If you’re heading up a small community nonprofit or are a volunteer, the chances are that you want to throw fundraising events. Why not? They’re a great way to bring the community together. However, we should also realize that small organizations have a limited margin. Moreover, small nonprofits want to avoid appearing to be spending donor funds to throw a big party. So, how can any frugal community group still put together a great event and raise essential funds for their organization? Well, step up, and let’s take a look.
Get to Know Your Crowd
Before considering the budget, you have to know who you’re inviting. It’s not just about throwing a good party—it’s also about inviting people to the right event. One way you can do it is to talk to your closest donors and ask them the types of events they would like. For community fundraising events, some fun events are fairs, music concerts and shows, and film screenings. Further, you can also explore the power of collaborations by considering events with schools, other nonprofits, or companies.
Budget Like a Boss
Once you decide on your community event, it’s time to start planning. You can dream up fun and exciting things, but small organizations have to consider costs. And why not? As we know, small community groups are all about the mission, so they’re always looking at creative fundraising ideas. So, whatever your fundraising event for the community, how do you save dollars? Well, we’re happy to share several ways to save money.
- Venue: To reduce venue costs, consider different event options. For one, you could hold a fair in public streets with permission and a sunny day, significantly cutting costs. You can also partner with an organization with lots of space, like a university or school. Or, you can ask for corporate sponsorship.
- Décor: If you’re doing something in public streets or a community fair area, you can cut event décor costs by asking kids at a school to make pictures to post around the area. You can also get inexpensive decorations in stores such as Walmart or Ikea. If you’re doing a fair, the chances are that the event company you’re hiring will have decorations.
- Entertainment: There are a variety of ways to keep entertainment costs low. For instance, your organization can hire a band or DJ. You can also ask for bands to perform for free and for exposure. Still, another approach is to have a battle of the bands where any amateur band or singers can compete for fun prizes and awards.
- Sips and snacks: What’s one great way to keep costs down for snacks and beverages? It’s easy! Make it a potluck. Invite your community to bring different (and maybe international) foods to sell. People can set up tables around the event area. You can also invite restaurants, cafes, and pizza shops to sell their treats in kiosks.
Rally the Community
Let’s remember that we’re talking about fundraising events. So, one of the most important things is to have as many people attend as possible. By doing so, you will raise money by selling tickets or taking a percentage on all games, food, or other items sold. (By the way, when you ask people to attend, you can also get paid to give shoes a second life. There’s no cost to you or your community, and it’s a great addition to your sustainable fundraising!).
So, how can you rally your community to any of your fundraising events?
- Hit them up on social. Once you decide on your event, develop social media teasers and keep the energy high with event updates!
- Send emails to your community. Use a series of emails to get the word out, and don’t forget to ask people to invite their friends and family.
- Local media love. Get in touch with local press. Ask your local community news to feature and highlight your event.
- Love those partners. Finally, recruiting community partners is a great way to get people involved. Partnerships are a great way to get more people to attend! Period.
Reflect and Celebrate Your Community
Once the party’s over, it’s time to reflect and celebrate one of your great fundraising events. Also, make it a point to share your success with the community. Email everyone who attended and share your thanks. Remember also to thank partners and give shout-outs to notable supporters. This is also a chance to share how much you raised and what’s happening with those funds. In other words, share the impact of your programs thanks to the money raised. And if you had an absolute blast, consider doing the event again next year!
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