Does your nonprofit or charitable organization hold onsite events for fundraising purposes? Maybe you’ve just begun an annual or monthly event aimed at raising funds? Either way, there are many tricks and tips you can implement to hold successful onsite events.
From providing scannable QR codes to offering donors ample opportunities to give money, your next event can be a massive success with the help of this onsite event fundraising guide.
Onsite Fundraiser Timetable
Hosting a fundraiser is no easy feat. It may seem like there are a million details to consider and remember throughout the planning process. Holding onsite events are a lot easier when you have a well-thought-out strategy you can follow to ensure nothing is forgotten.
Consider creating an onsite fundraiser timeline you can follow each time you host an event. Here are a few steps to put on your timeline:
CHOOSE THE DETAILS OF THE EVENT
The first step for any event is to decide on the details. Consider who you want to invite, where the event will be held, and what time and date will work best for your organization and the guests. When you choose the venue, whether it’s onsite or at a different location, consider how many people you can invite and if there is any specific theme you’d like the event to have.
Some details you should think about include:
- Date and time
- Location
- Number of guests
- Theme
- Food and beverages
- Entertainment
- Budget
SELECT A FUNDRAISING GOAL
Every onsite event should include a solid fundraising goal. This dollar amount can be placed on all marketing materials before and at the event, so people know how much you need to raise. They will be more willing to donate when they know your fundraising goal and its use.
MARKET THE EVENT
Before the event begins, you can ask for donations by providing a scannable QR code on invitations and flyers. This way, those who can’t attend the event still have an easy way to donate to your cause. One of the best event fundraising ideas is to use a QR code for easy and fast giving. Donors will be able to give to your organization in less than a minute, without creating an account.
BOOK VENDORS AND VOLUNTEERS
All onsite events will need vendors and volunteers. Book your vendors early so that you have the best options to choose from when selecting the caterer, beverage provider, entertainment, and other vendors.
You will also need volunteers to help market, set up the event, and provide support the day of the fundraiser. Put out the call for volunteers early and consider asking members of your organization to help out as well.
CREATE HANDOUTS FOR GUESTS
Every great fundraising event has a handout of some kind. Whether you’d like to do brochures or formal programs, make sure you include all of the primary details surrounding your fundraising campaign. You can also place your scannable QR code here to make it easy for donors to give from wherever they are sitting during the event.
When you create handouts for your onsite event, consider telling a story to garner more donations. Here are a few other ideas of crucial information to include on event handouts:
- Fundraising goal
- Event timeline
- Names of keynote speakers or entertainment
- Menu and allergen notes if food is being served
- Event sponsors
- Scannable QR code to donate
- Thank you note to volunteers
SET UP EVENT
The final onsite events timeline step is to set up for your event. Then it’s time for fundraising! With the help of volunteers, your event will be ready to go in no time. Consider adding scannable QR codes to each table so that giving is incredibly easy for your supporters.
Fundraising Tips for Onsite Events
There are several onsite event fundraising ideas and tips that your nonprofit can take advantage of – from scannable QR codes placed on the table to powerful storytelling that encourages donations. Consider the fundraiser tips below so that your next event can be a huge success.
OFFER AMPLE OPPORTUNITIES TO GIVE
One of the best event fundraising ideas is to make giving accessible for all of your supporters, whether at the event or not. Start asking for donations at the onset of planning for your event. You will be able to reach more donors if you make donating fast and straightforward.
With a scannable QR code, you can encourage donations on all your materials before, during, and after the event. Continue reading below for ideas on offering ample opportunities to give at each stage of fundraising, including where you should incorporate a scannable QR code.
Before the Event
- Brochures
- Flyers
- Emails
- Mailings
- Posters
During the Event
- Check-in table
- Programs
- Table tents
after the Event
- Mailings
- Emails
- Thank you letters
- Newsletters
TELL A STORY
Incorporating a story into your marketing materials and the program for your event can be an incredibly powerful tool. By giving your supporters a direct example of how you’re helping the community, you can show them how much good their donation is doing. Everyone will be eager to support your cause when they see how hard your organization is working.
Creating a Successful Fundraiser
Holding onsite events comes with unique challenges but offers an incredible opportunity to reach donors personally. By creating onsite events your supporters will enjoy, you can raise both money and awareness for the important causes of your organization. Utilizing an event timeline and following these fundraising tips will ensure you reach your goal by the time the event is over.
If you’d like to learn more about mobile giving for onsite events, reach out to CheqrPay today to request a demo. Our friendly team has the experience necessary to help your charitable organization’s fundraising efforts succeed.
