Home
| Leisure
| Parties & Showers
| Fundraisers
| About Fundraising Events
About Fundraising Events
by Nichole Smith
-
Overview
Fundraising is a positive way an organization or charity can raise money. Fortunately, you can avail yourself of many avenues to raise the funds you need---if you have help and follow through with your ideas.
-
Significance
Fundraising helps many organizations and people. By hosting fundraising events, many organizations and even schools raise funds to benefit other people or groups within the organization. For instance, a high school marching band that has been invited to a special event may not have the funds to attend. The group can hold various fundraisers to collect enough donations to cover the budgetary shortfall. Charities in particular take advantage of these events to generate the funds to keep operating or help families and individuals in need.
-
Types
Of the many different types of fundraising, bake sales, car washes, silent auctions, raffles, product sales and dinners are all popular means of raising money. Other types of fundraisers focus around a season or holiday. Christmas is a popular time to raise money for charities and other organizations. Events may include a food, toy or coat drive for needy families or children.
-
Benefits
The number-one reason for hosting a fundraiser is raising money for a group or groups so that they can continue to function normally or provide services without interruption. A fundraising event can yield benefits for not only the recipient of the fundraiser but also the participants and sponsors. Sponsors are able to publicize their business or product, while participants can give back to their community.
-
Expert Insight
Gayle Roberts, a professional fundraiser with over 21 years of experience, explains the five keys to fundraising success:
1. Planning---Have a solid plan for your fundraising event and follow through.
2. Prospecting---Reach out to every potential person available. Using the relationships you already have to the fullest will bring in the greatest response.
3. Cultivation---Keep everyone involved and grow the relationships you've formed. These relationships require attention and communication during the fundraising process.
4. Solicitation---Though it's often seen as the step to solicit funds, it's also about reaching out and asking for your team to step up and help in any capacity. Funds, supplies and legwork are all crucial to creating a successful fundraising event.
5. Stewardship---Hosts must keep in mind proper manners and etiquette when dealing with donors and fundraising team members. Recognizing everyone who has participated in the fundraising event for their hard work ends the event on a good note and can secure others' help in the future.
-
Prevention/Solution
Fundraising donors and participants may wonder whether or not their money is truly going to the cause. Potential donors can be reluctant to or even refrain from donating, as they need proof that their money is helping someone in need. Organizers should send a thank you card or picture to donors to show to them what they helped achieve.
