Auctions are one type of fundraising event.
Successful fundraising involves long hours, hard work and planning. Fundraisers sometimes hold events to bring in money to a non-profit organization. Planning these events entails creativity, commitment and teamwork. In the end, though, the money that the event draws makes all the work worthwhile.
Instructions
1. Choose the type of fundraising event you would like to hold. Ask yourself if you prefer a silent auction, a car wash or a dinner. Think back on fundraising events you have either held or attended in the past and reflect on what made it successful and enjoyable.
2. Set the fundraising goal for your event. Because your event is all about bringing in money for a specific cause, you must decide how much you want to raise. Once you figure out your "magic number," focus your efforts on raising that amount. Remember that you will have expenses for the event, so aim to raise more money than your goal and deduct the expenses from the total sum.
3. Draft a budget for the event. Event organizers must determine how much the venue will cost as well as other associated expenses, such as food, waiters, emcees, security or entertainment. Local vendors or businesses might be willing to donate their services, so think about which services or goods can be had for free.
4. Pick a date for the fundraiser. Make sure to give yourself plenty of lead time to prepare. Look at a calendar and work backward, asking yourself how long each stage of planning will take. Also, keep in mind that if you plan on an outdoor event, do not hold the event in December unless you live in a very warm climate.
5. Form committees to handle the planning. An executive committee should oversee the whole preparation process, but it should not take care of everything. Committees should be established that handle refreshments, entertainment, publicity and volunteers. Check in frequently to ensure that everyone takes care of their designated tasks.
6. Publicize your event. Before starting the marketing campaign, the executive committee needs to decide publicize the event. Once the marketing strategy has been settled, the publicity committee and executive committee must develop a timeline for the campaign. Both committees should be in contact to ensure the marketing strategy is progressing properly.
7. Thank volunteers and donors after the event. Everyone likes to feel appreciated. Send out thank-you cards to donors to show how much their gift means. Make sure to show gratitude to those who helped out with the event. When properly thanked, both donors and volunteers will be sure to participate in future fundraising efforts.
Tags: executive committee, your event, fundraising event, Make sure, marketing strategy, type fundraising, type fundraising event