How to Throw a Fundraiser Dinner

A fund-raising dinner is an excellent way to raise money for a good cause

Raising money for a good cause can be a very satisfying experience. There's no better way to do it than by staging a fund-raising dinner for a worthy organization. Such events are especially popular with donors because they combine an enjoyable social experience with a charitable deed.

Things You'll Need

• 501(c)(3) status
• Venue

Instructions

1. Pay careful attention to IRS guidelines. To qualify as a legitimate charitable event, your organization must hold 501(c)(3) status as a tax-exempt entity that can accept tax-deductible contributions. Tax deductibility will also help maximize contributions from attendees.

2. Find a venue. A fund-raising dinner can be held in a hotel banquet room, a meeting or event facility, or a private home. Secure all terms, including the date and time, in a written agreement. To maximize the funds raised at the event, strive for a free venue. Even some hotels or other private facilities will contribute space for a good cause if you agree to pay for food and beverage costs.

3. Identify the things that can help maximize attendance and contributions. For example, recruit a local "celebrity" such as a sports star or titan of industry to be your "headliner." In turn, ask that person to tap personal resources to build excitement and attendance. If you're planning a high-profile event for a well-known, worthy charity, you might even get a Hollywood celebrity if you target one interested in your specific cause.

4. Maximize total revenue taken in by adding elements other than the price of the dinner. For example, get a local car dealer to donate a new vehicle, then auction it off at the event. Or do the same with a trip contributed by a local travel agent. Raffle off less expensive items that can also be donated, such as a watch or luggage. You can also target and solicit specific types of financial contributions for future needs, such as funding a community workshop or summer camp for children.

5. Go public. Contact your local and regional media to publicize the event. Contact local public relations firms and ask them to contribute their services. They can usually take a tax deduction for the market value of the services contributed.

Tips & Warnings

• Schedule the event when there are no competing events at the same time. Charitable donors represent a finite universe of individuals and they can't be in two places at the same time.

Resources

• IRS: Charitable Contributions -- Substantiation and Disclosure Requirements