FAQ for hiring a comedian or comedians for a charity fundraising event
How do I find a comedian for a charity fundraiser?
You should be looking for clean comedians who are experienced at performing for non-profit organizations?
Is it appropriate to hire a comedian for a benefit event?
Absolutely. Laughing is probably exactly what your attendees need.
What’s a good icebreaker or entertainment idea for a nonprofit gala?
I don’t know about icebreaker, because that’s different from what I do, but having a comedian perform at a non-profit gala is a great idea.
How much does it cost to hire a comedian for a charity event? Will a comedian perform for free at a charity event?
The cost depends on where, when, for whom, and how many. Your best bet is to ask. You can probably find people to work for free, but in this case you will get what you pay for. Comedians make their living from performing. The person who mops the floor in your office gets paid. The electrician who fixes your wiring gets paid. The comedian performing at your gala does that for a living and should also get paid.
Is hiring a comedian worth it for a small fundraiser?
It depends on your budget. Keep in mind what you’re spending on food. Nobody’s there for the food. They might show up because you’re having a comedian. If you expect 100 or more attendees, you should easily be able to make this work.
Do comedians offer discounted rates for nonprofits?
Most do, compared to their corporate rate. They may not accept less than a comedy club pays, because comedy clubs don’t pay that well.
How do I make sure the comedian doesn’t offend anyone given our cause?
You should absolutely discuss this with them before you hire them.
Can a comedian perform at an event for [cancer/suicide prevention/etc.] without being insensitive?
They should be able to. I’ve lost a close relative to cancer, I’m a frequent contributor to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and I’m sensitive to not offending people.
How do I brief a comedian on a sensitive topic before a fundraiser?
You make sure to discuss it with them- tell them all your concerns, and ask them if they have any questions.
How long should a comedian perform at a charity gala?
A solo comedian? Maybe 45 minutes (I can go longer). If the comedy is the main event of the gala then consider having 2-3 comedians, and a 90 minute show.
Can a comedian also host our auction or fundraiser program?
Probably, but it depends on the comedian. I can. Some comics don’t want to, and frankly some may not be particularly good at it.
How do I fit a comedian into an event with speeches and an auction?
There are a few issues here. The speeches may (sorry) bore people, so the comedian may want a short break before the performance. Or, after a comedy performance, the speeches may seem especially boring. And whether to have it before or after the auction? If you need people present for the auction, and you think they might leave after the performance, you’ll have to take that into consideration. Discuss this with the comedian in advance.
What should I ask a comedian before booking them for a benefit event?
Ask every single question that concerns you. Ask if they’re clean. Then ask them what clean means. Ask if they understand what the event is for, and what might offend attendees.
Comedian experienced with nonprofit fundraisers
I am experienced at performing for non-profit fundraising events, and I have colleagues I can bring who are also similarly-experienced. If I’m not available I can recommend some hilarious colleagues.
Here’s me on stage at a comedy club, incorporating a local reference
