So, you’re planning a fundraiser for your nonprofit.

The cause? Check. The enthusiasm? Check. The planning……….

The key to a successful nonprofit fundraiser: proper planning. If you're not familiar with planning events, you might need some help deciding where or how to start. I would say no matter how big or small the event you should start planning AT LEAST 6 months, if not a year out from the event. 

Here are some items to ponder:

Keep your target donors in mind when choosing what kind of event. You want to keep them entertained and excited to be there to support your cause! Golf tournaments, silent auctions, 5K races are always popular. Will the event be kid-friendly or adults only?

When and where will you hold your event? 

Once again, it’s important to keep your key donors in mind. As well as the size of the event, the time of year, and the weather. A lot of people are excited to give back during the holiday season, but you also have to consider how busy people are during this time of year. If your guest list is 200+ people, you don't want to hold your event in a space made for 50. If it's a family event, keep the children in mind. 

Who can you get to sponsor your event? 

Whoever you want! Many local businesses are always looking to give back to their communities, while advertising for their own business at the same time. Reach out to families and friends of your employees to see if they have any connections who would like to sponsor. Maybe make a competition to see who in your organization can find the most sponsors!

Is there going to be food?

People. love. food. This is another opportunity to reach out to local restaurants. Keep the menu (whether breakfast, lunch, dinner, or light snacks) flexible, something for everyone to enjoy. Many times local restaurants will donate food instead of a dollar amount. This is just as helpful!

Will you need volunteers?

Volunteers are no cost to you (besides maybe an event t-shirt), so yes! You can’t take on everything yourself, everyone needs a helping hand from time to time. This is when you leverage your friends and family – and then they leverage their friends and family. The more volunteers the merrier!

 To sum things up, fundraising events can be both exciting and stressful. Make sure to start planning well ahead of time (AT LEAST 6 months), and put together an awesome team to help. Everything CANNOT fall on one person’s shoulders. With the right venue, food, and planning, any fundraising event can go smoothly.

Overall, make sure you HAVE FUN. If you show your attendees a good time, they’re more likely to come back again and again to donate to your nonprofit and its mission.