Disrupting traditional fundraising events

Since 2014, Field Guide has proudly helped raise awareness about this Minnesota social enterprise and its dual mission. Tech Dump and Tech Discounts, its retail arm, create jobs for people with barriers to employment while protecting the environment by reducing the electronic waste stream. Field Guide Inc helped conceptualize and execute the organization's first fundraiser, an innovative approach to the annual gala.

amplify the stories of all these great people doing wonderful things

The first ever Thank You for Not Coming gala fundraiser included video production featuring a gala set-up at the Midpointe Event Center in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a live local celebrity host, sponsored tables, background slideshow, music, speeches, and even live hard-drive shredding. “Attendees” who bought tickets—which doubled as donations—were sent a “live” video from the event via email. Field Guide produced both the event and video, and coordinated external communication to promote the event itself and build buzz around the non-traditional method of fundraising.

The Outcome

A gala no one has to attend? Minnesota nonprofits retool fundraising pitches with new tactics

Thanks to the unconventional idea and quality of execution, Tech Dump raised over $18,000—$8,000 more than their initial goal. The video also gained broad interest on social media as well as coverage in media around the state for its innovative approach to fundraising just ahead of the big Give to the Max fundraising day, making for a much-talked about approach that was featured in several local media pieces. The creativity and novelty of this campy event resonated with donors and broadened awareness of the Tech Dump brand.

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