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Defining your fundraising goals - It’s essential to set clear and achievable fundraising goals. Consider the following questions: Why are you raising money? How much do you want to raise? Who will the money benefit?

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Choosing the right type of fundraiser - It’s important to align the type of fundraiser with the desired outcomes. For example, a company wanting to raise significant amounts of money for charity likely wouldn't host a local bake sale—they’d need something much larger.

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Identifying your target audience -

In order to reach a particular subset of people, it’s important to first determine who they are. Think through your ideal fundraiser attendees and how you might attract them.

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Setting a realistic budget - In the world of fundraising, it takes spending money to raise money. Create a detailed spreadsheet of all the costs that you’re likely to incur. These might include venue rental costs, catering, decorations, and more.

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Selecting a venue - Location is your new best friend when it comes to fundraising. For example, if many potential donors live in a particular area of the country, consider hosting the fundraiser closer to them.

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Recruiting volunteers -

Utilize word of mouth, social media, and direct outreach to secure volunteers to help with the planning and implementation of the fundraiser. This will help minimize costs while helping make the fundraising dream a reality.

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Reaching out to sponsors -

Start with your inner circle and work outwards. Target businesses and donors who are near to the cause and therefore more likely to donate. It's important to highlight the benefits of sponsoring your event to secure more donations.

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Planning the event program - Scheduling out what will occur and when, as well as potential speakers, workshops, or other educational opportunities, is key. You should be able to sell potential attendees on a full, yet manageable, schedule.

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Utilizing social media - Social media can be an extremely powerful tool. Use it to build excitement, attract attendees, and give others the opportunity to repost and share with their respective communities.

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Designing event flyers and posters -

Local approaches such as flyers and posters can help spread the event information. Pro tip: ask your local print shop if they have any special discounts for charitable events.

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Writing press releases - Many people still rely on traditional media sources like newspapers. Therefore, it’s important to draft a well-thought-out, benefit-centric press release targeting potential donors and sponsors.

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Using email marketing - Email marketing can help you target existing groups who have previously engaged with you. Send out a simple informative event invite using a tool like Eventbrite.

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Setting ticket prices - With ticket prices, you want to strike a balance between raising money yet being accessible to a broader audience.

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Offering different ticket tiers - One solution when it comes to ticket prices is to set different tiers or package options that cater to different audiences. Consider a three-tiered approach including an introductory, middle-tier, and premium class ticket option.

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Prioritize accessibility -

Create a safe and inclusive event and ensure it's accessible and welcoming to all participants.

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Implementing sustainable practices - While hosting an event of any size, it’s important to bear in mind sustainability. Consider things like reducing plastic usage or using recycled items when necessary.

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Leveraging event technology -

Consider using technology to streamline event planning and enhance the attendee experience.

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Incorporating live entertainment - Fundraisers are there to raise money, but in order to accomplish this feat it’s important to provide compelling reasons to attend for potential guests. Consider adding live entertainment such as a band or DJ to attract more individuals.

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Managing event logistics - For the day of, and to ensure things run smoothly, develop a detailed event logistics strategy. It should include items like timing, vendor setup, tech logistics, and should include anyone who will be involved the day of the event.

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Online donations - Unfortunately, not everyone who wants to attend your fundraiser will be able to. Setting up an option to donate online will help you secure more donations and funds.

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Using Google Ad Grants for promotion - If you’re a nonprofit, Google Ad Grants is a great program for qualifying nonprofits and helps them with US$10,000 per month of free advertising. This could be used to promote a charitable event.

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Evaluating your event’s success - Measure the success of your fundraiser and consider how much you raised, how many people attended, and other relevant factors so that next time you can grow and improve.

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Thanking donors and sponsors - It’s extremely important to show appreciation to those who supported you and your event. Whether they volunteered, sponsored, or simply attended, everyone helped make the event the success it was. Take time to thank each of them.

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Developing a follow-up strategy -

Assuming you are planning to host another event, whether for the same cause or not, it’s essential to maintain engagement with attendees and donors after the previous event. Send newsletters, plan smaller free events, and keep them wanting more in general.

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Building long-term relationships with sponsors - Sponsors can, and often do, sponsor subsequent times if there is enough return on their investment. Sponsors can also share their involvement and possible donations with the community for positive word of mouth.

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Hosting virtual fundraising events - For your next event, consider the possibility of a virtual format. This will save guests from having to prepare for, and commute to, the event. Perhaps those savings could lead to further donations!

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Highlighting success stories - Be sure to share inspiring stories from previous events to motivate participation in your current event. How did your previous fundraisers help or impact the world?

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Planning for future events - Every time you host a fundraising event, you will learn new things. Take note of these moments of inspiration and apply them moving forward to help create bigger, better events.

Sources: (Eventbrite) (Booster)

See also: Top tips to make the most of your volunteering

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