So you’ve decided to begin tackling in issue in your community, and your team is now ready to host your first event. Let’s get started!
Step 1: Determine Your Goal
What is your goal? Do you want to raise money to buy books? Do you want to help individuals who are struggling with a particular issue, such as lack of school supplies, or no access to safe medical supplies?
Once you determine your goal, you should quantify exactly how much ($) you want to raise, by obtaining quotes for your costs. Sometimes it helps to have three quotes to compare costs, and helps your supporters know that you have done your research.
Step 2: Create an Event Plan
You will need to come up with a plan that includes a marketing strategy, as well as how you will communicate your event, who you will target, and how you expect to convince those in attendance to financially support your cause.
It’s important at this stage to avoid incurring expenses, and to keep your costs as low as possible. Remember: funds raised in profits generated are intended to go to the cause, and the more efficiently you can do this, the more you’ll be able to impact your cause.
Step 3: Promote Your Event
Now is the time to reach out to your network, your colleagues, and those who believe in the work that you’re doing.
Whether you’re putting together a big sale, car wash, a business gathering, or a casual dinner, you want to ensure that guests are well-connected, generous, and connected to the cause.
As you progress with the logistical planning, you can solicit support from local businesses to make donations in support of the event. A great way to generate revenue is to host a small silent auction during your event, where you can generate funds by selling goods or services donated by businesses.
This method can help to raise funds for your cause, and promote local companies and the products and services which they provide. Note: your items should be priced according to the demographic of the guests in attendance. Your guests should be able to afford what you are offering.
Step 4: Document Everything on Event Day
On this day, you should capture the following: who was in attendance, their contact information, the number of donations received, amounts, and additional information for charitable tax purposes (if applicable).
This data will be very useful when communicating with your funders, as it demonstrates widespread support for the cause. This activity also shows that you’re generating interest and engagement in your cause, another important factor in seeking future support for your project or program.
Step 5: Thank Everyone
It’s often said that your next best donor is your last happy donor. The best way to retain support from these individuals is to thank every guest, and business that supported your event. Whether they provided donations in the form of funds (cash) or goods or services (in-kind), it’s important that you quickly and personally acknowledge their support.
To learn more about how initial fundraising events are set-up, visit Eventbrite and find a local event near you: www.eventbrite.ca
To get support for your next event or fundraising initiative, contact [email protected]
