Nonprofit organizations nationwide spend a good deal of time organizing fund-raising events to raise additional funds for a particular cause. In many cases, fund-raising efforts are required to bring in the additional funds needed to finance critical programs. However, your organization has a better chance of finding supporters if you are clear about why you need the money and show them exactly how the money will be spent. If you can convince supporters that your fund-raiser is well organized, they will feel more confident that you are not wasting their money, and your organization may be able to ask for their continued support over time.
Instructions
1. Appoint an event planning committee. Choose dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers as its members. Make sure that you select people who have adequate time available to give to the cause. Encourage committee members to contribute their ideas.
2. Decide for what cause you will raise the money, and then choose what kind of event you will plan. You cannot work out the details of a fund-raising event until you define the specific purpose for the fund-raiser. The kind of event you host should match the talents and experience of the people on the planning committee--whether you plan a rummage sale, benefit concert, silent auction or raffle.
3. Determine how much money you need to raise to reach your financial goal. Be realistic about the amount of money you think you can raise. Since there will be expenses to be deducted, you will have to develop a budget outlining projected expenses and identifying any potential sources of income. You will need to raise more money than the cost of the expenses. Appoint a committee member responsible for opening a bank account for managing the monetary aspects of the event.
4. Set a date, time and location for the event. Your plan should be well thought out. Make certain that no other special events are scheduled in the local community on that same day. Target an audience for the event that includes people who are likely to have a genuine interest in your cause.
5. Contact local businesses that you think might be interested in supporting your cause. While some business leaders may make cash contributions, other businesses are willing to provide gifts-in-kind such as food, equipment, prizes, gifts or space in exchange for the publicity the event will bring them. Donated items can help keep down the cost of running the event.
6. Advertise the event. You need to get the word out through posters, advertisements in local newspapers or on local radio and television stations. Many times, newspapers or radio stations will donate ad space or airtime if you acknowledge them as sponsors of the event.
7. Prepare the volunteers who will be setting up for the event. Everyone should know well in advance what he will be expected to do. Consider having a practice run.
8. Take the time to thank everyone who was somehow involved in the event. Sponsors, donors, volunteers and organizers alike should know how much their contributions are appreciated.
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