A fundraiser is a popular way to raise funds. While you can get good money from a fundraising event, it can also be expensive and time-consuming. The success of fundraising events depends on careful planning. Here’s a simple way on how to plan a fundraising checklist that will help your fundraising event go smoothly, attract the right audience and raise donations.

Planning a Fundraising Checklist

Determine Your Audience

Start by deciding who you want to invite to your event. Is your fundraiser geared towards a specific group like parents, business people, or young professionals? Or is it a general fundraiser where everyone will be invited? Ask yourself these questions before you start the planning process. At the end of the day, your target audience will determine the type of event you have, which unique ideas to move forward with, and its primary focus.

Choose an Event Type

There’s an endless list of potential events you can have for your fundraiser. The idea is to choose an event that resonates with your cause and what you aim to achieve. When selecting an event type, bear in mind:

•    Your brand identity
•    Time constraint
•    The overall goal
•    Your target audience
•    The budget
•    Available staff and volunteers

Choosing the right kind of event will help your audience better understand your mission and be more likely to participate and donate.

Set Goals

You should have goals for the amount of money you plan to raise and what the funds will be used for. Will you use it to fund a children’s home? To build a new facility? You will likely have several goals, so consider splitting them into the main goal and minor objectives. The idea is to make your goals specific and measurable. Outlining your goals beforehand makes the purpose of your fundraiser clearer to your target audience.

Establish A Budget

Like any event, every fundraising should have a complete budget listing all the expenses required to hold the event. Your budget should contain all the items you’ll need to make the event a success. The budget should also factor your fundraising goal, ensuring the money you raise can cover the costs and still meet the target. Be sure to create a provision for unexpected expenses.

Give Yourself Enough Time

Be sure to allocate sufficient time beforehand to plan. The larger the fundraiser, the more time you’ll need to prepare. Depending on the event size, try to start planning at least a month or so in advance. You want the organizing team to have enough time to plan and prepare materials while also giving attendees enough notice to create room for the event on their calendars. Once everything is set in motion, promote the event across various types of media.

Bottom Line

The secret to a successful fundraising event is to develop a written plan that has as much detail as you need. So, don’t know how to plan a fundraising checklist? Don’t worry; you can always revise the plan as you go along because sometimes things may not work out a planned and you have to adapt. Work your way through the plan, and you should be on your way to a successful fundraiser.