Tips For Creating A Trend-setting Fundraiser
Updated: Mar 8
Fundraisers are a great way to raise money for your school or group, but it can be challenging to come up with ideas that will set your fundraiser apart from the rest. Bake sales, car washes, and silent auctions are all tried-and-true methods, but they don't exactly get people excited.
If you want to create a fundraiser that will not only raise money but also get your community engaged and excited, you need to think outside the box. That's why here are some tips on how to create a trend-setting fundraiser.
Think outside the box: The key to a successful fundraiser is to think outside the box. This can make or break a fundraiser. If you want to stand out from the crowd, choose a unique theme that will get people talking. For example, you could host a "Glow in the Dark" dance party, a "Zombie Fun Run," or a "Bingo Night." Instead of doing the same events, try something unique and unexpected. This makes people want to participate in the event.
Make a goal and stick to it: It's important to set realistic goals for your fundraiser. Set a goal in advance and try to reach it with authentic measures. Don't try to raise too much money in a short amount of time. Instead, set smaller goals that are achievable. This will help keep people motivated and engaged throughout the fundraising process.
Set up a timeline and budget: Determine the timeline for your fundraiser, including the start and end dates, as well as any key milestones along the way. This is a very important step as it allows you to stay on track as well as measure your progress along the way. Set a budget for your fundraiser, including expenses such as marketing materials, venue rental, and prizes/incentives. Knowing your expenses in advance will help you create a better budget for the fundraiser.
Personalize for your audience: Consider the interests and preferences of your target audience when planning your fundraiser. For example, if your audience is primarily parents, you may want to focus on family-friendly activities. Your themes and ideas should revolve around the audience and the cause of the fundraiser. Consider offering different levels of participation or donation, such as VIP tickets or exclusive merchandise, to appeal to different segments of your audience.
Involve the community: Getting the community involved is essential to the success of your fundraiser. You could also ask parents to volunteer their time or skills. For example, if you have a parent who is a chef, they could donate their time to teach a cooking class. This way the engagement is real and more people would be interested in joining you.
Build a volunteer team: Recruit volunteers to help with the planning, setup, and execution of your fundraiser. Assign specific roles and responsibilities to each volunteer to ensure a smooth and successful event. You can use platforms like Schoolze to request volunteers to sign up and join. This creates direct engagement among the group.
Use social media: Social media is a powerful tool for promoting your fundraiser and getting people excited. You could also create a hashtag for your fundraiser and encourage people to use it when posting on social media. Make sure to share photos throughout the event to keep people engaged and updated. This will show people what they missed by not participating and will want them waiting for your next fundraiser.
Invest in a good fundraising platform: A good fundraising platform should offer a range of features to help you manage your fundraiser from start to finish. This will save you hours of collecting donations by hand, managing spreadsheets, and chasing down checks. Look for a fundraising platform (like Schoolze) that meets your specific needs, whether that's collecting online donations, managing event registration, or selling merchandise. This simplifies the process for you and your audience.
Be thankful and accept feedback: At the end, don't forget to say thank you to everyone who participated in your fundraiser. Take out time to send a thank you email or letter, or create a video thanking everyone for their support. Be open to accepting feedback from everyone, this will help you host a better fundraiser. This will help build goodwill and encourage people to participate in future fundraisers.
These tips will help you create a trend-setting fundraiser that will not only raise money but also bring your community together. Remember, fundraisers should be fun and engaging, so don't be afraid to get creative and try something new. Good luck!