5 Tips on how to do a Successful Fundraiser
There are millions of problems in the world, remember that your cause is not the only one, so don't try to compete with other causes. Instead, help promote other causes and they will do the same for you.
You don't need to go out of your way for other causes, but never bad mouth them.
Speak good about your competition and they will speak good about you.
Are you going to target children, teens, teachers, politicians… It is very important to know who you want your supporters to be.
1. Pick a fundraiser
Go through your options and pick one. Once you pick one, stick to it and don't get distracted.
Depending on the fundraiser and the supporters you may have endless options. But focus on one for now. You can always do another fundraiser after your first one has been a success.
Select your fundraising program early to assure ample time for planning, especially during holiday seasons. If the school or community has a planning calendar, be sure your event is included.
Local– Go to local stores, fast food joints and restraunts to discover what fundraising opportunities they have, you will be surprised how many places have fundraising kits and programs.
Events–You can do one single event or an on going event for the cause such as, Art shows, car washes, raffles, silent auctions, festivals, parades, concerts, dances…almost anything!
Classic– You can always go the classic way and sell candy bars, snacks, do order form fundraising for places such as Joe Corbi’s, Wolfgang, and other companies that offer fundraising programs.
Online– This is a new way to fund raise, there are MANY websites that offer the ability to raise money online. Facebook has cause pages where you can join causes and donate to them online! You can create cause pages for events, etc for other organizations. It is hassle free and requires no money!
How to Fundraise using Facebook
2. Be Aware, not aggressive
If you are going to pick a website to do fundraising through make sure that they are accredited with the BBB, otherwise you may lose hundreds of people’s money in a scam website! Any website can create fake customer “reviews” on their website, search the web for validation that the company actually exist and provides what they say they will. Be aware that just because you are attempting to do something for the greater good doesn’t mean everyone else is!
3. The Proposal
You might need to write a proposal, in that case find a template! Don’t just guess as to what needs to be in a proposal, know!
- Summary– What is the purpose of the fundraiser
- Introduction– What is the overall approach, mission, how long will it be, what are you doing?
- Needs/ Problems– Talk about the actual problems that you are attempting to fix.
- Set Goals & Objectives– What do you expect to do, save a species of animals? raise $2000? create awareness of a disease? Setting goals will focus your fundraising campaign and provide clear targets to hit. Without clear targets, the campaign will drag on and lack direction. Get people together. How many people will be helping out? The more people you have, the more funds you will raise. Fundraising is a numbers game.
- Procedures– What are you going to do? Sell cand, etc...
- Timetable– Plan everything out in a time table so the person you are seeking approval from knows when you are doing everything.
- Key Personal– Who is involved? How will they be contacted?
- Evaluation– How are you going to evaluate yourself and keep track of money and supporters?
- Endorsements– Is anyone endorsing you for the fundraiser? If not, do not include it!
- Next Steps– Tell the person you are seeking approval from what you need them to do such as, contact (John Doe) by email about approval or denial of proposal by September 15.
- Additional Information– This is the best place to include mission statements, website URLs, directors, financial information, and addresses of organizations and people who are helping or any other vital information that will be needed.
4. Measure any upfront cost!!!
If you are going to sell candy bars or t-shirts, etc. you are going to have to PAY for them FIRST in order to sell them. The point of fundraisers is to get money not lose it. Having people pre-order things is the smartest way to go, you will get the exact quantity needed and will not lose any money.
5. Have fun!
Fundraising have the words fund and raising in it but guess what?!?!?! Be smart about your decisions but remember to enjoy helping a cause!
Remember, you can’t spell fund without fun!
Written By: Tom Retterbush
Great post! It's worth the read... Thanks for sharing such cool tips in here... well done!
ReplyDeletefundraising is very difficult task. who are best in fundraising always succeed
ReplyDeleteReasonable tips. Sounds like you've got a good thing going, and I wish you the best in future fundraising efforts :)
ReplyDeleteYour explanation is very interesting and gives me useful ideas about how to do a successful fundraiser. I will keep in mind your site if some one asking me about things that you mentioned. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteInflatable Hot Tub
New Jersey Title Search Company If you are
ReplyDeletelooking for quality title search services this can be your ultimate destination. The New
Jersey title search service ensures the perfect real estate transaction with efficient
safeguard for both buyers and lenders.
I liked the video - good tips.
ReplyDeleteI appreciat5e that you have shared this interesting tips in order for us to have some successful fundraiser. Thanks so much for this updates.
ReplyDeletePatience is the best tool to tackle the problem which you face. There is no way to find out the solution except the patience.
ReplyDelete