Events Fundraising - Part 1

Among the questions that I hear constantly are:

"What fundraising events do not cost much?"

"Which ones are easy to do?"

"What make more money?"

And what is the answer to these three questions?

It depends!

That's right. There is no answer, no "one size fits all" solution.

Fundraising events vary greatly

This type of fundraising will vary greatly in cost, complexity and results - based on a number of factors that often are not easy to control.

Events that do not cost very often requires more volunteer time to put them together.

Those that are easy to do are often not the largest producers of money.

And sometimes you need a crystal ball to see which would produce the greatest net return.

So where does that leave us in our quest for answers to our three questions?

It leaves us with a series of options or choices for the event-based fundraisers.

What events do not cost much?

In general, the collection of funds with the lowest cost are those that involve direct work in exchange for a donation or contribution.

A low-cost examples include the car wash volunteer or charity bike ride.

Here, you want to use "sweat equity" approach - volunteers sweat in exchange for shares for your nonprofit organization.

The key is to obtain a large number of volunteers who, in turn, carry multiple donations.

Revenue is generated in proportion to the effort advertising for the event, performed either in advance --- as in the case of the bike-a-thon --- or done at the same time (side road signs, etc.) - for the car wash .

What events are easy to do?

Events that are easier to perform are those that are fun and short. Examples include a group dinner, a "make believe" beauty contest, or a mystery dinner theater.

Often, most of the work is generating a good turnout. Communicating your needs is central to all efforts at fundraising, but for an event, is crucial.

To make your fun event to attend and of short duration, it makes it more attractive to potential supporters.

The three types mentioned above are easy to put together:

Group dinner

A group dinner involves organizing a group dinner, usually in a restaurant though it can be potluck / buffet style as well.

Many restaurants are happy to accommodate your stay together and provide a standard meal, while "jokes" again for your nonprofit organization nearly 15% of the total tab for the meals of your group.

Beauty Pageant

A "make believe" beauty contest, such as that offered in the "Almost Queen for a Day" package, is another way to have fun and raise funds.

The group needs only one position, some of the candidate volunteers (including men), and a crowd of payment to cheer their favorites laughable.

Mystery Dinner Theater

Inviting all to a Mystery Dinner Theater creates another entertaining evening that produces a good level of revenue for your group.

Line a large meeting room at a local restaurant, recruit your players among the gregarious types in your community and you are ready to go.

Pre-packaged scripts are available from different suppliers. Check our listings for providers of fundraising events for details.

What events make more money?

Your fundraiser will be at their most profitable when you generate a massive turnout in combination with the will of your customers to open their wallets.

Examples include school Athlet-a-thons blacks and exclusive tie charity auctions.