Planning the Perfect Charity Fundraising Event

Are you looking for a way to make a difference in your community? There are many reasons that people organize charitable events and organizations. Some do it for employment or academic reasons, perhaps to add to the application process of a highly selective college. Others do it purely out of the compassion and empathy they have for others. Some are simply bored and looking for a way to spend their day. Then, there are a large percentage of people who have a mix of any of those reasons. Regardless of your desire to organize a charitable event, keep these planning suggestions in mind.

Host with a reputable charitable organization

People tend to believe in a charity and to donate more, when they believe in that charity. It can be extremely helpful to host your charitable event with a well known organization, such as a Red Cross donation center. The Red Cross has been around for many years and has provided assistance to numerous types of people. Currently, the American National Red Cross is the 13th largest U.S. charity as ranked by private donations. It received $687 million in 2014 in private donations. Work with a representative of the Red Cross donation center and plan an event together.

Request donations in a variety of methods

Not everyone you invite to the event will have the means to donate money. Others may not be comfortable donating money, especially if they do not know where the money will be spent. Give attendees a variety of ways to donate. Request clothes donations, monetary donations, volunteers, and even offer Red Cross pickups for those who may not be able to make it to the actual event. Always thank your guests for their donations, regardless of what or how much they donated.

Organize raffles

You will also find that people are more likely to donate if they receive something in return. That item received in return does not have to be the same value as the requested donation. Even organizing a raffle can be beneficial, as people have the ability to win money. Also, you will find that most people simply donate the money back to the Red Cross donation center. They simply want to feel like they won something.

Sell sponsorships

Organizing and planning a large fundraising event can be expensive. You have to rent a location, hire entertainment, and possibly provide the guests with food. This is especially true if you will be charging a fundraising event fee. You can quickly lose money on a fundraising event, if you spend too much or do not acquire enough sponsorship. Sponsors can donate venues, food items, and prizes. In return, offer them the ability of marketing at the event. Allow them to brand their free items or to tell guests about their product or service.

Inform guests of the charity and what it does

When guests are aware of a charity and what its purpose is, they are also more likely to donate. If you are working with the Red Cross donation center, ensure that the guests know about the Red Cross and their smaller divisions. Let guests know what they have accomplished and connect them with detailed stories. Red Cross clothing donations, for example, help in many ways. For 24 hours per day, 265 days a year, the American Red Cross provides relief for families and communities in the form of blankets, food, blood, and shelter. Also, giving guests a history of the origination can be helpful. In 2001, Chris returned to the East Coast and rejoined the family thrift store business. Soon after, he conceived of GreenDrop, which opened its first location in 2012 in Aston, PA. They primarily focus on used clothing donations and are a great place to donate clothing you no longer want.

Throwing a charitable fundraising event can be a lot of fun. It, however, is also a lot of work. Remember the reason you are organizing the event and keep the charitable organization in mind at all times. Attempt to sign sponsors, keep guests informed of the charity, and allow them to donate in multiple ways. A lot of important funding for charities comes from the organization of these types of events.