How to Build A Successful Fundraiser

Fundraising is a needed activity for most non profit organizations and groups. If fundraiser are handled incorrectly they can end up costing money instead of bringing in the much needed income. Learn how to build a successful fundraiser.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Set A Fund Raising Goal:
   Goals should be realistic but not to easily obtained. Set goals for the whole group doing the fund raising and the individual if applicable.

2. Share The Fund Raising Plan And Get People excited:
   Have a meeting with all the individuals and/or groups that are helping with the fund raiser right before the fund raiser starts. Go over the plan for the fund raiser. Reintegrate what the fund raiser is for and how great it will be to reach the goals.

3. Treat The Fund Raiser Like A Business Not A Game.:
   Give training as needed. Some fund raisers will need more training then others. Some events will only need a few instructions while other may need to take a whole day to train. If volunteers are going to be selling a product or making calls do not just throw them out the door, give them the skills needed to succeed.

4. Make It Fun:
   When working with a large group of people or even a small classroom of kids making it fun for them will be able to increase sells ten fold. Some organizations will let their volunteers get competitive by giving out prices, some will give small gift to those who reach a specific goal, and some may just create a fun atmosphere while the fund raiser program is going on.

5. Keep Focused And Refuel excitement As Needed:
    In order to keep the fund raiser a great success keeping those working on the project motivated though out the process is necessary. If sales are starting to drop off, it may be worth the while to have a get to gather to ramp up excitement once again.

6. Lead By Example:
   Leaders should not set idly by while others do all the work, leaders should make sure that they go above and beyond the individual goal. Members of the group will go by what the leader does more then what they just say.

7. Give Reminders:
   Technology is great for this. Volunteers should be sent a text or email throughout the fund raising event to remind them about deadlines and when things need to be wrapped up.

8. End Of Fund Raising Event.
   If possible have a little get together of all those who put in time at the fund raiser and give the announcement on the outcome of the event. Thank all those who helped. Remember if people feel appreciated, they are more likely to help the next time you ask as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Always keep a positive attitude when fundraising.