Planning an event that spreads awareness and raises money requires a lot of diligence and attention to detail. Between communicating with other advocates and creating an impact with your supporters, sometimes it can be easy to get lost in the small detail rather than the ultimate goal. Here you will learn the ins and outs of how to have a successful fundraiser.
The Big Picture is Priority
Before planning any of the minute details, know what you’re intending to overall accomplish. The main focus is how to make enough of an impact that your supporters will donate and continue to spread awareness. Once you’ve figured that out, build outward onto who to approach and what kind of event is most appropriate for your cause.
Who is the Audience?
Getting in touch with people who are passionate about what the brand represents will most benefit the success of your fundraiser. Understanding your following allows you to pinpoint how to better draw them in. Think about what businesses or companies will be eager to associate their name with your cause and be a sponsor.
Get the Word Out
In this day and age, there are many platforms available just a finger tap away, it would seem impossible to not circulate information on an event. Passionate people will pass the information. An avid audience will help tremendously increase your following through word of mouth, personal blogs and social media. It is equally as important to grab the attention of various grades of sponsors – small local shops and larger corporations – will help branch your brand out to their supportive clientele also.
Be Creative
Not every fundraiser needs to be a black-tie affair with cocktail hour and slide shows. Think outside of the box when it comes to creating an experience for your guests and sponsors. Do something that really shows the impact of your actions towards your cause and how others can be just as involved. During (or perhaps in place of) cocktail hour, engage guests with a showcase or campaign video that represents the brand and mission in a poignant way.
Have Incentives
Typically when contributing to a prominent, long running foundation, the donor may be gifted or even given information for what their donation can provide for the cause. For example, on the website for the World Wildlife Foundation, the donor can choose the dollar amount as well as what rewards are available for that donation. If you’re on a budget and can’t provide a gift for every donation, try emailing an infographic of how the donors money will be put to use. When people know where their money is going, they feel better about providing a larger donation.
Create a Website (or a Website Widget)
If you or anyone on your team knows how to work/create a website, this option will really benefit you. Rather than using a third party website for all of your donations, create a website that’s personal to your cause and can showcase the story behind your fundraiser. For the companies who sponsor you, either have a link to your foundations website or you can create a widget so that their patrons can donate without exiting a web page.
Bottom Line
Even though it can be easy to get lost in all the details of planning, remember what the main intentions are. Following these tips on how to run a successful fundraiser will help increase your audience, improve the quality of your event and make for a successful profit for the cause that you’re supporting.