Charity events can be an effective way to raise money. While the main goal of a charity event is to raise funds and maximize them according to your organization’s objectives, it should be something well prepared, engaging more people, and organized on a tight budget.
For smooth charity planning, you also need to develop strategies to ensure that your cause will benefit directly your beneficiaries.
Charity events can be in many forms. However, the main objective stays the same: to raise funds or awareness. Thus, included in your plans is the way of attracting more resources to achieve your goal.
How do you execute your plan? Read further to get more information on how to run a charity event successfully with less spending.
1. Set Your Fundraising Goal
From the time you are planning for the event, you should know how much money you must raise. Yes, you may consider different avenues like donations, ticket sales, auctions, and crowdfunding, but remember, donations are not the only way to support a cause. It’s also important to keep potential goals in mind when organizing a nonprofit event.
2. Drive Awareness
Awareness of the cause and your event will encourage donors to send help. But how do you drive awareness?
- Create valuable content (something that attendees will have a connection to)
- Distribute pamphlets–though this is an old school way of announcing your event, people must have something to refer to in terms of your fundraising event. What is it for? Who will benefit from it? How will attendees and donors gain from it?
- Promote your cause using social media–this is a very powerful tool and avenue to send your message across.
- Create accessories where people can flaunt your cause. Items like t-shirts, wristbands, pins, and caps are little things you can display and distribute to support your cause and event.
3. Know Your Budget
If you are still new to event planning, you should know how to define your budget. While your goal is to raise funds, spending should be tightened to enjoy the return of investment. So, create a projected income and devise a list of expenses so you can compare how your event would fare in the end.
Here are some budgeting tips to consider:
● Entertainment
You can always save money if you look for a willing entertainer to volunteer rather than hiring a professional.
● Meals
Go for single-plate meals rather than a buffet, as well as sticking to light refreshments.
● Items
Limit your small items like pens, keychains, and coasters to those that are budget-friendly. Always leave room in your budget, especially for unpredictable expenses.
4. Look for a Great Venue
A great venue would set the scene for a great event. This is why you should consider your options carefully before you commit. Check on ideas for charity fundraising first so you’ll see if your theme will match your target venue.
Furthermore, consider booking a venue that is something non-traditional and will infuse your event with flair. Some venues may also be willing to give a discount or let you use the space for free because they have known your good cause.
Today, online fundraising events are also considered to extend your reach to attendees outside the country or geographic area. It could also allow you to increase the donations.
5. Come Up with a Theme
People always get excited to support a cause, but they also want to have a good time. They love experience, and they like to spend money while creating memories. That said, a theme for the event will help to entertain them.
Having unique ideas while giving attendees fun would also inspire donors.
6. Choose How You’ll Accept Donations
In the world of digital technology, donations can be received through different forms of fund transfer. Get to know them and see what suits you best.
7. Maximize Your Opportunities
When you’re all set in your venue, you can start to publicize your event. This can be crucial in getting the turnout for a successful fundraising event. Look out for inexpensive ways to announce your event and ensure you don’t cut into the bottom line.
8. Consider Old Donors as Lifeblood of Your Organization
Charity events provide an arranged method to bring people, especially donors. The charity organization should have an orderly timeline to follow. When this is accomplished, the event can result in fruitful engagements and connections.
A successful event is a great opportunity to keep the support coming from donors. Keeping the flames alive with existing donors is providing them better motivation to join your cause. Once they see where their money went, your generosity has made an impact on them and will lead them to fund you more.
9. Find New Donors
Charity events are a good way of attracting new donors, as well as building commitments and relationships. To encourage bringing in new donors, charity events should be fun and meaningful to make attendees eager to become part of your cause.
10. Identify High-Value Supporters
Charity events offer a unique avenue for donors to invite their friends, and no other invitation is as effective as an invite from your donors. The key is to make sure the event could attract all or most of the existing supporters and invite their friends who can potentially become donors.
Wrapping Up
There are tons of ways to organize a charity event. However, the vital component in planning an event is the expertise of a reliable fundraising team. Having such a team will help make your charity event a success. Their fundraising ideas will surely bring your event to the next level and collect donations more than what you’re expecting.