Fundraising Ideas     |     5 March 2025

How to Host a Successful Fundraising Event for Women's History Month

Easy and effective ways to plan a meaningful fundraiser in March

15 minute read

Every March, organizations, businesses, and communities celebrate women's achievements, resilience, and contributions throughout history. It’s a time to reflect, educate, and take action. For many, it’s also a time to figure out how to plan an event that makes a big difference.

If you’ve found yourself in charge of organizing a fundraiser, you might be feeling a mix of excitement and pressure. Maybe you’ve got a great cause in mind, but you’re unsure where to start. Or perhaps you’re juggling approvals, tight budgets, and a packed schedule, all while trying to pull off something meaningful. The good news is that fundraising for Women's History Month doesn’t have to be overwhelming, and it can be fun!

With the right approach, your event can unite people, raise awareness, and generate real support for powerful initiatives. The best part is that you don’t have to do it alone: Silent Auction Pro, a newly woman-owned company with a staff of 80% women, has been helping groups organize stress-free fundraising events for years. Whether you’re planning a silent auction, ticketed event, or virtual campaign, the right tools can make all the difference.

Let’s explore how Women’s History Month started, why fundraising is a powerful way to celebrate, and how to create an event that inspires action.

Understanding the meaning of Women's History Month

Women’s History Month didn’t start as a month; it began with a single day. The first National Women’s Day was observed in the U.S. on February 28, 1909. The movement gained traction internationally, and by 1911, more than a million people participated in rallies for women’s rights, marking the first International Women’s Day.

The push for broader recognition continued, and in 1978, a local celebration in Santa Rosa, California, sparked a national conversation. The event honored women’s achievements throughout history, setting the stage for a growing movement. In 1980, President Jimmy Carter declared the first National Women’s History Week, and by 1987, Congress officially extended it to an entire month. Since then, every U.S. president has upheld the tradition, reinforcing the importance of recognizing women’s contributions year after year.

Themes that shape the celebration

Each year, Women's History Month centers around a theme chosen by the National Women’s History Alliance. These themes highlight different aspects of women’s contributions and struggles, guiding discussions and events.

Some past themes include:

• Valiant Women of the Vote (2020).
• Women Providing Healing, Promoting Hope (2022).
• Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories (2023).
• Women Who Advocate for Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (2024).

For 2025, the theme is “Moving Forward Together! Women Educating & Inspiring Generation.” This year’s focus recognizes women who work to break down barriers in workplaces, schools, and communities. If you’re planning a fundraising event, this theme is an excellent source of inspiration. You might highlight women in leadership, support organizations that fight for gender equality, or create an event that amplifies women's voices from diverse backgrounds.

Why fundraising is important during Women's History Month

Celebrating Women's History Month isn’t just about looking back. It’s about moving forward. Fundraising is one of the most impactful ways to honor the month because it turns conversations into tangible support for organizations that uplift women.

When people come together to support a cause, the impact multiplies. A single donation might not seem like much, but when a community rallies around an event, the results can be game-changing. A local business might offer sponsorship, a school might host a charity auction, or a social club might organize a networking fundraiser. All of these efforts add up.

Silent Auction Pro has helped organizations raise over $150 million for their causes, proving that fundraising isn’t just about money; it’s about connection. Whether you’re hosting a live auction, a ticketed gala, or a virtual giving campaign, having the right system in place makes it easier for people to contribute and stay engaged.

Encouraging businesses and communities to get involved

Fundraising doesn’t have to be a solo effort. Businesses, local governments, and community groups are often eager to participate in events for Women’s History Month. Many companies look for opportunities to show support through sponsorships, employee-giving programs, or in-kind donations.

Here are a few ways to encourage involvement:

• Partner with women-owned businesses to supply event catering, auction items, or venue space.
• Ask local companies to match donations to double the impact.
• Reach out to schools or libraries to co-host educational fundraising events.
• Involve local artists or musicians to add an engaging element to your event.

By tapping into the resources around you, your fundraising event can grow beyond your initial vision and make a lasting impact.

Choosing the right type of fundraising event

Planning a successful fundraising event for Women's History Month starts with choosing the right format. Whether you're organizing a small community gathering or a large-scale benefit, the type of event should fit your audience, budget, and cause.

Key factors to consider

Before locking in an event idea, ask yourself:

• Who is your audience? Are you engaging local community members, corporate sponsors, students, or industry professionals?
• What’s your budget? Can you secure sponsorships or rely solely on ticket sales and donations?
• What resources do you have? Consider your venue, volunteers, and any tech needed for virtual or hybrid options.

The right event balances engagement, accessibility, and impact while making it easy for people to participate and donate.

Virtual, hybrid, or in-person?

Virtual events can reach a broad audience and require fewer logistics, making them a great choice if you have limited resources. Hybrid events combine in-person and virtual elements, allowing greater flexibility. In-person gatherings create strong connections and community engagement but often require more planning.

How to plan a successful fundraising event

Once you’ve settled on an event type, it's time to map out the details. A strong plan keeps things on track and reduces stress, making it easier to focus on raising funds.

Setting clear goals

Start with a clear vision. Defining your goals upfront helps measure success and ensures your team stays focused. 

• Fundraising target: How much do you want to raise? Be ambitious but realistic.
• Where the funds will go: Be transparent about how donations will be used.
• Success beyond money: Consider other wins, like growing awareness, increasing volunteer sign-ups, or strengthening partnerships.

Setting specific goals makes planning logistics and communicating your mission easier.

Creating a timeline

Breaking the planning process into steps prevents last-minute chaos. A simple event timeline might look like this.

• 6-8 weeks before: Finalize the event type, budget, and goals. Secure a venue and confirm any speakers, auction items, or entertainment.
• 4-6 weeks before: Launch marketing efforts, open registration, and reach out to sponsors.
• 2-4 weeks before: Increase promotional efforts, test technology if hosting a virtual event, and confirm logistics.
• 1 week before: Send reminders, finalize volunteer roles, and run through the event plan.
• Event day: Execute the event and engage with attendees.
• Post-event: Send thank-you messages, share results, and follow up with donors.

A structured timeline keeps everyone aligned and ensures nothing gets overlooked. Silent Auction Pro customers to our exclusive resources and checklists to keep all of their tasks on track. 

Securing sponsors and partners

Sponsors can significantly boost your event’s reach and revenue. Finding the right partners means identifying businesses and organizations that align with your cause. Consider the following.

• Women-owned businesses: Ask if they want to donate products, services, or financial support.
• Corporate sponsorships: Many companies look for ways to support diversity initiatives. Offer brand visibility in return.
• Local media outlets: Partner with newspapers or radio stations for event promotion.

Offering sponsors perks like logo placement, stage mentions, or exclusive networking opportunities makes it a win-win partnership. Silent Auction Pro’s platform allows event organizers to highlight sponsors easily, giving them the recognition they deserve.

Making registration and donations simple

A complicated sign-up or donation process can turn people away. The easier it is to participate, the more successful your fundraiser will be.

• Use event ticketing software: Platforms like Silent Auction Pro streamline registration and payment collection.
• Offer mobile-friendly donation options: Many people prefer to donate via phone, so ensure your donation page is easy to navigate.
• Encourage recurring donations: Instead of one-time gifts, invite supporters to create recurring contributions to maximize long-term impact.

By removing barriers to participation, you make it easier for people to support your cause.

Women’s History Month fundraising ideas that make an impact

Choosing the right fundraiser is about creating a meaningful event that engages your community. Instead of relying on the same old Women’s History Month event ideas, consider fundraising efforts that celebrate and uplift women in creative ways. Here are some impactful fundraising ideas to make your Women's History Month event stand out.

Honor women in your community

Instead of focusing solely on historical figures, recognize today's women making a difference. Dedicate your fundraising efforts to local leaders, educators, activists, and business owners shaping the future. Create a "Wall of Honor" at your event where donors can submit the names of inspiring women in exchange for donations. You could also host an awards-style fundraiser, where a portion of ticket sales goes toward a women-focused nonprofit.

Women’s business expos

Host a women's business expo to support female entrepreneurs while raising funds. Invite women-owned businesses to showcase their products or services and charge attendees a small entry fee. A portion of booth fees and ticket sales can be donated to a cause that supports women’s economic empowerment. Silent auctions or raffles featuring products from these businesses can further boost fundraising efforts.

Host a mentorship auction

Knowledge is one of the most valuable assets a person can offer. Organize a mentorship auction, where attendees bid on one-on-one sessions with accomplished women in various industries. These sessions could be virtual or in-person, and they could cover topics like career advice, business strategy, or personal development. This type of fundraiser raises money while creating meaningful connections.

Themed charity dinners

Food has a way of bringing people together. Plan a themed dinner fundraiser highlighting women chefs, mixologists, and culinary professionals. You could focus on a specific theme, such as “A Taste of Women’s History,” where dishes represent different eras and cultures. Sell tickets, secure sponsorships, and add an extra fundraising element with raffles or a paddle raise during the meal.

Art and photography exhibits

Women have long used art as a form of expression and activism. Host a gallery-style fundraising event featuring works by women artists, photographers, or writers. Attendees can bid on pieces in a silent auction. To add another layer of engagement, include live artist demonstrations or poetry readings.

Raffle unique experiences

A well-planned raffle can increase donations, especially if the prizes are exciting. Instead of typical prizes, offer exclusive experiences, such as:

• One-on-one mentorship lunches with inspiring women.
• A weekend getaway to a women-owned retreat.
• Tickets to a women-led conference or event.
• VIP access to a behind-the-scenes experience with a female leader.

By making prizes experiential rather than material, your raffle can raise more funds while creating lasting memories for winners.

Pledge drives

Launch a pledge drive to encourage long-term giving. A “30 Days of Giving” campaign challenges supporters to donate a small amount each day for the entire month. You could also set up a “Goal-Based Giving” campaign, where donors commit to contributing a certain amount once a collective fundraising target is met. Pairing these campaigns with social media engagement keeps the momentum going.

How Silent Auction Pro can simplify your fundraising efforts

Planning a fundraising event can be overwhelming, but having the right tools makes a big difference. Silent Auction Pro was designed to help organizers run smooth, successful events: an auction, ticketed dinner, or online giving campaign.

Silent Auction Pro simplifies the entire fundraising process from the first planning stages to final donations. Organizers can manage ticketing, donor tracking, sponsorships, and auctions in one platform. This means fewer spreadsheets, fewer headaches, and more time to focus on your cause.

Silent Auction Pro isn’t just another event management tool. It’s a woman-owned business that understands the challenges of fundraising firsthand. Supporting a company that aligns with the spirit of Women's History Month means your event management choice reflects your mission. Request a free demo and see what all of the hype is about. 

The ripple effect of your fundraising efforts

Pulling off a successful Women’s History Month fundraising event takes effort, but it’s worth it. Whether you raise thousands of dollars or simply bring people together for an important cause, your work creates a ripple effect that inspires, educates, and fuels real change.

Every donation, every bid, and every conversation sparked at your event contributes to something bigger. So plan confidently, celebrate women's incredible contributions, and know that your work is making a difference this month and beyond.