How to Throw An Epic Fundraiser

 

If you’re an active member of non-profit organizations, you’ve probably seen or attended a fundraising event before. It could’ve been a fancy gala, an auction, or maybe just a happy hour at the bar.

 

But when you’re on the planning committee, the real challenge begins. The event, then, isn’t a fun night out anymore. You’ll have to work out the tiniest of details to throw an evening of fun, class, and donations.

 

It doesn’t matter what the scale of your fundraiserwill be; you still need to make a few integral elements work to plan the perfect event.

 

If this is your first time throwing a fundraiser, don’t panic.  We’ve got you covered! Here are five necessities you need to keep in mind:

 

Create a Budget

You can't throw a fundraiser without spending money. If you’re the right amount of persuasive, you can probably get some donations for food, space, and entertainment, but even that won’t cover all the costs. You’ll have to pay for transportation, tips, and meals for volunteers and staff.

 

So, create a budget first and then start planning the details of the event. Once you understand what your financial situation is, you’ll be able to figure out what kind of event you can throw, whether it’s a small drinks-only reception or an elaborate dinner.

 

Have a Host Committee

For your fundraiser to be successful, people will need to show up and donate to your cause. However, for people to show up, you’ll need additional help. You can’t be the only one promoting the fundraiser. Here, you’ll need a group of volunteers, called a host committee, who are willing to pitch the fundraiser to their own circle, including their family, friends, and co-workers.

 

You can use your host committee to spread the word about your fundraiser and even get them involved in the planning process.

 

Give Multiple Opportunities to Donate

In a fundraiser, you’ll have to ask for money. So, make sure that when you’re hosting an event, people know they’re expected to donate. But that’s not the only way; you can get creative with asking!

 

Raffles and silent auctions are the most common types of ways to collect donations. You can ask the local businesses to take part in your fundraiser, just make sure the audience can relate to the prizes. For example, you can sell a spa-day package at a Women’s Day dinner.

 

Other times, you’ll need to have donors bid on specific elements like $1000 that goes to a scholarship or $100 for a brick for a local building in need of construction help.

 

If you think your guests won't be donating, you can ask them to volunteer for the upcoming initiatives you may host. This will keep them engaged!

Make it an Event to Remember

Your job, then, is to make sure you give them an entire experience that makes them want to donate even more.

 

Some non-profit organizations do this by inviting high-profile guests and providing entertainment. Just because you can’t invite a celebrity over doesn’t mean your fundraiser has to be boring.

 

Instead, you can consider booking a high-class venue, hosting an exclusive dinner or luncheon, or organizing an unusual event like a cooking class or exercise lesson.

 

Make it an Event to Remember

Your job, then, is to make sure you give them an entire experience that makes them want to donate even more.

 

Some non-profit organizations do this by inviting high-profile guests and providing entertainment. Just because you can’t invite a celebrity over doesn’t mean your fundraiser has to be boring.

 

Instead, you can consider booking a high-class venue, hosting an exclusive dinner or luncheon, or organizing an unusual event like a cooking class or exercise lesson.

 

You should also make sure your bite-sized snacks are spot on! Serve them something creative and exciting like exotic flavored popcorn, breadsticks, chicken tenders, quiches, stuffed mushrooms, or fried calamari.

 

In all of this, don’t forget to reflect on what you’re standing up for. Let your clients speak. For example, if you’re raising money for your school, display the artwork of your students.

 

This will provide your guests with a unique experience and will let them see why you’re standing up for this cause.

 

Send Thank You Notes

You’re not done with the fundraiser just because the event is over. What happens after is important as well. Don’t forget about the donors just yet. Get on the phone, call them up and thank them or send out emails. Just make sure you’re personally reaching out to every donor for their support.

 

You also need to remember your volunteers and vendors. Thank them personally for helping you make the event a success. Email is great, but nothing beats the gesture and power of a handwritten note.

 

Don’t Forget to Order Gourmet Popcorn Online

No fundraiser is complete without epic snacks. Give your guests something they’ll talk about for the time to come with the best exotic flavored popcorn in Atlanta by Just Get Poppin’.

 

This super-creative and delicious popcorn business is run by Yvetta Young, a popcorn enthusiast who has launched a collection of delectable sweet, cheesy, and savory popcorn flavors for all.

 

Her popcorn specials include White Chocolate Strawberry and Pistachio Ice cream, Birthday Cake, Caramel Butter Bliss, Poppin’ Bacon Potato, Salted Caramel, Zebra Crunch, and many more!

 

Shop gourmet popcorn today!