Fundraising Event
Many groups hold events to raise money for their organizations. A successful fundraising event can do much more than raise money for an organization. The event can commemorate an important day or week, build unity and cohesion in the group, give program planning experience to new group members and it can add wide-range campus and community visibility to the organization.
Allow at least a 2- 4 months for pre-planning time. This is especially important for a major fundraiser. Like any well-planned event, your group should establish a calendar early on, working back from the date of the event. Important deadlines for room reservation, invitations and publicity should be mapped out in advance.
Overhead costs can vary widely depending
on the event. Plan carefully since overhead costs areoften
higher than planners project. Many fundraisers obtain free
or reduced cost services for materials in order to reduce
expenses.
Check individually for deadlines for room reservations, publicity
sources (especially free ones) and printers.
Planning Stages:
- Start with a specific, targeted fundraising goal.
- Be creative and choose an event idea that is fun and will catch people’s attention.
- When you have the particular ideas your collective group would like to pursue, develop a realistic budget of expenses and revenues to be sure that you will make enough money to justify the cost of the event. Set a date for the event and begin the planning and publicity processes. Please remember you must have OSPLD approval prior to publicizing your event.
- Be sure that you have sufficient “up-front” funds to cover costs such as facility charges, advertising, props, etc.
- Plan and execute the event, utilizing publicity to enhance your group’s image on campus.
Characteristics of a Successful Fundraising Event:
- It happens at regular intervals (annual, quarterly). People come to expect it.
- It appeals to a large, broad audience.
- It performs a needed service.
- It is based on a tradition.
- It is well-publicized. People well outside of your organization know about it.
- It brings your community or group together.
- There is little overhead cost.
- It encourages people to interact.
- It capitalizes on the talents of your group.
- It commemorates a meaningful time or place for your community or organization.
