Helping the Mission

Client: National Non-Profit Organization
Event: Annual Fundraising Gala
Challenge: Make a meaningful impression on donors with limited budget and high expectations

A nonprofit team came to us with a clear goal: they wanted a keynote speaker who would move the room—not just show up. The event was their biggest fundraising moment of the year, and while their budget was modest compared to corporate standards, the stakes were higher.

They had a mission-driven speaker in mind. High-profile. Well-aligned with their cause. But early quotes ranged widely, and none of them felt reliable. Some included vague “service fees,” others bundled in terms the organization didn’t fully understand. The internal consensus was: before making a six-figure commitment, let’s get a second opinion.

Von Krane stepped in to take the lead.

We mapped out the actual path to the speaker, bypassed the noise, and engaged their long-time representative directly. We negotiated a clean, transparent deal well within budget—including a private donor meet-and-greet and permission to use excerpts of the talk for post-event fundraising.

The speaker delivered a powerful, personal address that sparked a standing ovation. Donations spiked that night, and the organization exceeded its fundraising target by more than 20%.

Outcome:

• Booked high-profile, mission-aligned talent below budget

• Secured valuable additional rights

• Exceeded fundraising goal by 20%

• Built a replicable talent sourcing playbook for future events