Paperless Pro webinar recap: Designing impactful donor events
In today’s digital world, forming meaningful connections with donors can feel like an uphill battle. Most people are guilty of having an overflowing inbox filled with unread emails, many of which are written in a way that feels robotic or impersonal. This especially affects universities, nonprofits, and other charitable organizations, which may struggle to keep their community members engaged enough to donate. These organizations now face a dilemma: What is the best way to build communities with lasting connections in a world with an overabundance of digital noise? The answer is simple. When people feel connected, they are more likely to give. However, building lasting relationships with donors can be easier said than done.
Organizations focused on creating an engaged community will find that among the most impactful tools is event hosting. Whether it’s a casual happy hour, an exclusive gala, or an intimate alumni mixer, events can drive connection and engagement—especially when done with intentionality. However, in a world of robocalls and overflowing inboxes, it can be difficult for organizations to rise above the noise and host events that keep donors engaged.
Enter Dr. Josie Ahlquist, a digital leadership consultant and expert on leveraging lasting connections through events. In conversation with Paperless Post co-founder Alexa Hirschfeld, Josie discussed her best practices for building intimate communities among donors with the help of Paperless Pro.
Watch the full webinar
In case you missed it (or want to watch it again), you can view the entire webinar below. Josie and Alexa offer insights on the importance of hosting donor-facing events and how tools like Paperless Pro make it easy to foster lasting connections long after the event is over.
Key findings
Budgets are shrinking
In a profit-driven society, it’s not rare for companies and organizations to slash budgets to improve their bottom lines. For example, 60% of nonprofits are facing sudden funding loss in 2026, and 30% of states proposed cuts to their university budgets in 2025. This means that donor-based funding is more important than ever—for some organizations, it can be the difference between having all the necessary resources for success and coming up short.
The good news is, there isn’t a lack of interest from donors. Community members want to be involved. In fact, education donations were up 13.2% in 2024 and show no signs of slowing down. However, in order to leverage this charitable trend, donors have to feel a sense of belonging that can only come from active engagement. The organizations that thrive will be the ones that leverage active community relationships. Using event planning tools like Paperless Pro helps organizers create events tailored to their communities, regardless of budget.
Connection drives donation
People aren’t giving passively anymore, and donor-driven organizations are feeling that the most. Market research shows that 77% of nonprofits that hosted events met or exceeded their fundraising goals. Additionally, alumni who feel connected to their alma mater are 23 times more likely to give back.
When someone gives their time, money, or attention, it’s with intentionality. Meet people where they are and provide them with the interpersonal connection they need to feel engaged. Remind them that they are more than just a number in a quota or an RSVP filling a seat. If people feel like their presence matters, they will want to show up.
Automation isn’t a cure-all
In keeping up with the rapidly evolving tech landscape, 80% of higher education institutions use AI, but only 9% feel they’re using it responsibly. While AI can be a valuable tool, it can feel impersonal in situations that require a human element. That personal touch can go a long way in creating impactful donor communities. For example, 55% of donors expect a personal message of gratitude, but most organizations still rely on generic email blasts that often go overlooked and underappreciated.
With Paperless Pro, you can use the broadcast and direct messaging features to reach out to event-goers personally with any updates or notes, including a simple, personalized “Thank you.” It might seem small, but it goes a long way.
Audit your communication strategy
Events can be an exciting tool for engaging your audience, but you’ll only feel the impact if they’re done with purpose and authenticity. People want to feel that sense of belonging that calls them to attend events and offer their time, money, and mentorship in places where it’s valued.
According to Alexa and Josie, an effective communication framework should include an audit to evaluate intentionality, inclusivity, interactivity, and impact. Ask yourself if your event has a clear purpose and an easy way for your donors to feel included, so they’re drawn to get involved. Long-term relationships require follow-up to keep donors engaged beyond one-time attendance.
Plan impactful events with Paperless Pro
Hosting impactful events helps donors feel like they’re a part of something bigger than themselves, and that’s because they are. Every penny they give reminds them that they helped create something meaningful.
With Paperless Pro, you can plan all of your organization’s events with the intentionality and professionalism that your donors have come to expect, all year long. A Paperless Pro subscription unlocks unlimited access to our premium invitation designs, advanced customization and branding features, and helpful guest management tools—all for one transparent annual price. Regardless of the event type or length of the guest list, with the help of Paperless Pro, you can create impactful moments that keep your audience engaged and ready to give.
