As school starts another semester the inevitable sound of "would you like to support my..." is being heard throughout your neighbourhood. The Globe and Mail published an article about the creative new fundraising techniques being used by community groups and high schools who are looking for more non-traditional means of raising money. From pulled pork cook offs to silent auctions featuring service based donations, out-of-the box methods are bringing fun and new solutions to groups looking to differentiate their annual campaigns. If you are looking for tips on hosting a dinner fundraising event or benefit check out the article below and also be sure to check out the comments listed at the end of the article to see fundraising from a different perspective.
School Fundraising: Almonds are out Pulled pork is in
Below is a great set of tips for organizing a fundraising dinner or banquet. Remember your single goal should not be just to raise money, but to raise awareness for your cause as well.
Set a Budget: Decide how much money to allocate on each aspect of your event. You have ot consider food costs, catering staff expenses, rental space, DJ, guest speaker. To cut down on expenses try to get as much as possible donated. Now look at where revenues will come from: ticket sales, donations, corporate sponsors, raffle tickets, silent auction.
Chooses a Location and Format: Will it be an outside informal barbecue? or a formal sit down dinner. Church halls, community centres, museums are great places to start your search.
Think of a Theme For your Banquet: Having a theme for your banquet will add some charisma to your promotional materials
Promote Your Event: Send personalized invitations to your prospective guest list. Use eye-catching posters and flyers to publicize your event.Grocery stores, churches and community centres are great places to post community events. Send a press release to local community newspapers. Follow up and invite the press to your event as well. Community websites may also have a location for posting events.
Invite a Guest Speaker: Consider inviting a local celebrity to speak at your banquet. Look for someone who is in complimentary market as your group.
Prepare a Floor Plan: Set up locations of the ticket table, table settings, and the logistics, timing, and necessary audio-visual equipment for your speaker if you will have one.
Organize Volunteers: Arrange shifts for your volunteers to sell tickets, distribute food, man the silent suction table, sell raffle or 50/50 tickets.
Design and Decoration: Have a slide show, or a video playing in the background while the meal is being eaten. Don't forget to add a little flare to your event with fancy decorations, menus, and tickets
Acknowledge Sponsors: Make sure to acknowledge any sponsors / donors that contributed to the event.
Info Sheets: Have sign-up sheets available at the exit for attendees interested in your group. Also, bring PHR literature and materials for display and to distribute.
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