A chapter plans a fundraising event with projected revenue of $1,500 but actual revenue is $900. What is the best EO action?

• A. Increase suggested donation amount for next event.
• B. Conduct a post-event analysis to determine variances, identify causes, and adjust future planning.
• C. Cancel future events.
• D. Blame sponsors.

Answer: (B)

When actual revenue falls short of what was planned, the key step is to analyze what happened and learn from it. A post-event analysis compares projected numbers with what occurred, identifies where the gaps came from, and informs how to adjust future planning. This helps you understand if the shortfall came from lower attendance, fewer donations per attendee, pricing issues, or marketing gaps, and then you can update goals, tactics, and timelines accordingly.

Raising the suggested donation next time might backfire if the shortfall was due to turnout or donor engagement rather than price sensitivity; without understanding the root causes, you risk repeating the same missteps. Canceling future events ends opportunities to raise funds and to learn from the experience. Blaming sponsors damages relationships and doesn't address internal planning or execution.