Organizing a fundraising event is not just about getting people to attend and share their blessings. In fact, convincing them to shell out any amount to support your cause will require not just research and a good presentation, but also a fun and memorable event that will make them feel good about doing so.
People are inherently charitable, yes; but take note that what they’re giving is money that they earned through working. As an organizer, your goal is to ensure that benefactors are getting value for their money and truly understand what they are supporting. You want to mount an event that is unforgettable and will have them talking about the charity long after the occasion has ended.
We have here 5 tips to make sure that you’re on the right path on your upcoming fundraiser.
- Draft a budget.
Before anything, first find out how much it will cost to hold this event and compare it with projected amount that will be raised from it. Knowing this will enable you to create a plan that will best minimize costs and maximize revenue from the proejct. Be realistic with your projections to avoid being disappointed after the event. Make sure that you stay within your set budget and timeline so that everything goes swimmingly during and after.
At this point, you should start considering options for obtaining cash sponsorships. Identify contacts who are most likely to support by means of money and how much they will be willing to shell out. Engage with sponsors that will find benefit in supporting the charity.
- Assess your available resources.
What resources do you have on hand to make this event possible? Do you think you should outsource some supplies and services to make things easier? While doing things yourself may seem like the more inexpensive strategy, it can also be time-costly. There are freelance providers that will help make things more time-efficient and cheaper in the long term. Experienced professionals, for instance, already have a solid network of service providers and suppliers, thus helping cut the time and resources needed to contact them yourself.
- Allow enough time to plan.
You will need a minimum of six months prior to mount a successful fundraising event. You might think that getting this done is just simple, but professional event planners will tell you that fundraisers will take more time than usual. Set a realistic time frame because you will need the months to sell tickets, secure sponsorships, and setup vendor bookings.
In addition, the theme of your event matters to your timeline and budget. Once you’ve determined your theme, you can create a more targeted strategy to market the project. You will also know how to best position your event so that sponsors will say yes.
- Find sponsors.
The less cash you need to spend on mounting this event, the better for the success of your fundraiser. While cash is extremely helpful, not all sponsors will be able to give money; some will offer products and services, in kind. Take all of the opportunities offered to help make your fundraiser a success. Some of these “in kind” sponsorhips include free audio visual equipment use, free printing, free venue rental, free food and beverage, and more. By reducing the actual money spent on the event, the more profit you will be able to take from from the sale of tickets.
- Be mindful of the venue you choose.
Location is one of the most important elements of a successful fundraiser. If people have a hard time accessing your venue, even if it’s such a nice place, you won’t be able to maximize the gains. Locations should also be researched, assessed and visited so you can physically see if its facilities coincide with your theme and the needs and behaviors of your expected guests. For example, if your charity fundraiser’s focus in mobility, you will want to have it done at a place that’s easy accessible for everybody.
