How to choose the right fundraiser

Making $100,000 at your next fundraising event may sound like a dream come true. The logistics to make that happen, however, could be your worst nightmare. In most cases, planning and effort seem to be in direct proportion to the amount raised by most fundraisers. So, in choosing the fundraiser that’s right for your group, you should do some preplanning in your selection process.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Take a realistic look at the resources immediately available to you. Regarding human resources, you want to consider not just numbers, but also if you have people with the commitment and talent to help.

2. Examine your up-front capital. Can you spend money to make money? Some experts point out that those events requiring up-front capital can be enormously profitable and less work in many cases. You also, however, assume a higher risk factor.

3. Review your organization’s history with fundraising. What events have succeeded or failed in the past? Learn from you mistakes and successes.

4. Consider the fundraiser’s appeal to the community and your immediate audience. What is the nature of the market you want to attract? Plan your event to match those interests.

5. Study whether the admission or sales price is suitable for your audience.

6. Check out the competition. Is there a similar event hosted by another group? Is there another event on the community calendar that might conflict with yours?