How to Host a Fundraiser For Out On The Shelf
Step 1 – Create your event
From garage sales to galas, fundraising initiatives are a unique and fun way to bring the community together in support of Out On The Shelf. You can create a new event from scratch, or simply add a fundraising component to a longstanding event such as an annual sports tournament or community gathering.
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Step 2 – Build a committee
Even the most experienced event planner can use a hand in creating a successful fundraising event. Call on family, friends, and colleagues, or recruit members of your community to volunteer on an organizing committee. They may have knowledge, skills, and contacts that could prove valuable, and they can share the tasks and responsibilities involved in putting your event together.
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Step 3 – Set your goals
Establish a set of goals for your event. For example: How many people would you like to attract? How much money do you hope to raise? The answers to these questions will guide your planning efforts, and will enable you to measure your success once the event is over.
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Step 4 – Develop your plan
After establishing your goals, work with your committee to plan the details of the event, taking into consideration the following key questions:
- Where and when will the event be held? If you plan to rent space, when is your selected venue available? Can you get a special non-profit rental rate?
- How will the event raise money? What fundraising components will you use?
- Will you require any special permits, licenses, or insurance?
- What is your event budget? What expenses do you expect to have? Can you defray any of these costs with financial or in-kind support from corporate or community partners?
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Step 5 – Register your event
Registering your event is a necessary step that enables you to take advantage of the support and resources that Out On The Shelf can offer. Download our Community Event Proposal Form, complete it as best you can, and submit it to info@OutOnTheShelf.ca at least one month before your event. If we can help in any way, let us know!
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Step 6 – Publicize your event
From the internet to the airwaves, there are lots of ways to get the word out about your event. Consider posting event information on free online event calendars and community-based websites, or create posters to hang in high traffic community locations.
Getting the media involved can also build buzz about your event. Create a promotional press release and fax or email it to media outlets in your community. Be sure to follow up with a phone call to media, to keep your event top of mind and help reporters and editors understand what is special or different about it. Or, plan a promotional opportunity with a visually interesting component, and invite reporters and photographers to attend.
To get your event listed on the Out On The Shelf community calendar, go to: www.outontheshelf.ca/forms/eventsform.html and provide a brief written paragraph describing the event, including event date, time, location and how to purchase tickets/register.
To use Out On The Shelf’s name and logo in your promotional materials, please contact us for approval and to receive artwork files.
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Step 7 – Hold your event!
And have fun doing it! Be sure to take lots of pictures!
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Step 8 – Collect and submit contributions
All funds raised should be collected and forwarded to Out On The Shelf within 30 days of the event date. Please contact us before promising tax receipts to anyone attending or contributing to your event.
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Step 9 – Say thanks
Congratulations! You've done it! Be sure to thank all attendees, sponsors, committee members, and event volunteers who supported your event. Most of all, take the time to reflect on the real and meaningful difference you have helped make for others.
Keep Out On The Shelf in the loop about the outcome of your event by sending us a summary of your event and any photos you would like to share with us – we'll post them on our website to celebrate your success!
* This text has been adapted from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation’s website: www.cbcf.org
