executing a successful golf fundraiser easier and more efficient, but there’s one particular piece of technology that’s a game-changer for nonprofits holding a charity golf tournament: an event website. What’s more, with social distancing and contact-free protocols likely to stick around for much of the year, an event website is even more important for communicating information, collecting registrations, and displaying sponsor recognition. Here are six ways an event website helps maximize your golf fundraiser, and how you can get one at no cost.
1. Save time and avoid duplicative work with online registration.
Fundraisers and event organizers have more on their plates than ever. When golfers and sponsors register online, real-time information is collected all in one place and can be accessed by organizers, volunteers, and even golf facility staff. Collecting registrations online means there’s no need to track down and manage mailed registration forms, checks, and receipts; search for information in multiple spreadsheets, emails, and handwritten notes; or enter and re-enter registrant information. Instead, you can coordinate with committees and facility staff using up-to-the-minute information on hole assignments, team pairings, cart signs, and other logistical details.
2. Capture crucial donor and sponsor data.
Your event website is the key to collecting this valuable information for future asks and donor stewardship. Golfers and sponsors enter their information on the site when they register for the tournament, and since many tap into their personal networks to fill a team, your organization is exposed to new potential donors. Collecting this information at registration ensures no existing or future donors get missed so you can start building a relationship. You’ll want to use a registration website that can allow for team, individual, and sponsor registrations that drops into an interface designed specifically for golf. You’ll also want to ensure that you can export donor and sponsor information after the tournament so it can be added to your donor database.
3. Easily promote your event to a wide audience.
An event website helps you reach existing supporters and folks who have historically played in your event, as well as new donors who may be unfamiliar with your cause but interested in playing golf to support it. You’ll want to get on the radar of your supporters as early as possible. The good news is that not every detail of the event needs to be set in stone before a website is launched—it can be as simple as a date and golf course—and you can make changes or updates as needed. Organizers can use digital channels to promote the event with a link directly to the website and should share it across social media, email, newsletters, the organization’s website, and other appropriate places.
4. Provide a professional experience for golfers, sponsors, and supporters.
An event website lets you easily and professionally display all the pertinent information about your event alongside team and sponsorship packages. When golfers and sponsors can commit to your event the moment they hear about it, they’re substantially more likely to register if they can do so with a few clicks. Sponsors also appreciate the digital exposure they get throughout the website which, in turn, encourages other sponsors to get involved.
5. Keep participants informed of changes or updates.
In an era of uncertainty, an event website that’s easy to update gives organizers enormous flexibility to readily communicate any changes to participants. Plus, today’s golf event management technology includes built-in communication tools that let organizers send emails or push notifications to golfers registered for the event with just a few clicks. You’ll also want to look for a website provider that’s specifically designed for golf events, so you can integrate live scoring and make adaptations for virtual formats or remote participation as needed.
6. Raise more money.
An event website makes your golf event even more lucrative, with options to sell additional sponsorships and accept donations. The right technology will have broad sponsorship exposure built in to the event website, making it attractive to businesses who want to get their brand in front of golfers. Organizations can sell a variety of sponsorships that capitalize on digital exposure to raise more money for your cause, including technology, leaderboard, and hole sponsorships. Websites powered by GolfStatus also include a donate now feature on each event’s live leaderboards, which allows supporters to not only follow along with the event’s standings, but donate directly to the cause.
How to Get a Free Website through Golf for Good
GolfStatus will build and launch a custom event website for your golf event. When you qualify for the Golf for Good program, you get a website and access to GolfStatus’s full-featured golf event management platform—at no cost. Plus, you’ll benefit from GolfStatus’s top-rated in-house customer success team, who will be there for you every step of the way to make sure your golf event is successful. Get started here or email us directly at events@golfstatus.org.
Whether you’re taking the golf event virtual, planning a hybrid tournament, or modifying a traditional outing to minimize contact, planning a golf fundraiser in the age of social distancing requires some forethought and unique considerations. This free whitepaper, How to Hold a Golf Fundraiser in 2021, outlines where to start, what to consider, and how to hold a safe and successful outing in 2021.
