By Marie-Claude Lachance, events manager, Fondation Charles-Bruneau

 

  1. Come up with a good idea

It should reflect who you are. The more fun you have with the idea, the easier it will be to defend. Classic fundraisers include sales, raffles, events and anything that ends with “a-thon.” Be creative!

Before getting started: have you thought of piggybacking on an existing event?

Does your company hold a golf tournament? Set up a kiosk at it and organize a raffle. Do you already attend a weekly happy hour gathering? Suggest a $5 cover charge for the cause.

  1. Expand your network

Don’t underestimate the size of your circle of acquaintances! Dare to ask your hairstylist, your dentist or the friendly clerk at the convenience store. They might not only agree to help out, but could also contribute by promoting your cause. Give them a piggy bank to collect donations or ask them to sell tickets to your event.

  1. Use your time wisely

It’s important to be realistic about the time you and your team can spend on organizing fundraising activities. Aim for making the most profit in the shortest amount of time. Planning a spaghetti dinner and holding a “wear jeans to work” day does not involve the same amount of effort.

  1. Presell tickets!

This clever practice reduces the risk of no-shows – and your activity going bust when people fail to attend. Print up tickets for your activities and sell them in advance.

Tip! Incentivize your targets by pricing the tickets higher at the door!

  1. Establish a budget

Setting a budget is key to the success of your activity. Don’t forget that the goal is to raise the most money at the lowest cost. Be sure your budget is realistic. An overly optimistic budget will only lead to disappointment later.

Tip! Lower your costs

Many goods and services can be obtained for free; you just need to be brave enough to ask. You can argue that you’re giving the product or service great visibility in exchange.

Don’t hesitate to make a direct appeal to your local grocery store or food company for food donations.

Remember, too, that people might be willing to loan you hall space for free, especially if it’s for a good cause!

  1. Thank you donors

This is crucial! Everyone who has helped will remember it the next time you approach them. Send them a photo after your activity with a mention of how much money you were able to raise.

A few ideas

 

o Organize a wiener roast. Ask your local grocer to supply the buns and hot dogs, and invite your neighbours. Better yet, hold the event in the parking lot of a local business!

 

 o Organize a “spare change day” at work. Ask employees to donate whatever coins they’re carrying in their pockets. Set up marked boxes at strategic points in the office.
o If a business is supporting you, ask them to donate a portion of profits from the sales of a product or service for a given period of time.

 

 o Incorporate your donation drive into an existing activity (company golf tournament, happy hour get-togethers, company dinners, etc.).
o Organize contests between employees/departments: sport tournaments, cooking contests, professional productivity competitions, etc.) o Organize a 50-50 raffle: with the purchase of a ticket, each buyer has a chance to win half the proceeds. The other half goes into your donation pot.

 
o Ask your co-workers or friends to give you a challenge in exchange for a donation. You’d be surprised at how much money you can raise with this little game! Plenty of folks will set a challenge in the hopes of making you look silly, but it will be worth it!

 

 o Bake cookies, muffins or any other kind of pastry and sell them for a fixed price or for a donation. Explain where the money is going and show the progression of your fundraiser each day.

 
o Organize a denim day at work: employees can wear jeans in exchange for a donation ($5, $10).

 

To sum up: if you have fun and describe the cause you’re supporting and the sporting challenge you’re about to undertake, rallying your social circle should be a cinch!

Happy fundraising, and see you at the 24h!