The Way Forward

Once you have chosen your event there are many areas that you must cover to make it a success.

The keyword is PLANNING - allow plenty of time to look at the various aspects of the challenge that lies before you.

Discuss with friends how easily the event can be organised.

• Do we have the people to make all parts of the project run smoothly?

• Will the event cost us anything to get off the ground?

• The date of the event?

• What tools and resources do we need?

• How do we market/publicise the event?

• What could go wrong?

• Can we get a celebrity?

Publicity

Your must publicise well for the event to be a success.

You may use;
Flyers/Posters
Announcements
Adverts on the radio/in newspapers or magazines/electronic media

In the Community:

• Mosques

• Cash & carries

• Libraries

• Community centres

• Sport centres

At work:

• Work notice boards

• Company magazine

• Announced at briefings

• Word of mouth
  
  

The Media

If you are able to get the support of your local Radio and TV station your event's profile is taken onto another level.  You will find it invaluable when approaching people in the local business community.  If they think that they might be able to get some good (and cheap) local PR, they are more likely to help.

The person to get in touch with in the local paper is the news editor.  If you know a reporter use your personal contact as this always works better than a cold contact. Find out the paper's deadlines for copy and photographs.  They must always know:

What the event is
Who is involved?
Why the event is taking place?
When, where and what time?
Contact name for further information

When you are planning your event, always try and think like a newspaper reporter. Think what is newsworthy. Try to create a publicity stunt / have a local dignitary / local celebrity / and always have a photo opportunity.

Handy hints when seeking sponsors

• Set your sponsorship target - aim high!

• Seek help from your network of family, friends & work colleagues - you will collect more than you thought possible, but you need to work at it.

• Start your sponsorship early - well in advance of the event.

• When you approach people for sponsorship, ask them if they would mind giving you the money NOW - offer a receipt (which your local fundraising representative will send out on your behalf.)  It is easier to give money back should you have to pull out of the event, as opposed to trying to collect after the event - people lose interest quickly, and often find excuses for not giving you the money.

• Always maintain a record of your sponsors and ensure that your list reflects those who have paid and those who have still to give you their contribution.

• If you belong to a club or association, get them involved either as a sponsor, by organising a fundraising event, or by 'matching' the funds you raise.

• Ask local companies or firms to sponsor you in return for wearing their logo on your T-shirt.

We hope this information will have given you an insight into fundraising and will make you want to raise money to assist us in our work.