Organizing a Corporate Fundraiser

Basically people like to help other people, especially when they see a clear need. People are willing to help, but they want to be sure that their hard-earned money is going to a good cause. There are so many different reasons for raising money and there are as many different kinds of fundraisers as there are reasons. Whatever the reason is for your fundraiser, you need to be organized and being organized requires a plan.

When working on a corporate fundraiser there may be corporate guidelines that need to be followed. You'll want to get all the facts before you start, so check with your company's legal, marketing, and human resources departments to find out what guidelines there may be.

Here are a few ideas to help plan your next corporate fundraiser.

• Determine the Cause. Before you can do anything you need to determine what cause you are organizing the fundraiser for, whether it is for breast cancer, illiteracy, or global warming. (The list of possible causes goes on and on). Then narrow the cause down to a specific part. Is it for a special program at the local children's hospital or a local elementary school? This will help to determine the amount of money that would make the event a success.
• Determine the date. Figure on about six months of planning time, as a minimum, for your event. Usually, eight to nine months is a good timeframe to adequately prepare for a fundraiser. This time frame is from the moment of conception to the finalization of the event. While determining the date you will want to be aware of anything that may be a conflicting event such as a local or national event, or a holiday that could also interfere with your plans. You will also want to schedule the event according to the time of year or even a significant date; for instance, if your fundraiser was dealing with global warming, think of setting the date around Earth Day.
• Define a goal. Determine what the purpose of the fundraiser is and what the goals or desired outcome of the fundraiser will be. Basically, how much money do you need to raise to feel like the fundraiser was a success? Think of who will be the recipient of the money raised.
• Decide on a theme. Have several different ideas in mind on what the theme would be. You want something that will attract your target market. The theme will help you to decide on what type of fundraiser you want to do. Do you want it to be a high-profile one or something a little easier like holding a bake sale?
• Connections. Make connections with the local or national organization. Usually, the national organizations have some fund-raising ideas that have proven successful over time. Another plus to making connections with the local and national organization is that it brings more awareness to your cause.
• Volunteers. You will need help and a committee goes along way when working on a fundraiser. Get the word out that you are working on a fundraiser and that you need volunteers. Then assign different tasks to different people within your committee. If you get enough volunteers then create subcommittees. Meet with the different committees throughout the planning to monitor how the fundraiser is progressing.
• Location. Choose a location that will be ideal for your event. Just remember to choose one that will be perfect for your particular fundraiser. After identifying the location; check with your local law enforcement agencies to see if there are any procedures that needs to be followed. (This is particularly important if the location is outdoors or in a public space.)
• Advertise. Whether it be invitations or posters, let the public know about the fundraiser. The more involved the fundraiser is the more time you will need to let the public know about the event. Let the local news know about the fundraiser; they can be great for publicity.

Just follow the guidelines and you are sure to find the day of the fundraiser a success.