How to Organise a Fundraiser Successful Fundraising
Raising money for good causes can be hugely rewarding. As part an event organised by a big charity like the National Childhood Cancer Foundation or Canine Partners for Life, giving and encouraging others to donate is also really easy.
But what if you're a small concern without the national interest, appeal or funds to set up an online campaign? How do you go about raising money for your local pre-school group or animal shelter? Here are some top dos and don'ts:
1. Do get a team of people involved right from the start because you can't do it all yourself. You'll need a mix of people too - creative folk who have great ideas or can design invitations and publicity pieces; detail people (good with numbers/accounts for the project and those who are picky about the little things); dynamic, positive people who will keep things moving along when the going gets tough and people-people. The people-people are the popular ones who know everyone in the community and can motivate others to do the work. Get commitment before you start so that you know these are people to rely on.
2. Do meet regularly to set out responsibilities and time limits to keep the project rolling. At each meeting review the progress of tasks against their deadlines.
3. Do have an idea of how much you want to raise. Also identify where the money will come from - is it ticket sales, raffles, amount per car washed, donations? And how much from each source?
4. Do identify the target market where you want most of the people (and therefore money) to come from. Is it local businesses, moms, patients, village- or townsfolk? Why should they come to your fundraiser? What's in it for them? Unfortunately people are generally selfish in their motives so don't assume that they'll get involved just because it's a good cause.
5. Do think about what people will pay for. What sort of event will the general public - not just already committed individuals - pay to enjoy? Getting more people involved will also give you a bigger publicity opportunity. Find an A to Z of possible ideas at www.polarchallenge.com. Think about a theme if it's appropriate and a prestigious venue (time to call in favors perhaps?).
6. Do draw up a budget and stick to it. You're going to be doing things on the cheap but without it looking that way: in this day and age everything needs to look slick and professional. So do deals on food, drink, venue marquee hire etc; use online printers for cheap printing. Can you pay 'in kind' for some goods and services you need? Think about what a company stands to gain by donating to your event. Can you offer to advertise their support on your tickets/posters/publicity material? Get teens involved as well. Can they waitress, direct traffic or look after small children for example?
7. Do get the word out - advertising is essential. The conventional sort is expensive so go for word of mouth, posters in local shops/libraries etc and local magazines. Say what's going on, why it's important and how people can get involved. The key is getting everyone else as excited about it as you are so tell everyone you know and get them to do the same. Tell the local newspapers as they're always keen to fill their pages with what's going on in the community, especially if there is a newsworthy story behind the project. A special angle, anniversary, achievement or personal story will hook a news hound. Involve other complimentary agencies, lay or professional groups to share the cost and their expertise. A Google search will help on this.
8. Don't fall foul of the law. Check your State and national laws to be sure...do any of your team know an attorney who could help?
Above all remember the 'fun' in 'fundraising'! And be proud of what you achieve.
