How to Do a Quick Fundraiser

A neighborhood barbeque is an easy way to hold a quick fundraiser.

Fundraisers are a great way to raise money for an issue or cause, but they can often be time consuming and expensive to put together. Traditional fundraisers can range from formal dinners and auctions to charity carnivals and concerts. You can organize a quick fundraiser if you plan a small-scale event and are willing to think outside the box. Being organized, motivated and good with people facilities the process.

Instructions

1. Choose an easily-executed event. Although large events such as formal dinners or carnivals are common fundraisers, they are not quick to arrange. Putting together something simple, such as a raffle, a barbecue or cocktail party will require far less time and planning. You could also consider auctioning off small scale items, such as children's artwork or services from people in your community who are willing to help.

2. Put together a committee of volunteers to help you run your fundraiser. Volunteers will be able to help you organize and handle small details during preparation to ensure the event goes smoothly. Recruit people in your neighborhood or network who share a passion or interest in your cause. Provide facts and statistics about your cause when recruiting volunteers and helpers.

3. Create and stick to your budget. It is easy to get off track and overspend when planning a fundraiser, especially a quick one. To avoid overspending, write out a clearly itemized budget, allotting more money to the most important areas.

4. Handle logistics and delegate small details. Do not get so swept up in the grand scheme of things that you forget details such as tables and chairs, tickets, drinks, glasses, caterers, decorations, etc. Make several to-do lists according to area; for example, create one list for drinks, one for food and one for decorations. Then delegate tasks to your volunteers.

5. Reserve a venue for your fundraiser. The venue you choose will set the tone and the theme for your fundraiser, as well as determine a large portion of the budget. Try reserving outdoor space such as a park or garden as a quick solution if you have a short time limit; indoor venues tend to get booked far in advance for fundraising events.

6. Create promotional materials and media. If you want people to attend your fundraiser, they have to know about it. Print flyers and brochures regarding your event and cause. Using email invites combined with social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook to invite your friends, family and coworkers will be much less time consuming and costly than printing out paper invitations.

References

• ManagementHelp.org: Basics in Developing Your Fundraising Plan
• Amnesty International USA: Planning a Fundraising Event