We’re often looking for different ways to make money for a good cause; this is why fundraising is such a wonderful idea. Fundraising events are a powerful way to spread your message and compel others to join your cause. While funds can be raised easily online, a physical event lets you network with all the right people and is more effective in generating awareness, and of course, increasing revenue. A perfectly planned fundraiser event will create lasting relationships that will help your cause in the future. Your fundraising event needs to reflect your cause, and your guests should feel like an active part of it. To plan a perfect fundraiser, remember the following:
Define Your Mission
You need to be very clear on what this fundraiser is about. Once your purpose is clear, the rest is easy because then you can strategize how to promote and plan the event. Define your cause and who or what it is focused on. This will help in aligning the whole event around your cause and creating a fundraising strategy. It will also help in determining the target audience.
How Much You Will Raise
Yes, you need to have a figure in mind already. A fundraising goal defines the amount you plan to raise, with expenses deducted. If you don’t know how much you may be able to raise, look at previous fundraisers for similar causes or the ones at your organization. The amount you plan should be realistic. If you need another way to determine it, it should be almost 30% more than what you are spending on the event.
The fundraising goal is considered monetary, but it doesn’t have to be. You can set a goal to get 150 brand new donors, or maybe a networking goal like connecting with 15 potential business partners. You can also set a goal like an entirely new community showing up, or you could measure the event through engagement on online channels like social media.
Involve The Audience
Now, it is time to see what exactly your event will look like. You can make it a themed gala, a casino night, a carnival night, a trivia tie-breaker, an auction, or maybe a sausage sizzle. (C’mon, who doesn’t like a sausage sizzle?) You can even get Bunning’s fundraising checklist to help you make your fundraiser mess-free and organized. You can also choose a concert or silent disco, but it entirely depends on your target audience and what aligns best with your cause. Be sure to involve the audience in various activities.
How Much You Are Spending
The budget depends on you and your organization. It also depends on how much your fundraising goal is. You need to create a detailed budget and ensure you allocate the right amount to everything. Don’t leave anything out: throw in a venue, catering, entertainment, activities, promotions, everything. Map out everything to cater to your set budget, and add the printing cost for invitations or flyers, rentals, security, etc. When there is a set amount to spend, it automatically systemizes everything. Life has a funny way of creating a series of unfortunate events at wrong moments, so always keep an amount aside for incidentals and emergencies.
Create An Experience
Strive to create an experience for your audience rather than just an event. Experiences leave a better and long-lasting effect. Regardless of the age group of your target audience, everyone wants a positive and rewarding experience; create the ambiance around your message and focus on aligning the finer details, like the colors, names, activities, and even the promotional speakers. Make the fundraiser a memorable event the supporters won’t forget easily. If you make your fundraiser more immersive and creative, your audience will be more likely to donate. There is a high possibility of recurring donors with an unforgettable event.
Promotions
The best way to promote nowadays is to create events on social media and keep the audience engaged until your fundraiser occurs. Even after it ends, don’t forget to take their feedback for future reference. Create a buzz, and see what the responses are. Try to keep some mystery within your promotional activities. You can create themed polls and post them regularly for engagement. Remember to use more than one social media platform!
Events don’t just become memorable; they are created to become memorable. Don’t leave anything to chance. Have clear objectives, and put in your utmost effort to create a great experience for your audience. Strive to make a difference for your cause, and everyone will come to help you. Good luck with your event!
