Fundraising is hard work. Whether you are helping sell Girl Scout Cookies or putting on the charity gala of the year, there is a ton that goes into pulling off a successful fundraising event. Events need to be engaging while also being productive and focused on their main goal, raising money for a noble cause. A fine balance lies between entertainment at an event and focus on the beneficiary. Finding that balance is the key to making stand out from the crowd. Here are six tips to help make your fundraiser a success:
1.) Publicize, Publicize, Publicize
Sharing your event on your newsfeed is good but sharing it to your entire community is better. You could be missing out on potential participants simply by not broadcasting it enough! Draft press releases and letters to local new stations, celebrities, and radio stations. If a business or person has reach that will help your event get out there contact them. Make sure your message to the public is engaging, on brand with your event, and fun spirited. Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box for publishing potential, who knows maybe Oprah will retweet you inviting her to come!
Tip: You can also boost your content on platforms like Facebook and Instagram for a small fee. These boosts may help you reach thousands of people you wouldn’t have had access to before.
2.) Know who to book
Good food and music can make or break any event. Live music is not only entertaining, it can bring in people who wouldn’t have heard of your event. Many local musicians are looking for places to perform, and if it is a cause close to their heart they might even perform at a discount. Reach out to any and all musicians you can think of that would be appropriate for your audience or find a DJ so the aux cord is one logistic you won’t have to worry about. It is also vitally important to do your research on caterers for your event. Make sure you consider what menus they offer, their cost, if they come with wait staff, and double check to make sure they have all of the proper licenses and registrations required to serve at your event. Ensure you have all of your bases covered, and if you think you do, double and triple check. Most importantly, make sure the contract you sign explicitly states what they will be bringing and what services they are providing. Does the cost include the warming trays, napkins, and/or decorations needed? You’ll also want to do a taste test if you have never used the caterer before, you could pull off the most amazing fundraiser but if the food is not up to par that’s all any of your guests will take away from it!
Tip: Some companies and venues source talent they choose for their events, you may want to find who these are- they might be the perfect fit!
3.) Set up an online giving platform
Sometimes people are too busy to attend your event, but they still want to donate. Online giving makes collecting donations easier than ever and allows you to have an even broader reach than just your attendees. GoFundMe and Donor Drive are great ways to not only share your event, but also share your fundraising goals with the public. There are plenty of online platforms to choose from, so make sure you do some research to find the one for you and your cause. You could also live stream parts of your event to generate hype from your online guests.
Tip: Start raising funds prior to the event through these platforms and social media outreach.
4.) Offer creative merchandise for sale
Offering merchandise that supports your cause is not something that should be ignored. However, this merchandise has to stick out. Everyone does logo embroidered t-shirts, do something a little bit different. Get a local artist involved to create pieces related to your cause. You could have beautifully hand painted pottery, or you could even get your beneficiary involved. For example, if you are raising funds for a children’s hospital have the children create some of the merchandise. They could make a t-shirt or mug design, or even create framed artworks or pottery. These types of goods make your guests feel like they are directly related to your cause and have something to always remember the night by, which in turn can help make your event and future events even more successful.
Tip: These items could be potentially be used in a silent auction as well if they are of high quality. Don’t be afraid to try and sell them both ways, just have different merchandise!
5.) Don’t just settle for just a cash bar
Cash bars are a staple in many events, but you could be missing out by not branching out! Try bringing in a wine or beer expert and offer tastings for an additional charge. OR bring in a cocktail specialist to do a demo of some fancy cocktails, then have your guests try them afterwards! Having beverage options that are outside of the box don’t only make your event more engaging, it has the potential to increase your earnings.
Tip: Come up with a signature drink to add some more personalization, branding, and fun to your event!
6.) Put the FUN in Fundraising
No one wants to attend a boring event- including YOU! Event planning can be stressful, but as long as you remember the “Why?” of your fundraiser you will be fine. Have fun with the process and get creative! For example, if you are hosting a Gala don’t just stop with having a dance-floor, bring in some dancers to do a performance. Or if you have a dinner create fun (and appropriate) names for the dishes being prepared that are relevant to your cause. The possibilities are endless, but if you feel you need some help, Amplify Marketing and Event Planning is always here to support you and your cause.
Tip: Take some time to make sure you participate in your event and enjoy seeing all the hard work pay off.