The Gift That Keeps On Giving

Your gala sponsor just donated their table back. Now what? 

What you do next could have a lasting impact for years to come. 

For one reason or another a dedicated sponsor can decide to gift back their table to the hosting nonprofit.

Here’s your chance to make the most out of this opportunity. 

Plan for this moment. 

During the early phases of planning an event, I always like to create a “wish list” of prospects and VIPs that I would want to have in the room that night. Ask the board for their input as well. 

Because when this happens, (and it will) you’re ready.

Out of 50 sponsored tables, 3 sponsors have donated their tables back. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to introduce 30 (assuming tables of 10) new prospective donors to your organization and mission.

Reminder: No matter what the sponsor level is, the only expense per table that would be factored in by the nonprofit, would be any goods and services provided. For the most part, that just includes food and beverage. 

Send a personalized message (phone call, text or email) and tell them exactly what happened. 

Let them know that a sponsor has gifted back their table and this provides an opportunity to invite them as your guest. 

Pro tip: Never invite someone solo. Always offer at least two tickets. Walking into a room full of unfamiliar faces can be intimidating, this small gesture creates comfort and connection from the start.

In my experience, most guests will donate at least the amount of the ticket price. Whether it is through the auction, raffle, or “ask”. Nine times out of ten you will still receive a donation in some form or another. 

The best part is now you can reach out to them after the event. 

(Getting up on soapbox) I’ve said this before and I’ll say it again. Actually, a thousand times, (ask any of my past board members) the real works starts the day after the event. 

If you are not following up with attendees after the event, then this is a missed opportunity for sure. 

The hours, days, and weeks following an event is the prime time to reach out to current and prospective donors. 

That impactful, mission-driven, can’t-wait-to-go-next-year event that you just executed. Guess what?  It’s still on their mind. 

Ask for their feedback, schedule to meet for lunch or coffee, invite them to tour your facility. 

And this is where the magic really happens. 

A gifted table isn’t just a nice gesture; it’s a strategic opening. An invitation to expand your circle, deepen relationships, and bring new champions into your mission.

When approached with intention, what could have been a simple “extra table” becomes a powerful cultivation tool that continues to give long after the event is over.

So the next time a sponsor donates their table back, don’t scramble… embrace it.

Be thoughtful. Be strategic. And most importantly, be ready!

Because successful fundraising isn’t just about the event itself, it’s about what you build around it and what you do next.

If you’re looking to create more intentional, high-impact event strategies that go beyond the ballroom, that’s exactly the work we do! 

At Purposeful Outcomes Philanthropy, LLC, we help nonprofits turn first-time event attendees into engaged and passionate donors. 

Let’s work together to make your next event work harder for you!