When done correctly, fundraisers will raise money so your nonprofit organization can increase awareness to your cause and help make the situation better in any way you can.
The challenge now is to get more people to donate to your fundraisers. Since money is a limited resource for these organizations, they rely on donations and sponsorships. Both come from fundraising activities in line with the organization’s mission and objectives.
If your organization is having trouble in generating donations for your fundraisers, here are tips that you should follow to get the most out of your events.
Give value to attendees
For those who went to your fundraising event, the next step is to get them to commit to your cause. In order to get something from them, you need to give something back to them.
Once people donate, load up the perks that they will receive from you. Aside from having their names mentioned or printed on your marketing materials, you can offer something more unique and fun as long as it’s in line with your objectives and something that your target audience will appreciate. An example of this is the Help Jay Crush Cancer campaign. For every $50 donation online, Jay’s brother will send each donor a picture of him wearing jorts.
Another interesting tactic to apply during your fundraiser is to add mini-goals. If you have a target amount to reach for your fundraiser, you can raise the stakes to attract more donations from people. If you meet half your desired donation amount, you must take off your shirt and remain half-nude until the end of the event. If you meet the entire amount, you must shave your head or get dumped in the water.
Think of something fun and crazy that you feel donors will like so you can drive more donations.
Feature social proof
If you’re a new organization holding its first ever fundraiser, you will need to show to donors that they can trust you with their donations. A way of doing this is to show social proof.
This comes in the form of testimonials from your charity, satisfied donors who have enjoyed your work, and statistical figures with how your organization has made an impact to your cause.
Use these on your presentations. print materials, and online campaigns to give them a better idea on what you have achieved so far and what more you can achieve in the future.
Fulfill your end of the bargain
One of the most important things that organizations need to observe when raising funds for charity is to allocate the appropriate amount to the charity and its solicitors.
For groups who hold multiple fundraisers, they need to make sure that all the donations are spent wisely.
But it’s not rare for organizations to misuse the donations just like what these charities have done. Instead of giving most of the donations to direct cash aid, most of the money goes back to solicitors.
Kids Wish Network claims the top spot of the list. Reports of misleading donors has left a sour taste to the public, even though the organization has completed an IRS audit.
But if found fraudulent, Kids Wish Network can be sued for damages by the donors. According to Los Angeles personal injury lawyer Daniel A. Gibalevich, “Damages suffered in a personal injury accident can be extensive and may result in severe physical disability, emotional upset and significant financial burdens.”
If you want to maintain the image of your organization as trustworthy, then you need to allocate your donations the right way.
Originally posted on February 24, 2015 @ 10:07 am