The world may have many flaws, but fundraisers were never apart of the problem. Fundraisers are designed to gain financial support for businesses, organizations and sometimes people. There are a variety of ways in which a fundraiser can be conjured; hosting an event, having a silent auction or even offering text to give. Though fundraisers usually have a moral intention behind the cause, there is still a business aspect of running it that requires a bit of finesse. By quoting a renowned Hip-Hop Executive Producer, DJ Khaled would put it as a certain number of “major keys” that would require a fundraiser to be successful. Here are five beneficial ways to make sure your fundraiser raises funds.
Define your purpose
What is the purpose behind the fundraiser? Is the intent to raise money or are there other goals that need to be obtained? When hosting an event of this stature there has to be some sort of a cause that people can rally behind. Many successful events intend to ensure more than one goal being accomplished. Once the purpose is set, it not only clarifies the vision for you but shares the vision for the team and the attendees alike to help fulfill the mission. The details behind the event will determine how one proceeds during the planning stages when defining the purpose.
Establish a village
Ever heard the saying “It takes a village”? It has never been so true when rallying a team of supporters to help aid in your cause. They are usually deemed the “host committee” and if you are lucky enough to gain a few networking titans you may be in good business. The team must be able to get enough donors to show up and donate by pitching the event to any and everyone they know while reaching the people they don’t. Organizations can differentiate the roles of what the specific duties entail for the team; For example, a certain group maybe assigned to contact potential donors through their personal contacts while another group maybe in charge of advertising the event via social media. Your committee can make or break the social and financial success of the event.
Set the Budget
Often times we get so caught up in the madness of securing volunteers and figuring out what kind of event to host that a budget isn’t set. The budget should include catering (optional but preferred), entertainment, space rentals, and staff as well as other expenses that may arise during the planning stages. The budget should also include the fundraising goal so that all expenses are accounted for when having to deduct costs. The budget you choose should include extra money in case of unforeseen circumstances.
Pinpoint your audience
Deciding the audience is crucial in deciding who to attract for the particular the event you decide to have. Does the event appeal to a certain demographic or does it affect everyone? Is the event black-tie or just casual? Pinpointing the audience can determine how you reach donors and the attendees.
Thank you can go a long way
After the storm has calmed and hopefully once the goal has been accomplished, you must make it appoint to call and thank your team, sponsors, vendors and/or volunteers. One of the biggest complaints shared is that the companies that contributed to the cause felt unappreciated after it what all said and done because no one reached out to say, “thank you”. Even if you can’t call, write a letter, send an e-mail, or shout them out on your social media page. Seeing as this may not be the last time you host a fundraising event; you may want to show gratitude because you’ll never know if you will need them again.