Mastering Nonprofit Fundraising Events: Why Galas Succeed (or Fail) with AJ Steinberg
Release Date: 09/26/2023
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info_outlineNonprofit fundraising events can either make or break your mission's momentum. In this episode of the Nonprofit Counsel Podcast, host May Harris welcomes AJ Steinberg, CFRE and founder of Queen Bee Fundraising, to unpack what makes a nonprofit gala thrive or fall flat. If you’re still saying, “We’ve always done it this way,” it’s time to rethink everything. This conversation dives into how intentional fundraising strategy, event design, and donor stewardship can lead to long-term nonprofit success. Learn why the most successful events aren’t about flashy auctions, but about making your supporters feel like the heroes of your story.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ Why galas fail when they’re not rooted in purpose or strategy
✅ How to structure 3-tier event planning for all donor levels
✅ Why storytelling and emotional engagement beat fancy tech
✅ How to get your board and volunteers actively involved
Subscribe now and follow along to build your nonprofit like a pro with expert tools, legal insights, and leadership lessons that fuel real impact. Visit nonprofitcounsel.com for more!
https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator
Timestamps
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(00:00) Why love not money is key to a successful gala
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(01:10) Meet AJ Steinberg and her journey from event planner to nonprofit fundraising expert
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(04:05) The problem with mobile bidding and digital distractions
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(06:25) Galas vs. fundraising reality for small nonprofits
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(08:26) The power of donor stewardship and layered event strategy
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(13:10) Why friend-raising comes before fundraising
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(15:03) Grumpy board syndrome and how to fix it
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(17:30) Ditching silent auctions for meaningful donor impact
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(19:01) Setting board expectations and leveraging their networks
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(23:20) Virtual events that work (and those that don’t)
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(29:00) Build a better gala: Case studies that succeeded
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(32:54) Why you can do it yourself but only with the right training
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(36:00) Volunteer communication and sponsorship tips
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(40:00) Why nonprofit community collaboration matters
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(42:00) AJ’s final call to stop doing things “the way we’ve always done it”
Key Takeaways
💎 Your gala should be a celebration, not just a tradition
💎 Donor engagement matters more than tech bells and whistles
💎 Intentional communication with boards and volunteers drives success
💎 Planning without professional guidance costs more in the long run
Resource Links
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For Profit Law Group - Website - https://www.fplglaw.com
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Nonprofit Counsel - Website - https://www.nonprofitcounsel.com/
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Queen Bee Funding - Website - https://www.queenbeefundraising.com/
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https://nonprofitcounsel.com/leadership-accelerator
Guest Bio: AJ Steinberg
AJ Steinberg, CFRE, is the founder of Queen Bee Fundraising and a 20+ year veteran of nonprofit event production. Known for her step-by-step trainings, AJ specializes in transforming galas into donor stewardship opportunities. From board engagement strategies to volunteer protocols and sponsorships, her work helps small-to-midsize organizations build impactful, donor-centered fundraising events. AJ is also a nationally recognized speaker, consultant, and fierce advocate for doing galas the right way.
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