For example, you could choose to raise money for the fight against cancer, the humanitarian crisis in Sudan, or the battle against wildfires in Australia. Pick just one important issue at a time to fundraise for to avoid getting overwhelmed. If you aren’t sure what you want to raise money for, but you know you want to get involved with fundraising, try talking to organizations in your community. Homeless shelters, veterans organizations, schools, and libraries often need funding, and you’ll make a real impact right there in your own community.
For example, if you are raising money to combat wildfires in Australia, you could set a net goal of $10,000 to donate to charities that help that cause. This means that you want to raise $10,000 for the cause plus enough to cover the expenses of the fundraising event. If you are raising money for something like a sports team, you can calculate how much money you need for things like new equipment or travel expenses to help you set your goal. If you need $1,000 for new jerseys and $4,000 to travel to a tournament, you would set a net goal of $5,000. It’s best to be completely transparent with your donors and supporters about where the money you are raising will go. [4] X Expert Source Rob WuDigital Fundraising & Crowdfunding Expert Expert Interview. 1 October 2019.
For example, a big charitable cause, like raising money for children in Sudan, can have a large, more general target audience because it is a world issue rather than a local one. If you are raising money for a more personal cause, like a pet’s veterinarian bills, it would make more sense to limit the audience to family, friends, and close members of the immediate community who the cause is more relevant to.
If you don’t know the exact price of everything you will need to pay for just yet, that’s OK. You can make a spreadsheet with all the expenses listed, then fill it in with the estimated costs of each item as you continue planning. You may be able to get services, items, and even event space donated by local businesses or organizations. Explain to them that you are hosting a fundraising event for your charity and that they can help a worthy cause and get exposure for their business by donating to your event. [7] X Research source
For example, if you’re running a fundraiser to benefit your school’s band, you could set up a school bake sale or carnival. Make sure the event is an experience that is fun to participate in. You could have guest speakers, a band, activities after dinner, or anything else you can come up with that will keep guests entertained and engaged. Get creative! When you’re brainstorming ideas for the event, you can choose between service-based events, like car washes, and competition-based events, like sports tournaments.
You could try to find out where other similar events have been held and ask about the availability of those places.
Don’t schedule your event on the same days as major holidays or other big events to avoid conflicts and maximize the number of attendees.
For example, if you are hosting a fundraiser at an event space like a conference center, they probably have things like microphones, sound systems, and other electronics available to borrow or rent. If you’re hosting an outdoor fundraiser, make sure you plan out where things like parking and concession booths will be.
For example, if you are holding a raffle, you may need to speak with the gaming authority. If you’re selling food, you may need to check with the health department.
For example, for a silent auction, you will need things like tables, clipboards, paper, pens, and donated goods and services to auction off. If you are having a meal at your event, you’ll need things like food, drinks, glasses, plates, and cutlery.
For example, if you want to have live entertainment at the event, book a band in advance. If you want to tightly control entry, hire a security guard to attend the front door. If you are serving food, reserve a team of caterers to supply the food and serve guests.
The number of volunteers you need depends on how big the event is. You can make a list of all the different roles and responsibilities you want help with to decide how many volunteers you need.
For example, if you’re holding a silent auction, you might need 1-2 people to help you out with marketing and ticket sales before the event. Then, you might need 1 person to receive donations and handle money on the day of the event, 1 person to direct guests in the parking lot, and 1 person to usher guests to their seats.
If you’re just doing a one-off fundraiser, it might not make sense to go to the effort of creating a website for the event. However, if you see yourself throwing more, it’s worth it to spend the time and effort on creating at least a basic website that you can use as a landing page with information about the event.
You can also ask your friends, family, and supporters to forward or send each email to their contact lists as well to spread the word to more people.
You could consider other forms of traditional media, such as posters and flyers, but keep in mind that these methods are not very environmentally friendly. Only use them if you deem it absolutely necessary to get the word out.
You can offer an “early bird” discount to encourage people to buy early. You can also offer a group discount to encourage people to tell their friends and book in larger groups. Consider a VIP Early Access event. For example, if you are hosting a silent auction, you can charge extra for VIP tickets that let holders get in to the auction early and scope out the goods. Or, if you’re hosting a benefit concert, you could have a pre-concert meet and greet for VIPs.
Put a name on the account to be sure it is clear for tax purposes. For example, if you are raising funds for a child named Susan Baker, who is getting treatments for cancer, name the account something like the “Susan Baker Donation Fund. ”
If you will receive donations by check, print or write a large, clear sign letting donors know to whom the checks are payable that you can place somewhere visible during the event.
Be aware that Square has fees attached and credit card companies take a percentage of each sale as payment. You can also set up a PayPal account to help you take donations.
Try to get a team of volunteers to help set up by asking friends, families, and big supporters of your cause if they are willing to come help you set up.
For example, if there is parking at the event, have one of your helpers practice directing imaginary traffic. If someone will be seating guests, have them rehearse how they will do this.
For example, if you are running a silent auction, make large signs specifying where bids can be taken, where people go to pay, and any other necessary information.
Make sure that you have someone watching the money and donations table at all times. If the main person in charge needs to get up and go to the bathroom or something, ensure that someone replaces them temporarily.
Think about ways to get guests engaged online, too. [30] X Expert Source Rob WuDigital Fundraising & Crowdfunding Expert Expert Interview. 1 October 2019. For example, you could create a hashtag for the event and ask guests to share their experiences via social media with the hashtag. You could also create an event filter on Instagram and have guests upload pictures using the filter while in attendance.
Make sure to include info about how much money you were able to raise and remind everyone what the money will go towards. Provide any relevant information about how people can continue to support the cause. For example, links to charities that receive ongoing donations for something like world hunger.
