How to Chair a Fundraiser

Fundraising can be an extremely productive and worthwhile activity if done properly. Fundraisers is an excellent form of revenue and press for specific causes, events and organizations or individuals in need of funds. Chairing a fundraising event can be difficult and stressful if one is not equipped with the proper knowledge to pull it off gracefully. Follow these steps to chair a fundraiser and make your next fundraising event a success.

Instructions

1. Acquire some valuable experience in fundraising. Get involved in community fundraisers, volunteer to help in any way possible to see how the process works and get a feel if this is something you think you can do.

2. Nominate yourself to chair a fundraising event or start a fundraiser for a cause, event, or organization that you feel is in need of funds. Make a list of things that you feel personally strong about as a stepping stone if you are not already involved with a fundraiser.

3. Ask a previous chairperson to give you any information on the organization or fundraiser, and statistics on how the fundraiser went in the past (if it has been done before). Gather necessary supplies to take information for the fundraiser. Binders, dividers and other tools to help you stay organized.

4. Write or rewrite the mission statement of the fundraiser to help you and your volunteers stay on track. Recruit friends and family to help you with your endeavor; visit schools, churches and other organization to rack up valuable funds.

5. Write a statement that will be read to individuals for giving money to the fundraiser, and decide what kind of fundraiser you will have; walk-a-thons, car washes, dinner, selling goods, etc. Secure a location for your event or somewhere to make the goods for your fundraiser.

6. Appoint someone to be your co-chair that will be available for questions and can help you keep track of funds. Make your fundraiser fun by keeping both your volunteers and the participants happy and excited to be participating in your fundraiser; drill that your cause is worthy and the benefits of success for the cause involved.

Tips & Warnings

• Get children involved in raising money for your fundraiser as this is usually a good way to garner support from a community.

• If there is an event like jog-a-thon, spaghetti dinner, carnival, then make sure you secure all necessary locations, permits, and supplies needed to make the event successful.

• Draw an official letter of your fundraising efforts to distribute to individuals who will use your fundraiser as a tax write-off.

• Beware of the profit turn around for gimmick fundraising efforts such as magazine selling. These fundraising activities typically leave you with much fewer funds as than creating your own activity.