Planning Guide
Fundraising Event Seating Guide
Seating affects donor experience, sightlines, and revenue. This guide covers layouts and seating chart planning for fundraising events.
Layout basics
- Use rounds of 8–10 with 10–12 feet between tables for service and bidding.
- Ensure clear sightlines to the stage from every table.
- Place the head table or stage with unobstructed views.
Accessible seating
- Provide accessible seating throughout the room, not only at the edges.
- Confirm step-free routes to the stage for honorees and speakers.
Seating chart planning
- Pre-assign tables and print a seating chart for check-in.
- Seat major donors and sponsors thoughtfully; mix new and returning donors.
- Use seating software or a spreadsheet to manage assignments.
Capacity & Space Planner
See how your guest count maps to seating, tables, and room size.
Request Fundraising Venue Information
Tell us about your nonprofit event — guest count, format, and goals — and we'll help you evaluate venue fit across NYC.
Request Venue Information