Organizing a Successful Fundraising Event

Fundraising events can prove to be great money makers for any charity organization. But to guarantee success of the event one should put in careful planning. Let us look at some top components for a successful fundraising event.

Defining the purpose of the event: It is imperative that you decide on the purpose of your event before you take on to do anything else. Think and decide if the fundraising event has any other by-goals. Predictably, the main purpose would be to raise money but other associated benefit of networking – such as more visibility or gaining publicity - can also be a part of the event. Fundraising is a charitable event and many such events have multiple goals. Figuring out to define the purpose of the fundraising event will help you know definite goals and plan the event accordingly.

Deciding upon the fundraising goal: Meet with the event host committee and the organizing members to decide on the amount you are hoping to raise. Make sure to deduct the expenses from the amount you aim to collect – this gives you the actual amount of funds raised.

Planning the budget: Fundraising event should have a detailed budgeted listing for all the expenses. The budget can describe the amount of estimated expenditure for logistics, resources, manpower amongst others. Also account for miscellaneous unplanned expenses so that you are not faced with any adverse situation during the implementation of the program.

Focussing on target audience: Plan and decide ahead on the target audience to plan the event details. Decide if it is a general fundraising event or a focused event targeting a specific group like parents or young educated class or the businessmen. This will decide your strategizing the event programs.

Setting up the actual event: The actual event requires a huge amount of logistical planning. It describes details like the venue, the catering arrangement, entertainment programs, itinerary and much more. Planning these particulars in advance can save a lot of trouble during actual set up for the event.

Registration and sales: It is important to get good number of registrations and ticket sales. Ensure that there is an easy access procedure for obtaining actual tickets and accepting of donations for the event. Using a free software for event registration online can help you to sell tickets economically.

Event promotion: Events need aggressive promotion to ignite the interest of the target audience. An event which is marketed well shows success and delivers on its agenda. A detailed marketing plan is necessary for event visibility in the related industry or market. The event patrons should feel and comprehend the brand value of the program through its marketing initiatives.

Rehearsal: it is important to practise the essential components of the events. It is important that you run through the basic essentials of the program with the staff involved in the organizing of the fundraising event. Ahead of time you should allocate the entire organizing committee with their individual tasks.

Appreciation: A charitable event is not complete without a Thank You. Thank all your sponsors and contributors and the event volunteers. It is essential that your organization takes time to send an individual note of thanks and appreciation to all who were involved in the event from the vendors to the contributors.