Date of Conferral
2020
Degree
Ph.D.
School
Human Services
Advisor
Scott Hershberger
Abstract
Services provided by nonprofit organizations (NPOs) benefit many individuals, but without the ability to raise adequate funds—an ongoing challenge—their ability to fulfill their mission is diminished. Hence, the use of, special events. But there are challenges related to being labor-intensive, meeting financial goals, obtaining sponsorship, donor development, event fatigue, competition from other events, marketing the event, and logistics of the event. The purpose of this multiple case study was to explore how 11 leaders of NPOs in Ohio implemented special events to contribute to the financial sustainability of the organization. Data were collected from interviews with participants and from internal and external documents about special events. The constant comparative analysis technique was used to analyze the data. The findings from this study revealed that special events (a) promote connection and engagement with current stakeholders, (b) provide an opportunity to develop relationships with new individuals, and (c) raise the money required for the programs of an NPO, but only minimally does that money contribute to financial sustainability. Implications for social change of this study include identifying best practices when using special events to enhance the success and what factors to consider when deciding if special events will be a beneficial fundraising strategy for an NPO. Having successful events will allow NPOs to develop relationships with stakeholders and to raise funds, friends, and mission awareness. Increased support leads to a growing capability to provide services to those in need and better support the community.
Recommended Citation
Snyder, Anora, "The Use of Special Events to Promote Financial Sustainability in Nonprofit Organizations" (2020). Walden Dissertations and Doctoral Studies. 9653.
https://scholarworks.waldenu.edu/dissertations/9653
