DON'T BE AFRAID TO START!

Fundraising is about building relationships as well as raising money. With a good fundraising program your organization will also enjoy:

• Increased visibility
• A stronger sense of organizational identity
• Better relations among your group and with the community you serve.

A BASIC FUNDRAISING GUIDE:

1. Jump In:

• Start with a clear idea of why you are fundraising and for whom, set a clear financial goal and pick a date for the event(s).
• Select a team and create sub-committees to help coordinate efforts. Approach people who will have time to devote to project.
• Organize weekly/monthly meetings. Have an agenda!
• Advise administration and school/board councils. Go through appropriate channels.

2. Get Excited With Ideas & Plan, Plan, Plan!

• Brain storm ideas and pick out the ones that are most appropriate in the time frame that you have. Get an idea about what has worked for other fundraisers.
• Plan key responsibilities. Establish priorities.
• Make an organizational chart for tasks and when they will need to be fulfilled. Review timetable conflicts.
• Keep communication lines open ie: who reports to whom?
• Create a fundraising letter. This will be important!
• Consider budget, security, first aid, permits, contracts, weather...
• Recruit staff and students.

3. Develop Event

• Raffles, donations, dances, entertainment, sporting events, bake sales...

4. Market Event

• Create a promotional team.
• Advertise, media involvement, ticket sales, web sites...

5. Run Event

• Consider set up, inspections, be ready to make decisions!

6. Measure Event

• Collect receipts, keep records, clean up

6. Assess Event

• Take inventory, evaluation report, committee close-out meeting

Celebrate Success!!