12 Tips for a successful fundraiser for your campaign
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A party, concert, art auction, dinner, film screening... there are countless events you can organize to raise donations. Not only does it give your donors something in return and raise awareness for your campaign, it's also an opportunity to talk to many of your most loyal supporters. But how do you make it a resounding success? Here are 12 tips to help you on your way to a successful fundraiser for your campaign.
1. A first consideration: plan an event that can be repeated. Most expenses occur only once, and any costly mistakes from the first edition can be turned into better results for future editions. 2. Try to get everything you need donated or borrowed: materials, food, advertising, sound equipment, space, and any work required for a successful event. 3. Start small enough that you can manage everything initially, but make it attractive enough for people to return next time and bring their friends (you can scale up based on previous experience). 4. Allow twice as much time for preparation as you think you need. If you think it will take three months, plan for six months. 5. When the event involves significant organizational costs, set a go/no-go decision point in advance, so you can still cancel without incurring major expenses. 6. Use merchandising as an additional way to raise money during the event. Make sure your organization’s information booth, where people can get information, buy merchandise, or make a donation, is located in a busy area of the venue, for example near the spot where people get drinks. 7. Ensure that someone with strong organizational skills takes on a leadership role in planning and executing the event. | 8. If a lot of cash will be coming in, make sure to arrange change and a way to keep the money secure. Keep track of how much comes in and assign someone responsible for managing it. Even better: set up a way for people to donate via smartphone or bank card. 9. Atmosphere is everything. Make sure your guests feel welcome and have a good time. This also encourages them to share the story of your campaign and bring friends next time. Don’t overwhelm them with content; remember, it’s a benefit event, not a lecture. 10. Promotion is important. Start early. Keep in mind that anyone who can’t attend the event is still part of your audience and may want to support your campaign in other ways. What can you offer them besides the event itself? 11. You also want to be able to engage attendees again in the future or involve them in other ways in your campaign. 12. Collect as many contact details as possible; during registration, ticket sales, or with a newsletter signup sheet at the event itself. |
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This guide is part of the ‘Toolbox for Movements’. This toolbox contains more short digital guides, offering fundamental knowledge about strategy, movement building, campaigning, and organizing.
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