William Penn Life, 2007 (42. évfolyam, 1-12. szám)
2007-09-01 / 9. szám
Charitable Ideas Fundraising basics Successful fundraising events are never easy to organize, but following these proven methods can earn more dollars for your charity How many times have you or your branch participated in a fundraising event and, when it was all over, were disappointed by the results? You knew the event could have been more successful, but you weren't sure what could—or shouldhave been done to make it more successful. Most of us are not professional event planners or fundraisers, but, by utilizing some of the following advice from the Association for International Cancer Research, we can plan fundraising events like a professional-events that will raise more money for your favorite charity. Getting Started Once you have chosen your event there are many areas that you must cover to make it a success. The keyword is PLANNING-allow plenty of time to look at the various aspects of the challenge that lies before you:- Discuss with friends, colleagues, and management how easily the event can be organized.- Do we have the people to make all parts of the project rim smoothly?- Will the event cost us anything to get off the ground?- Arrange a date.- What resources do we need?- How do we publicize the event?- What can go wrong?- Can we get a local celebrity? Publicizing the event Your event must be well publicized if it is to be a success. You can begin at your place of work. You can place information on the bulletin board and in the company newsletter. You can make a brief announcement about your event at meetings. And, there's always the water cooler: nothing gets the word around faster than word of mouth. Meanwhile, back at home, you can get the word out by sending leaflets to family members and to local merchants and businesses. Make sure you place notices in public places, including the library, churches and government office buildings. The media If you are able to get the support of your local radio and TV stations, your event's profile is taken onto another level. You will find it invaluable when approaching people in the local business community. If they think that they might be able to get some good (and cheap) local PR, they are more likely to help. The person to get in touch with in the local paper is the news editor. If you know a reporter, use the personal contact as this always works better than the cold contact. Find out the paper's deadlines for copy and photographs. When preparing your information for the media, always include:- What the event is- Who is involved- Why the event is taking place- When, where and what time Charity Links For more information and ideas on how to plan a successful fundraising event, contact the charity you are trying to help. They will be happy to assist you. Or, you can log onto the ideas page of the Association for International Cancer Research’s website at: S http://www.aicr.org.uk ldeas.stm- A contact name for further information When you are planning your event, always try and think like a newspaper reporter. Think what is newsworthy. Try to create a publicity stunt, have a local dignitary or celebrity and always have a photo opportunity. Seeking Sponsors Getting other individuals and local businesses to help cover the cost of staging your fundraising event will not only make this easier for you as you plan the event, but will also allow more of the money you raise to go to your selected charity. Set your sponsorship target and aim high! First, seek help from your friends, family, neighbors and co-workers. You will collect more than you thought possible, but you need to work at it. Start seeking sponsors early, well in advance of the event. When you approach people for sponsorship, ask them if they would mind giving you the money now and offer a receipt. It is easier to give money back should you have to cancel the event, as opposed to trying to collect after the event. People lose interest quickly, and often find excuses for not giving you the money afterwards. Always maintain a record of your sponsors and ensure that your list reflects those who have paid and those who have still to give you their contribution. If you belong to a dub or association, get them involved either as a sponsor, by organizing a fundraising event, or by 'matching' the funds you raise. Ask local companies or firms to sponsor you in return for wearing their logo on your T-shirt. 8 William Penn Life, September 2007
