Whether you're trying to raise money for your organization or a charity, fundraising can be difficult if not planned right. Many people avoid hosting a fundraiser because they see the task as too overwhelming. But you can successfully host a fundraiser by following these tips.
Difficulty: Moderately Challenging Instructions:
Things You'll Need:
A theme
A budget
A menu
Items for auction Entertainment
1. Pick a theme.
Before holding your event, choose a theme that will represent your cause. If you're raising money for an international adoption, bring in food and decor from that country. If you're trying to raise funds for a charity, come up with ideas that tie into your cause. Even the invitations or fliers should reflect the theme of your event.
2. Create a budget.
Remember that you're trying to raise money, so you are going to have to work within a pretty tight budget. Ask vendors in your area if they would be willing to donate food, raffle prizes or other items for your fundraiser. Some may not have anything to donate but will give you money towards your cause.
3. Prepare a menu.
Depending on your cause, you need to choose between a casual menu or a formal dinner. Some great fundraisers have featured a barbecue, while other successful events have included a 5-course meal. Since you are working within a limited budget, your menu will depend largely on what you can afford to spend. You can have an elegant meal on a small budget just by shopping around at warehouse grocery stores.
4.Plan the entertainment.
You should have something planned besides just a dinner. One great way to raise even more money for your cause is to have a silent auction or even a public auction. You can ask local vendors to donate items to auction. You can also invite a band to play or have a talent show. Try to do something that ties into the evening's theme.
5.Present your cause.
With all of your planning for the fundraiser, it's easy to forget why you are inviting these people here in the first place! Prepare a short presentation about your cause, showing everyone why you are desperate to raise funds and how they can help Hosting a non-profit fundraiser is one way of earning money for an important cause.
Fundraisers can take the form of a variety of events, but the common themes within them are charity and community. A fundraiser's success is often reliant on the organization and commitment of its hosts. Holding any large event involves long hours of planning and most fundraiser workers do this for no pay. The payoff of a fundraiser comes from its contributions to a particular cause rather than individual profits.
How to Hold a Nonprofit Fundraiser:
Instructions.
1. Pick an organization, cause, or charity that all the fundraising profits will go to. Decide on a target amount that you wish to make from the fundraiser. Non-profit fundraisers imply that all earnings other than those used for the event's expenses will go to the chosen cause.
Instructions.
1. Pick an organization, cause, or charity that all the fundraising profits will go to. Decide on a target amount that you wish to make from the fundraiser. Non-profit fundraisers imply that all earnings other than those used for the event's expenses will go to the chosen cause.
2. Assemble a team of volunteers who are willing to work at the fundraiser for little to no payment. Non-profit fundraisers are best conducted using a volunteer workforce so that a larger percentage of the overall earnings can go to the fundraiser's cause.
Within the team of volunteers, assign job titles according to experience and expertise with particular tasks. Important positions within a team of volunteers are those in charge of marketing the event, those responsible for the money as it comes in, and those making sure the event runs seamlessly.
3. Brainstorm with the fundraising team on ideas for the main event. Common fundraising events include: auctions, carnivals or fairs, bake sales, dances, car washes, walk-a-thons, and concerts. Remember to create an atmosphere in which people will feel charitable and in the mood to donate money to your cause.
4. Book a venue for the event well in advance. Decide on the venue based on the type of event that the fundraiser encompasses. For example, if the event is a black-tie auction an appropriate venue would be an elegant hotel banquet room or a high-end restaurant. If the event is a walk-a-thon, streets must be closed with city permission or perhaps school track facilities can be utilized.
5. Host the event graciously. Socialize with the guests and make them feel appreciated. Emphasize, throughout the event, how important the fundraiser's cause is and keep the guests updated on how much money has been made so far. Adding a personal touch through your interactions with the guests will put a face to the broader cause and inspire the generosity needed for a successful fundraiser.
(COMPILED BY THE INFORMATION DIVISION IPC)
International Peace Commission-IPC
(Incorporated as Not for Profit in the USA)
www.ipc-online.info
Helpline: +1 816 984 6316
(Incorporated as Not for Profit in the USA)
www.ipc-online.info
Helpline: +1 816 984 6316
