Anyone know how to hold a fundraiser??? - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

pan6467 · 01-28-2006, 12:50 PM

Ok so I am buying the house to turn into a sober house. I don't want to go for any grants or aid from any government agency because I want to run it my way.

So that leaves me with doing a fundraiser.

What I want to do is have like a dinner and maybe private auction and dance type deal.

I don't need much I'd like maybe a grand to buy furniture but my real goal is $5,000 so I can have some back up for lean times, have money for a Y membership for the guys, and have a little starting capital to grow on.

Anyone have any ideas?

Hanxter · 01-28-2006, 12:56 PM

belt sander races!!!

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...t+sander+races

get the local radio stations & newspapers involved

maleficent · 01-28-2006, 01:00 PM

are you already established as a non-profit organization? I'm sure you will have much more success if you are.

Are you doing this by yourself or do you have a team of people?

I've chair'ed a bunch of different events for different charities and there's a lot of work involved - and a lot of phonecalls to be made... I've done Fashion Shows (which oddly, are pretty easy to pull off if you know a few select people - ie people who work for major chain stores that will allow you to borrow clothes for the fashion show) Dinners or BBQs are a little tougher to pull off because of background costs and you don't make all that much money on them... If you have a place to hold it- Beefsteaks are a lot of fun-- with a silent aution of goods/services donated by local businesses... (hair salons/ nail salons/tanning places/ travel vouchers/dinners at local restaurants - any local business is good to hit up for a donation of a service... the key is telling them why they should...

If you know a few influential type people (or people with deep pockets) host a wine and cheese event where you can present your idea and look for contributions...

In charities, there's never enough money, take what you think you might need, and double it... and that's what you will need to start with...

maleficent · 01-28-2006, 01:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hanxter

belt sander races!!!

http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...t+sander+races

get the local radio stations & newspapers involved

I'd also see what you could do about getting local congressmen, mayor, city council etc to buy in to what you are doing... Sometimes it's helpful to have friends or friendly people in the right places...

Rodney · 01-28-2006, 04:52 PM

Maleficent is really on the ball here, but I reiterate her main point: if you aren't an official nonprofit, nobody's going to give you much of anything. And fundraisers like you describe only make real money when as much as possible of the material involved -- beer, food, prizes, entertainment, etc. -- is donated.

If you want donations, get incorporated as nonprofit (under $500), then follow Mal's advice and find a way to meet potential private donors. Or plan fundraisers and get donations of the stuff you need lined up in _advance_ of the event. By the time you've sold your advance tickets, you're already in the black.

I worked for a year at a school for homeless kids that had _no_ state, local, or federal grants. None, zip, nada. And thus, no strings either. But we had lots of individuals send us monthly checks for $25, $50, even $100, local companies and churches who were good for $500-$2000 a year, and the occasional monster check from a national company -- Starbucks gave us a no-strings check for 30 grand when I was there. A local bakery gave a free cake for every kid's birthday... the list goes on.

maleficent · 01-31-2006, 03:29 AM

Bumping this thread back up a bit based on your other thread...

Financial worries are a big concern-- so it would seem like you need to raise more than 1000 dollars... a lot more than that...

Don't be so headstrong and stubborn to want to do things your way, that worked for Frank Sinatra but seldom does it work in the real world that you don't want government money... it's money and if it means some additional paperwork - then so what... it also might help to get you referrals for clients.

You're in Canton... biggest thing I know of in Canton is the football hall of fame... I'm sure that football players have their share of addictions and the NFL likes to be seen as altruistic... It'd be a long shot, bu I'd set up some meetings with them asking for some help... maybe a meet and greet with some HOF players... etc...

BUT what you haven't responded to... is have you set yourself up as a non-profit? and the house you want to buy - is it zoned for what you want to do?

Rodney · 01-31-2006, 04:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by maleficent

You're in Canton... biggest thing I know of in Canton is the football hall of fame... I'm sure that football players have their share of addictions and the NFL likes to be seen as altruistic... It'd be a long shot, bu I'd set up some meetings with them asking for some help... maybe a meet and greet with some HOF players... etc...

This is actually a very valuable idea. In my area, there's a professional football player who has a little foundation and likes to give money to small nonprofits that he thinks are doing valuable work. When he finds one he likes, he tells his pro-football friends about it and invites them to join him in donating. And because this guy is known to them and has checked it out, they know their money is going to a good place and are comfortable about giving.

In short, if you convince one football player or HOFer, he may well bring friends with him.

pan6467 · 01-31-2006, 05:57 PM

Some good ideas.

I had thought about going non-profit and doing the government grant and such but I don't want the government telling me how I can treat people, which when you accept grants you are basically obligated to listen to them.

I will check into the non-profit though, but I think I need a board of directors and so on.

What I am wanting to do, at least right now, is just have a sober house that holds meetings 7 days a week and has house rules to set structure for the recovering addicts. (I can't technically "treat" anyone on my own until I am a LCDC and an NCGCII.) So I don't know if non-profit would work, plus it may increase my house costs because I'd probably have to re-zone it.

However, I see your points that many people may not take this seriously for a fund raiser if it's not a non profit.

alpha phi · 01-31-2006, 06:19 PM

You may want to talk to leaders of local non profit support groups
Like A.A., Narconon, ect. for ideas, and support.

Here is a site with some info about becoming a non profit.

maleficent · 02-01-2006, 04:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan6467

What I am wanting to do, at least right now, is just have a sober house that holds meetings 7 days a week and has house rules to set structure for the recovering addicts. (I can't technically "treat" anyone on my own until I am a LCDC and an NCGCII.) So I don't know if non-profit would work, plus it may increase my house costs because I'd probably have to re-zone it..

How are you going to get people to come to these meetings? and whatever house you are buying, are you sure it's zoned for that kind of activity? Are you planning to have people live at this house? Otherwise, why not rent an office type space... or buy commercial property.

I've never held back before, so I'm not gonna start now.. I beleive that you can do whatever you put your mind to... But in the little info you've given, it sounds like you are really putting the cart before the horse... Do you have a solid business plan in place as to how this will operate and where your operatint costs will come from?

maleficent · 02-06-2006, 05:22 AM

this month's Real Simple Magazine had an article on raising money for charitible events: (I can send you the actual article if you want it- but this is the gist of it from the website)

Quote:

How to Organize a Silent Auction

How It Works: Bids, written on a sheet of paper next to each item, are accepted for donated goods and services over a set length of time.

What It’s Best For: Raising money for causes that need ongoing support, like arts or literacy programs.

Pros: A silent auction can be run on its own or in tandem with other events, and it can be designed to fit virtually any financial goal and any audience demographic, says Dick Friel, who works as an auctioneer with his wife, Sharon Friel, in Seattle.

Cons: For most items, the top bid may be far below retail cost, so you’ll need to gather items whose total value is much more than the amount you hope to raise.

Making the Most of It

Compile a list of desired items and of local businesses to approach for donations. Besides the usual tickets and gift certificates, Sharon Friel recommends seeking out unique experiences, such as the chance to wash a baby elephant at the zoo.

When someone agrees to make a donation, follow up with a confirmation letter.

Consider raffling off a few additional items every 15 to 20 minutes to keep the interest level high.

How to Organize a Game Tournament
How It Works: Players pay an entry fee to compete in a tournament for a donated prize.

What It’s Best For: Establishing an event that can be repeated annually, with return participants.

Pros: Groups can easily raise funds within a narrow time frame or on a tight budget. Also, the game at the heart of the event can be anything from one-on-one basketball to Scrabble, (Mal sez, you might even have some fun with it and make it a Twister tournament, or something like that)

Cons: Entry fees for a small tournament must be relatively high if you hope to make much money, which means that it may be hard to recruit players.

Making the Most of It

Try to get the event sponsored. Ask business owners to donate the contest’s prize or to underwrite your costs in return for publicity or even tournament-naming rights.

Invite friends and family to participate, and ask those who are already involved in game or sports leagues to recruit others from within their networks.

If your event is a sports tournament ask your insurer about any liability considerations.

Download free tournament bracket sheets from www.darters.com and let the games begin.

How to Organize a Benefit Walk
How It Works: Participants solicit pledges before the event, then walk en masse along a designated route.

What It’s Best For: Helping to address an important issue facing a community.

Pros: It’s an effective way to “not only raise funds but also raise consciousness” among people of all ages and interests, says Craig Miller of Los Angeles, the founder of AIDS Walk, a nationwide charity event.

Cons: Most walks take place on public streets, so there may be fees to pay and permits to secure.

Making the Most of It
Plot a course for your walk, then contact city or county officials to reserve it. Miller advises keeping the walk within one city’s limits to avoid dealing with fees or paperwork for multiple jurisdictions.

At least two weeks in advance, create and distribute pledge forms. Ask walkers to collect lump-sum donations before the event (rather than per-mile pledges afterward) so that the totals can be tallied and announced at the end of the walk.

Ask a few volunteers to act as team leaders, helping you to recruit groups of walkers and hand out bottled water and snacks at the staging area, says Dottie Moore, executive director of the Washington State chapter of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

How to Organize a Charitable Cocktail Party or Coffee Reception
How It Works: Guests pay a fee to attend a cocktail (or nonalcoholic) party held in your home or at a bar.

What It’s Best For: Raising money quickly to answer sudden needs, as in the case of disaster relief.

Pros: Probably the easiest type of event to plan, execute, and attract people to, “it’s also very low risk, because the only up-front costs are what the organizer spends on food or liquor,” explains Stephanie Roth, coauthor of The Accidental Fundraiser (Jossey-Bass, $20, www.amazon.com).

Cons: “It’s usually a limited crowd, maybe 20 or 30 people in your house, versus a few hundred at a walk,” notes Roth. And that means fewer people from whom to collect donations.

Making the Most of It

Invite your guests as early as possible, and follow up a few days before the party with an e-mail reminder or a paper invitation. Ask guests to RSVP so you’ll know the amount of refreshments to buy.

To keep costs within reason, stick to a handful of signature cocktails or food and drink choices.

Charge an entry fee at the door rather than passing around a donation jar inside, as guests might be distracted when the jar comes around. However, do keep another donation jar inside to allow people to give more once they’re settled in.

Fundraising basics
The basics of planning are the same no matter what type of fund-raiser you’re considering. The following pointers will get you started in the right direction.

1. Choose your adventure.
Using the information outlined in this story, decide what type of event is best for you, based on your resources, time frame, and fund-raising goals.

2. Draw up a plan.
After you’ve decided on a date, “start by figuring out all the things that need to happen, then make a time line,” suggests author Stephanie Roth. (Use the Charity Fund-Raiser Worksheet to record and track the details.)

3. Reserve a location.
For small-scale events, the venue could be your home or that of a friend. For larger ones, consider using a community center or a school auditorium. Before offering money for a location rental, however, always ask if the establishment would be willing to let you use the space for free in support of your efforts.

4. Recruit help.
Gather a core group of dedicated volunteers to assist you. In terms of size, “the more the merrier,” says Wendy Lacey, committee cochair for the Link Community School’s annual “A Taste of Newark” benefit and auction, in Newark, New Jersey. “The more people you’ve got, the more contacts and resources you’ll have for things like sponsorships and ticket sales.” To recruit additional volunteers, turn to friends and family members and to local organizations like the Rotary Club and the Junior League, as well as to high school and college volunteer groups.

5. Solicit donations.
Work with your committee to compile a list of businesses from which you can seek donations, such as free table and chair rentals, catering services, and prizes to be awarded or raffled off. When you make your pitch, says Lacey, “be sure to remind them that pro bono work is mutually beneficial.” To sweeten the deal, offer the donor free advertising space on printed event materials. If your charity is an organization with 501(c)3 status (ask a member of the organization’s staff to find out), all donations are tax-deductible, a point you will want to stress to all potential donors.

6. Spread the word.
If time permits, begin publicizing your event at least a few weeks in advance. “Word of mouth is the best way to promote a fund-raiser, as the people most likely to attend are those who are personally asked to participate by someone connected with the event or cause,” says nonprofit executive Dottie Moore.

Xazy · 02-07-2006, 09:21 AM

I also like Chinese auctions, a bingo, wine sale, etc.. A lot of these things are easy to be done, and a lot you can get donors for the items.

Locally I know of 2 organizations that raise almost their entire years worth of expenses via those. Another organization I know sends out magnet calendars to the entire country at this point. They then get advertisers from each community hat they are targeting. And every year their list of places they send it to grows. This might seem simple and small, but over time it has grown and raises a ton for the organization (you can send an envelope to the people with the calendar, hoping to get them to pay, but the costs is all covered by the advertisers).

LazyBoy · 02-07-2006, 10:14 AM

As said above, make sure to get your local radio station involved. They should eat it up....You may also be able to get in some free publicity and help from your local TV station...The newspaper still works even in this day and age!

Let your Congressman know about your project. I doubt he/she will pass up the opportunity to partake in something that will help his/her image and/or campaign so much...

Just a couple thoughts...

-Will

william · 02-09-2006, 05:51 PM

Another option is to check your local activities. I used to be a Commander of an American Legion. In addition to donating money, we donated time and space (i.e. - for car shows, Sunday breakfasts, etc.). Talk to them - they'll work w/you.

percy · 02-10-2006, 08:18 AM

Don't mean to discourage you, but that is a very difficult road you are about to embark on. When my dad retired as a senior exec. he became the Director of a substance abuse facility. Not quite what your doing but similar.

Anyways, this is a non profit organization that staffs about 8 people and could hold a maximum of 15 guys for their 30 day cycle. Even with my dad's business contacts, celebrities he knew, people in the government etc,.fundraising was an incredibly huge challenge. I worked on a lot of stuff with him (volunteering) and everything imaginable to make a success of things. Door to door canvassing, flooding free sites, information sites, any site of relevance on the net to raise awareness, speaking to corporate sponsors, speaking to bar owners, business owners, local bands and dj's for cheap entertainment, radio, tv and on.

And this is a registered charity. Still hugely difficult.

For what it is worth, my advice would be to put the buying of the house on hold, incorporate a company name, see if a church or legion can loan a room once or twice a week then bring in people and do what you do to establish a reputation for your business (I'm assuming this is a recovery/support type thing you are doing) Atleast that way if it doesn't work you're not screwed and if it does, you'll have more clout with some track record behind you. And by the way, doing things this way doesn't mean you still can't hold fundraisers.

pan6467 · 02-14-2006, 09:03 AM

Well an update on my house:

I went through yesterday with the inspector and the appraiser and the exterminator and the house was pretty much called a good buy from everyone.

It does appear that having 6 beds will be tough as in 1 bedroom I'll only be able to fit in 1 bed.

But still 5 in at $100 (the figure I am toying with although I must admit $150 sounds more realistic) a week is roughly $2000/month, a nice tidy figure. Then you subtract the payment, utilities, and everything, I figure I'll clear $750/month at the very least. Not much but it is a nice nest egg to start stage 2 on.

The problem is getting started, once I get it up and running and develop a good reputation, there is no doubt I will be able to keep it filled.

01-28-2006, 12:50 PM	#1 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	Anyone know how to hold a fundraiser??? Ok so I am buying the house to turn into a sober house. I don't want to go for any grants or aid from any government agency because I want to run it my way. So that leaves me with doing a fundraiser. What I want to do is have like a dinner and maybe private auction and dance type deal. I don't need much I'd like maybe a grand to buy furniture but my real goal is $5,000 so I can have some back up for lean times, have money for a Y membership for the guys, and have a little starting capital to grow on. Anyone have any ideas? __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

01-28-2006, 01:00 PM	#3 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	are you already established as a non-profit organization? I'm sure you will have much more success if you are. Are you doing this by yourself or do you have a team of people? I've chair'ed a bunch of different events for different charities and there's a lot of work involved - and a lot of phonecalls to be made... I've done Fashion Shows (which oddly, are pretty easy to pull off if you know a few select people - ie people who work for major chain stores that will allow you to borrow clothes for the fashion show) Dinners or BBQs are a little tougher to pull off because of background costs and you don't make all that much money on them... If you have a place to hold it- Beefsteaks are a lot of fun-- with a silent aution of goods/services donated by local businesses... (hair salons/ nail salons/tanning places/ travel vouchers/dinners at local restaurants - any local business is good to hit up for a donation of a service... the key is telling them why they should... If you know a few influential type people (or people with deep pockets) host a wine and cheese event where you can present your idea and look for contributions... In charities, there's never enough money, take what you think you might need, and double it... and that's what you will need to start with... __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

01-31-2006, 03:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
maleficent Junkie Moderator Emeritus Location: Chicago	Bumping this thread back up a bit based on your other thread... Financial worries are a big concern-- so it would seem like you need to raise more than 1000 dollars... a lot more than that... Don't be so headstrong and stubborn to want to do things your way, that worked for Frank Sinatra but seldom does it work in the real world that you don't want government money... it's money and if it means some additional paperwork - then so what... it also might help to get you referrals for clients. You're in Canton... biggest thing I know of in Canton is the football hall of fame... I'm sure that football players have their share of addictions and the NFL likes to be seen as altruistic... It'd be a long shot, bu I'd set up some meetings with them asking for some help... maybe a meet and greet with some HOF players... etc... BUT what you haven't responded to... is have you set yourself up as a non-profit? and the house you want to buy - is it zoned for what you want to do? __________________ Free your heart from hatred. Free your mind from worries. Live simply. Give more. Expect less.

01-31-2006, 05:57 PM	#8 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	Some good ideas. I had thought about going non-profit and doing the government grant and such but I don't want the government telling me how I can treat people, which when you accept grants you are basically obligated to listen to them. I will check into the non-profit though, but I think I need a board of directors and so on. What I am wanting to do, at least right now, is just have a sober house that holds meetings 7 days a week and has house rules to set structure for the recovering addicts. (I can't technically "treat" anyone on my own until I am a LCDC and an NCGCII.) So I don't know if non-profit would work, plus it may increase my house costs because I'd probably have to re-zone it. However, I see your points that many people may not take this seriously for a fund raiser if it's not a non profit. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"

01-31-2006, 06:19 PM	#9 (permalink)
alpha phi seeker Location: home	You may want to talk to leaders of local non profit support groups Like A.A., Narconon, ect. for ideas, and support. Here is a site with some info about becoming a non profit. __________________ All ideas in this communication are sole property of the voices in my head. (C) 2005, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009 "The Voices" (TM). All rights reserved.

01-28-2006, 12:56 PM	#2 (permalink)
Hanxter The Griffin	belt sander races!!! http://www.tfproject.org/tfp/showthr...t+sander+races get the local radio stations & newspapers involved

01-28-2006, 04:52 PM	#5 (permalink)
Rodney Observant Ruminant Location: Rich Wannabe Hippie Town	Maleficent is really on the ball here, but I reiterate her main point: if you aren't an official nonprofit, nobody's going to give you much of anything. And fundraisers like you describe only make real money when as much as possible of the material involved -- beer, food, prizes, entertainment, etc. -- is donated. If you want donations, get incorporated as nonprofit (under $500), then follow Mal's advice and find a way to meet potential private donors. Or plan fundraisers and get donations of the stuff you need lined up in _advance_ of the event. By the time you've sold your advance tickets, you're already in the black. I worked for a year at a school for homeless kids that had _no_ state, local, or federal grants. None, zip, nada. And thus, no strings either. But we had lots of individuals send us monthly checks for $25, $50, even $100, local companies and churches who were good for $500-$2000 a year, and the occasional monster check from a national company -- Starbucks gave us a no-strings check for 30 grand when I was there. A local bakery gave a free cake for every kid's birthday... the list goes on.

02-07-2006, 09:21 AM	#12 (permalink)
Xazy People in masks cannot be trusted Location: NYC	I also like Chinese auctions, a bingo, wine sale, etc.. A lot of these things are easy to be done, and a lot you can get donors for the items. Locally I know of 2 organizations that raise almost their entire years worth of expenses via those. Another organization I know sends out magnet calendars to the entire country at this point. They then get advertisers from each community hat they are targeting. And every year their list of places they send it to grows. This might seem simple and small, but over time it has grown and raises a ton for the organization (you can send an envelope to the people with the calendar, hoping to get them to pay, but the costs is all covered by the advertisers).

02-07-2006, 10:14 AM	#13 (permalink)
LazyBoy Insane Location: Memphis Area	As said above, make sure to get your local radio station involved. They should eat it up....You may also be able to get in some free publicity and help from your local TV station...The newspaper still works even in this day and age! Let your Congressman know about your project. I doubt he/she will pass up the opportunity to partake in something that will help his/her image and/or campaign so much... Just a couple thoughts... -Will __________________ Life is nothing, everything.....and something in between...

02-09-2006, 05:51 PM	#14 (permalink)
william Psycho	Another option is to check your local activities. I used to be a Commander of an American Legion. In addition to donating money, we donated time and space (i.e. - for car shows, Sunday breakfasts, etc.). Talk to them - they'll work w/you.

02-10-2006, 08:18 AM	#15 (permalink)
percy Addict	Don't mean to discourage you, but that is a very difficult road you are about to embark on. When my dad retired as a senior exec. he became the Director of a substance abuse facility. Not quite what your doing but similar. Anyways, this is a non profit organization that staffs about 8 people and could hold a maximum of 15 guys for their 30 day cycle. Even with my dad's business contacts, celebrities he knew, people in the government etc,.fundraising was an incredibly huge challenge. I worked on a lot of stuff with him (volunteering) and everything imaginable to make a success of things. Door to door canvassing, flooding free sites, information sites, any site of relevance on the net to raise awareness, speaking to corporate sponsors, speaking to bar owners, business owners, local bands and dj's for cheap entertainment, radio, tv and on. And this is a registered charity. Still hugely difficult. For what it is worth, my advice would be to put the buying of the house on hold, incorporate a company name, see if a church or legion can loan a room once or twice a week then bring in people and do what you do to establish a reputation for your business (I'm assuming this is a recovery/support type thing you are doing) Atleast that way if it doesn't work you're not screwed and if it does, you'll have more clout with some track record behind you. And by the way, doing things this way doesn't mean you still can't hold fundraisers.

02-14-2006, 09:03 AM	#16 (permalink)
pan6467 Lennonite Priest Location: Mansfield, Ohio USA	Well an update on my house: I went through yesterday with the inspector and the appraiser and the exterminator and the house was pretty much called a good buy from everyone. It does appear that having 6 beds will be tough as in 1 bedroom I'll only be able to fit in 1 bed. But still 5 in at $100 (the figure I am toying with although I must admit $150 sounds more realistic) a week is roughly $2000/month, a nice tidy figure. Then you subtract the payment, utilities, and everything, I figure I'll clear $750/month at the very least. Not much but it is a nice nest egg to start stage 2 on. The problem is getting started, once I get it up and running and develop a good reputation, there is no doubt I will be able to keep it filled. __________________ I just love people who use the excuse "I use/do this because I LOVE the feeling/joy/happiness it brings me" and expect you to be ok with that as you watch them destroy their life blindly following. My response is, "I like to put forks in an eletrical socket, just LOVE that feeling, can't ever get enough of it, so will you let me put this copper fork in that electric socket?"