The Nonprofit Sector in Brief infographic summarizes and expands on The Nonprofit Almanac 2012/2013 prepared by the National Center for Charitable Statistics and published by the Urban Institute Press. Both publications highlight the growth in the number and finances of 501(c)(3) public charities, as well as key findings on private charitable contributions and volunteering. It presents trends from 2000 to 2010 but special attention is paid to 2008 through 2010 to see the impact the recession had on the Nonprofit sector and nonprofit auction items. Click Here to view infographic >

As your event draws near, stay on task by creating to-do lists to keep track of everything you still need to accomplish. Here are four things you will want to take care of in the 3 months prior to your event:

Savvy event planners know one of the most important factors of success is starting early. That means six to twelve months prior to the big date, you should be busy creating your to-do list and checking off tasks as you accomplish them. Following are some of things you should have completed - or be well on your way to completing - by the six month mark.

The steps you take before an auction event can largely impact attendance levels and increase your chance for success. One way to pique your audience’s interest is to share information about a few of your charity auction items before the event. Promoting auction items will get donors talking and help spread the word about your fundraiser. Plus, sharing items ahead of time gives attendees an idea of what to expect and prepares them to spend money.

It’s no secret that hosting a large event once or twice a year is a great way for Nonprofits to increase awareness and raise money. The possibilities for these special events are endless; you can host a golf tournament, dinner gala, variety show, musical performance, bake sale, fun run or walk, car wash, festival, a wine/beer tasting party, or any other exciting event that brings in a large crowd. It’s a simple equation: The bigger the event, the larger the crowd; the larger the crowd, the more money you bring in. Unfortunately, a bigger event usually means higher upfront costs, so it’s important they turn out successfully. Furthermore, large crowds are great if you have a high ticket price, but what about getting these guests to spend more money at the event?