Tips for a Successful College Fundraising Event

Organizing a fundraising event is fun. Knowing that you are doing a gesture that has a great purpose is worth the effort. However, we also understand that it can be exhausting. Plus, you might worry that your fundraising event would be a flop. Quite frankly, that could happen if you don’t prepare well. In this brief post, we’ll share with you some of the best techniques on how to ensure that your group will have a successful fundraising event.   

Be Clear with Your Goals and Purpose  

First of all, you should be able to determine your core goal and purpose for putting up the event. What is it for? And why are you doing it? Without knowing your objective, it will be more challenging for you to create promotional strategies and materials.   

You see, we’ve seen a lot of groups trying to come up with grand ideas but ended up not raising enough funds. Why? Because they did not set a clear objective and they focused on how they can aesthetically beautify the event. Don’t let that happen to yours.   

In addition, it would be helpful if you already have a target amount that you wish to raise during the event. From here, you can get creative on the activities for the supporters. You don’t have to limit it to donation. In fact, you can get funds from ticket sales, auctions, and even crowdfunding. There are many channels that you can tap into.   

Work on Your Event’s Budget   

You must also consider the amount you’d spend for the event. Include everything even the tiniest details. Think about the cost of the venue, the entertainment, the food, and even the printing of tickets. List down everything.   

If there are items or things which you can cut down the cost, then that’s better. As always, you’d want to minimize the total expenses.   

Create a Unique Theme   

Some of the fundraising events we attended before lack theme. People love to experience new things, or to stay away from reality once in a while. Use that to your advantage. If you want to throw a Disco-themed or a Zoo-themed party, then go ahead.   

Select Your Target Audience   

Don’t expect that people will come rushing in during your fundraising event. Prior to that, you need to promote it to the right set of audience. Go back to your event’s central theme. Which demographics will appreciate it?  

Do your research and anchor your promotions from there.   

Look for an Interesting Venue   

As much as possible, stay away from spaces commonly used in other events. How about turning an old parking lot into a drive-in movie theater? Perhaps, an abandoned warehouse will do you good. Be creative and look for unorthodox places where people will be more interested to go to.  

Highly Promote Your Event   

The success of your fundraising event largely depends on your marketing efforts. Thus, you have to be aggressive. Use all the possible channels such as social media posts, traditional print, email marketing, or even working with social media influencers. Do not stop until you get traction.   

However, make sure that you target the right audience. You can’t just ‘strike anywhere’.   

Open Different Channels to Accept Donations   

Luckily, there are a lot of ways you can accept donations. But one of the most effective ways is to have an online platform. That way, even those who can’t physically go to your event can still support your cause thru donation.   

Have Regular Meetings with Your Team   

It is a must that you know the progress of your fundraising event. Always check which ones are completed and which ones are to be accomplished yet. Create a To-Do checklist. Have you reserved the venue already? Have you contacted the band or entertainment? How many people have already registered?    

We recommend doing a weekly checkup to review everything. That way, you won’t forget anything important on the event day itself.   

Think About Security   

As much as you want all your guests to enjoy, you should also think about their safety. You must also have a first aid kit, or an ambulance for certain events. Of course, we do not want anything terrifying to happen. But it’s always good to be prepared.   

Just Enjoy!   

And lastly, whatever happens, just enjoy the event. Don’t always aim for perfection. But rather, know how to adjust if there will be issues during the day.