Fundraising Frenzy: Tips for Planning and Executing Your Summer Events
Now is a great time to start planning your fundraising activities for the remainder of the year. It is especially important because we all know that activity heats up as we get closer to the International Conference in July! Sure, it can seem overwhelming to start the planning process, but I guarantee that the sooner you start the better results you will have.
First things first, set a date and get the word out now! Giving your groups months notice to work towards an event together sets you up for success! Once you have the date, think about location. What type of event do you want to hold? Where can you hold that specific type of event? Not sure what type of event to host? Why not take advantage of the season and host some summer friendly/early fall events. You might consider one of these:
Pins for Poverty
Host a bowling event at a local establishment to beat the summer heat! You could charge admission for the event and many bowling alleys have packages which will include food and drinks with the games played. You could host a small silent auction at the event and make it a fun and casual night out for everyone in attendance.
Backyard BBQ
Why not fire up the grill and host a summer party to showcase your group partners as speakers to share their stories from the International Conference!
Cupcakes and Cocktails
Why not pair two likely partners to share in one place! See if a local bakery will donate sweets for your event and gather your group to raise funds while enjoying sweet and sassy all in one.
Wine Tasting
Why not reach out to a local liquor store or wine store to see if they will partner with you to host a wine tasting. You could ask that a percentage of all sales from bottles sold that night, come back as a donation to your event.
Party in the Park
Want to involve the community? Why not host a family friendly event at a local park and draw in a whole new generation of advocates! You could set up an Olympic type game day to allow participants to play fun family friendly games as a team or individual. You could host face painting, balloon animals, etc. Attendees could pay to enter races or you could charge a flat fee to participate for the day.
Local Love
Find a local establishment that is known to your area (restaurant, bakery, brewery, etc) and ask them to partner for an event.
There are a lot of different options to consider when planning your event. When you choose you should keep in mind who you want your audience to be, how much you want to raise and how long it will take you to plan and execute the event. As I mentioned already, the more time you give yourself, the better result you will likely have.
Use your creativity, think outside the box — you might just come up with the next ten-thousand-dollar idea — but you will never know if you never try. And we are here to help you every step of the way! Don’t hesitate to reach out to either of us should you need ideas, guidance or to walk through the details! We are always here to help:
Cynthia Changyit Levin
Grassroots Development Associate
RESULTS Educational Fund
(773) 236-7758
Jen DeFranco
Fundraising Events Associate
RESULTS Educational Fund
(773) 688-8707