Fundraising
For the majority of organizations, fundraising is essential and
sometime crucial for event planning. There are many factors that
play a role in the ultimate success of a fundraiser. Before you
begin, any fundraising activity should, in some way, directly
relate back to the mission and purpose of your organization.
Fundraising Proposal Form
(PDF)
Here are some steps to help you in the fundraising
process:
- Set a goal. How much money does your group
need to want to raise? A fundraiser without a goal is like an arrow
without a target.
- Develop a plan. Calculate how much each member
of your group must raise in order to reach your group's goal.
Include a timetable for each member to reach his/her individual
goals.
- Develop a budget. Create an accurate budget
reflecting the all of the major expenses and income anticipated.
Include costs of materials, personnel, etc. as necessary, as well
as revenue you expect.
- Make a fundraising schedule. A schedule means
a calendar of your events. Plot out key dates: pre-launch, drive,
conclusion, and everything in between.
- Consider co-programming. Co-programming with
another organization could be key to event's success. Start
thinking about what key people and groups needs could be
represented and how they can help.
- Do a fundraiser that your group can do. Select
a fundraiser that your group can and will participate in and
support.
- Do one fundraiser at a time. Doing many
fundraisers does not mean raising more money. Doing a few
fundraisers and doing them well produces better results.
- Create excitement and enthusiasm! These are
the two key ingredients that every fundraiser needs. Be excited and
be enthusiastic - It really works!!
- Promote. Promote your fundraiser every minute
of every day during your fundraising drive. Sue press releases,
posters (at local businesses), prizes, parent reminder letters
home, etc.
- Run the business. Your fundraiser is a "mini"
business. Treat it as a business. Make good business decisions. Use
good accounting practices. Remember you are doing the fundraiser to
make a profit!
- Think success! Paint a positive mental image
of you and your group achieving success.
- Keep a record of your sponsors. Send "thank
you" notes to people, business, organizations that sponsor your
drive.