Nonprofit Fundraising: Planning Your First Event

Nonprofit Fundraising: Planning Your First Event

Planning a nonprofit fundraiser isn’t easy. Even with a cause, a great idea and the enthusiasm, pulling it off is more complicated than it seems. No matter how small or big your fundraising event is, there’s one thing that will always ensure success.

That’s proper planning, of course! Planning well is the key so that will give you time to line up everything. Here’s what you should have in mind a few months in advance.

What Type Of Fundraiser Will You Hold?

Are you planning a fundraiser for a cause, a community project, needy people in the society or other charity purposes? You want to be clear on what type of event it is so that you can get the right participation. An event that’s fun for all participants will draw attention and the right crowds. Think of interesting events people would want to be involved in. Time-based events are the most popular. For example, a fundraiser organized during fall at a local vacation spot, so that people can have fun before winter sets in.

Where And When Will The Event Be Held?

The date of the fundraiser and location will determine the level of involvement you get. The venue helps people get excited about the event. Remember that you’re also competing with other charity events and organizations. Book an appropriate date at a venue of your choice as earliest as possible.

Planning to hold your fundraiser online? There are several crowdfunding websites that can help you raise money with ease. According to Plumfund, a fundraising website, accepting donations online for your nonprofit fundraiser can drastically increase the amount raised for your event as well as the number of potential fundraising sources.

Who Will Sponsor The Event?

Anyone can sponsor your charitable fundraising event. Although many will say it’s always good to have a major sponsor for a fundraising event, proper planning can ensure you do it successfully without worrying about falling short of goals.

Sponsors don’t have to be big names. Start with your own company, local businesses and community leaders. You can also reach out to restaurants for food donations. Don’t hesitate to approach businesses because they’ll use the event as an advertising opportunity.  

Are You Going To Need Giveaways And Prizes?

Offering giveaways and prizes gets people excited and donate more money. Plan an interactive experience where people participate in various activities to earn prizes. Ask the sponsors you approach whether they’re willing to donate giveaways. Most of them will!

Be creative when it comes to prizes. For instance, if you’re fundraising for a kids event, seasoned planners will advise that you customize your prizes and giveaways from sponsors like bulk candy stores or toy stores. Remember everything is all about the fundraising cause.

Will You Need Volunteers?

Of course, you will! They’re an important part of any fundraising event and will save you money. Volunteers are key to planning a successful fundraiser.

They’ll do critical tasks like checking arriving guests, selling raffle tickets, stuffing envelopes and preparing gift packs. Work requiring more accountability like following up with key supporters or managing donor information can be left to staff members.

To get volunteers for your first fundraiser, approach friends, family members and colleagues. Use social media and email marketing to spread the word and leverage the contacts and networks you already have.

Summary

Planning a nonprofit fundraising event can be both exciting and overwhelming. By planning early and keeping the event fun, you’ll have a successful fundraiser. Just inform people of the cause and ask for help.