It can be difficult and overwhelming to know where to start for planning a fundraiser to raise money for a cause. We are here to help! While there are many steps that you will need to take in order to ensure a successful fundraiser, the following is a good starting point.
Where do I start for an in-person event?
- Set your purpose and goals for the fundraiser – ex. awareness/money for research/support the ULF
- Reach out to family, friends and local businesses for help planning, volunteers and resources.
- Set a date and time and reserve a location. Prepare event materials with your goals and propose cash sponsorship from local businesses and organizations.
- Reach out to your local police department or city government to make them aware of the event or for approval.
- Create marketing materials and announce the event via website and social media channels. (Marketing info)
- Does your event require a registration form and insurance waiver?
- Create sponsorship agreements, whether monetary or in-kind donations such as food, water, media, music and sound equipment, etc.
- Holding a 5K? Measure and map the run/walk route, order race bibs, and awards!
- Secure event insurance.
- Begin your advertising strategy!
- Reserve event equipment such as portable bathroom stations, fencing or barriers, sound equipment, etc.
- Begin reaching out to volunteers who can help the event run smoothly. Think churches, schools, sports teams, service clubs… Pending the event, consider on-site medical personnel for first aid or a stand-by ambulance in case of a medical event.
- Order event t-shirts and other promotional materials – hats, wrist bands, sweatshirts, banners, decorations, tablecloths, signage, etc.
- Set event day schedule including event location representative, volunteers, and sponsors.
- Don’t forget to say THANK YOU!
Where do I start for a raffle or drawing fundraiser?
- Set your purpose and goals for the fundraiser – ex. awareness/money for research/support the ULF Target audience?
- Decide on whether the event will be in person or remote online. In person, reserve a location or time during a previously scheduled event such as a sporting event or community meeting. Set goals and consider your community/target audience.
- Set a date and time.
- Reach out to your local city or county government to make them aware of the raffle/drawing and secure permit approval, if in person.
- Create tickets and marketing materials.
- Reach out to friends, family, local businesses, service clubs, sports teams, religious groups, libraries, etc. to sell tickets for your drawing.
- Announce the fundraiser via your website and social media channels. (Marketing info) Sell those tickets!
- Don’t forget to say THANK YOU!