It is not a secret that nonprofit organizations often rely on the endorsement and efforts of celebrities to get their message across. This is because they usually have an easier time raising the funds they need if they have a familiar, well-known face representing their charity campaign.
This is not to say that people do not usually care about charity in general, but any fundraising campaign could benefit from the help of somebody famous to make them stand out in this society laden with short attention spans.
However, not all nonprofit organizations have an easy time when it comes to getting the interest of celebrities.
Many of them make a lot of embarrassing mistakes. Here are 3 of them, so that you learn what you need to avoid doing in the future:
- Believing that running nonprofit organizations is enough to get you noticed
This is one aspect many nonprofits have a hard time coming to terms with. We are not saying that the cause you represent is not unique or worth it, but the fact is that your organization will not be the only one asking celebrities for help.
We’re also not saying that celebrities aren’t impressed when you tell them about your cause, but it’s important to keep in mind that you will be one among dozens of nonprofits vying for their endorsement, at which point it becomes pretty hard, as somebody famous, to justify checking and answering each and every message.
The sooner you will learn that just being a nonprofit does not define your organization, the faster you’ll stop wasting time on trying to attract celebrities with standard, worn-out messages.
- Focusing only on what your organization will achieve
It goes without saying that the primary goal of nonprofit organizations is to ensure they manage to raise enough money. However, when it comes to working with celebrities to boost the appeal of your fundraising events, you have to make a compromise and consider what their goals are as well.
This means you must make sure that the style of the celebrity in question fits in well with your cause. Otherwise, their lack of interest will show, or they just won’t take you up on your offer.
In short, you must find a middle ground, and ensure the celebrities or entertainers you are interested in are getting something out of it as well, besides the pay of course, such as an improved promotion or an image boost.
- Trying always to approach the celebrities in question directly
Like we previously said, celebrities get approached all the time by nonprofit organizations for charity-related events. At some point, you can expect them to feel no longer enjoyment when they keep receiving an endless stream of messages.
This is why it is actually a better idea to go through agencies that have the celebrities in question as clients and represent them. It might be an extra step you deem unnecessary, and it might not be too cost-effective, but, at least, the celebrities you want to reach will view your manner of approach as being professional.
So, for a certain fee, a reputable agency can help you get in touch with the celebrities your event deserves. The fees might be steep at times, but it is definitely cheaper than wasting time and money waiting around for a response.
Also, be sure not to rush the selection process, as it is important to view all the performers and entertainers the agencies represent.
