7 Simple Steps to Fundraising

First - find something you like and the rest is a not only easier - but a lot fun! Do this by going to our ideas page. Then hit those search engines! There are a ton of ideas online - why reinvent the wheel?

Don't forget A B & C

• A = Season: When are you holding this event - summer? winter? Can you do a pool party or a snowman building contest?

• B = Energy: Are you ready for a big amazing event - like a 5k run, or is this your first time and you want to start simple with an idea like a book drive?

• C= Age: What age group are you targeting? Kids for a big swim party? Teens for a movie in the backyard? College kids for a concert at the park? Or is it for all ages - yard sale, shoe sale, car wash, photography contest?

Honestly, this is the most important part. If you start with a timeline - you will see success! Now you have your idea - create your timeline.

1. Start Date (today)

2. End Date (Give your self 1-4 months) You will need at least a month to hold any event. Think of it this way.... week 1 you pick an idea and start finding friends & family to join you and build your time line. Then week 2 You must solidify where it will be held, and what time. Then you can make digital and paper advertising & start delivering. (you will need to get the word out a few weeks before so everyone can save the date on their calendars) Week 3 - You probably need a couple weeks to get the word out, and now if there is any collecting of items - you will do this for week 3 & 4. Thus you see, when you use a timeline - you can simply set a plan and follow it. Do a little each week! And give yourself at least 4 weeks - I suggest 6 weeks for a simple event, and 3 months for a larger event. (generally)

3. Pick one day to lookover your timeline each week ( example: Sunday afternoons)

4. Write a list of everything you can think of, at this moment, that you will need to do. NOW ADD this to your time line

5. When will you make your digital & paper flyers/posters.

6. When will you deliver digital invites? Paper invites?

The more the merrier. This is certainly true for a fundraiser. So start sharing your idea and asking your family, friends, co-workers, church friends, walking buddies - you get the idea. Build your team! Invite your friends & acquaintances - everyone loves to be invited!

Also - the added bonus is - they also have friends and family they can invite - and so your circle of attendees can grow!

Now divide and conquer. Ask your friends to help with each area of your event.

Be wise - if you can't create digital flyers - ask someone who can! If you can't bake cookies - ask a baker etc.

Yep - it's one of the most important parts of fundraising - spread your energy and enthusiasm!

It's contagious! Be excited!

• Talk about it

• Share on Social Media

• Create Digital Flyers

• Paper Flyers

• Posters

• Stickers (etsy.com is a great resource for this)

Don't forget to put in your time line - what day you will create these materials AND what day you will get them out! Use your Team to help you spread the excitement!

This step is an easy one.

And - helps you catch up and make sure you didn't miss anything.

Now is when you double back - go over all you done.

• Who's on your team?

• Is your timeline complete?

• Do you have your location?

• Is there another way we can invite more people?

Yep - it's just double checking all is in place so you can move forward with confidence!!

Revisit your timeline. Be sure you add to it:

• Reminders a few days before the event

• What time you will set up

• Who is helping set up

Also write down everything you will need to have/take/buy to your event. Who will do that & when.

An ounce of preparation saves a pound of problems!

Now you get to donate!

Go to your non-profit's website and donate the money you earned!

You are a champion!