Successful Fundraising

Successful Fundraising

1. Have a Planning Meeting

   • Discuss the activities your group is planning for the upcoming year.
   • Estimate costs of these activities and compare to current funds available to determine how much additional money needs to be raised.
   • Develop an event calendar, including all of your deadlines; then determine the best time to have a fundraising event.
   • Appoint a fundraising committee or coordinator.

2. Develop a Fundraising Plan

   Choose the right fundraiser for your organization by taking into account:

   • the number of members in your group
   • members' interests and skills
   • members' enthusiasm for the event
   • members' time commitments
   • creative ideas - have a brainstorming session
   • other fundraising ideas already occurring
   • the time of year best for your activity
   • any costs for the fundraiser (advertising, rooms, etc.)
   • rules/regulations, including state/local laws, regarding fundraising

3. Plan the Event

   • Choose an appropriate date based on the kind of fundraiser you plan to have. Take into consideration weather, academic calendar, etc.
   • Reserve your room or location well in advance of date.
   • Plan your publicity campaign.
   • Form committees and delegate tasks.
   • Watch your expenses - you don't want to lose money on a fundraiser.

4. The Event

   Have FUN with it!

5. Evaluate the Event

   • Go through all receipts and deposit money immediately.
   • Pay any bills accrued.
   • Thank all members and sponsors who contributed to the event.
   • Discuss the logistics of the event:
     • Was it successful?
     • What could have been done differently?
     • What are your recommendations for the next event?
     • Could this be an on-going or annual event?
   • Begin to plan for next year!