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| Fundraising / Fundraising Events - Part 1 |
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Fundraising Events Part 1 - Easy Fundraiser Event Ideasby Kimberly ReynoldsAmong the fundraising event questions that I hear constantly are: "Which fundraising events don't cost a lot?" "What ones are easy to do?" "Which ones 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 vary tremendouslyThese type of fundraisers will vary greatly in cost, complexity,and results - based on a host of factors that are often not 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 ones 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 thatinvolve direct labor in exchange for a donation or contribution. Low-cost 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 (street-side signs, etc.) --- for the car wash. Which fundraising events are easy to do?The events that are easiest to conduct are the ones that are funand 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 mentioned above are easy to put together: Which fundraising events make the most money?Your fundraisers will be at their most profitable when you generatea massive turnout combined with a willingness of your patrons to open their pocketbooks. Examples include school-based Athlet-a-thons and exclusive black tie charity auctions. These types of special 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 special events like auctions and Athlet-a-thons is a strong personal tie-in. With an auction, people will spend more money 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 plan in place. In the next article in this series, I'll offer some specific advice on suppliers that have pre-packaged offerings for event-style fundraisers. Related PagesFundraising Events: Three profitable fundraiser event ideas for small group or school fund raising - Fundraiser events that are quick and easy - Fund-raising events you can do in a weekend. Event Ideas - Part 2: Easy fund-raising events for small groups - Covers "Queen Almost For A Day" Fun Beauty Pageant, having a Mondo Yard Sale, and putting together a successful charity Golf Tournament. Event Ideas - Part 3: Fund raising events that are easy to do - Cap Follies musical theater production, Night At The Races fund-raising event, and a Bed Race cancer fundraiser event. Fundraising Event Ideas - A lengthy list of fundraising event ideas - Tips on putting together various charity fundraising events and maximizing your profits. Fundraising Event Tips - Tips on raising maximum funds at your next event - Easy to follow fundraising event tips for getting publicity and attracting sellout crowds eager to support your cause. |
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