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Among the questions that I constantly hear are:
"What fundraising events don't cost a lot?"
"What fundraisers are easy to do?"
"Which events make the most money?"
And what's the answer to those three questions? It
depends!
That's right. There is no one answer, no "one size fits
all" solution. Fundraising events will vary in cost, complexity, and
results based on a host of factors that are not often easy to control. Events that don't cost a lot will often require more
volunteer time to put them together. Ones that are easy to do are often
not the biggest money makers. And, sometimes you need a crystal ball to
figure out which event would produce the biggest net return. So, where does that leave us in our search for answers to
our three questions? It leaves us with a set of options or choices for
event-based fundraisers.
What fundraising events don't cost a lot?
Generally, the fundraisers with the lowest cost are those
that involve direct labor in exchange for a donation or contribution.
Examples include the volunteer car wash or the charity bike ride. Here, you want to use the "sweat equity" approach -
volunteers sweat in return for equity for your nonprofit organization.
The key is to get a large number of volunteers who, in turn, bring along
multiple donations. Revenue is generated in proportion to the publicity effort
for the event, done either in advance as in the case of the bike-a-thon or
done at the same time (streetside signs, etc.) for the car wash.
What fundraisers are easy to do?
The events that are easiest to conduct are the ones that
are fun and of short duration. Examples include a group dinner, a "make
believe" beauty pageant, or a mystery dinner theater. Often, the largest part of the job is generating a good
turnout. Communicating your need is central to all fundraising efforts,
but for an event, it's critical. By making your event fun to attend and short in duration,
you make it more attractive to potential supporters. The three types of
events mentioned above are easy to put together. A group dinner involves organizing a group meal, usually at
a restaurant although it can be potluck/buffet style as well. Many
restaurants are glad to host your get together and provide standard meal
service while "rebating" back to your nonprofit organization roughly 15%
of the total tab for your group's meals. A "make believe" beauty pageant, such as that offered in
the "Queen Almost for a Day" package, is another way to have fun and raise
funds. Your group needs only a location, some volunteer contestants
(including men), and a paying crowd to cheer on their laughable favorites. Inviting everyone to a Mystery Dinner Theater creates
another fun evening that produces a nice amount of revenue for your
group. Line up a large meeting room at a local restaurant and recruit
your thespians from among the gregarious types in your community and
you're ready to go. Pre-packaged scripts are available from several
suppliers.
Which events make the most money?
Your fundraising events will be are at their most profitable when you
generate a massive turnout combined with a willingness of your patrons to
open their pocketbook. Examples include school-based Athlet-a-thons and
black tie charity auctions. These events require a lot of effort to promote,
coordinate, and conduct. Many layers of volunteers are needed to staff
all the positions for these two types of fundraisers. A key aspect to the revenue generating power of both
auctions and Athlet-a-thons is a strong personal tie-in. With an auction,
people will spend money (or more than they ordinarily would) because there
are both bargains and tax deductions involved. With a school-based Athlet-a-thon,
the personal tie-in is a direct sponsorship of a child's achievements. The personal connection is the strongest motivator for
opening the pocketbook to its fullest extent. Always make sure to include
that aspect when putting your event plan in place.
Fundraising Event Ideas!!
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About The
Author: Kimberly Reynolds is
the author of
Fundraising Success, a
best
selling ebook on fundraising. You can read
more of
her
fundraising
ideas on her website, FundraiserHelp.com. |
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