When Money is needed for a good cause, people often pool their resources and come together to Raise Money through various types of fundraising. I remember reading about a young girl who fell off the side of the cliff at a family event and was severely injured. Due to the fall, she underwent extensive surgeries and her medical bills were costing more than her family could afford. To help relieve some of the financial stress; friends, family members and local businesses got together and hosted a fundraiser with a silent auction to help raise money for her medical bills. This is just one reason people may decide to fund raise. Other reasons fundraising takes place is to raise money for: various charities, medical research, school events and for humanitarian volunteers and trips. If you are looking to raise money for a good cause and are interested in fundraising, learn about the various options available for doing so.

Spread the Word

When you are really in a jam and need to raise money on the fly, sometimes it is most efficient to just ask or request donations. If specifically looking for monetary donations, it may be beneficial to contact people you know are interested in the cause you are representing. You can spread awareness of your fundraising efforts through word of mouth, email, direct mail or through social media.

Sell Products

The most traditional or at least, the most common method for fundraising is to sell products. Having started with the Girl Scouts and their cookies, products for fundraising have grown into encompassing many aspects of retail including kitchen gadgets, wrapping paper, stationary, edible items (coffee, cookie dough, pizza ,gourmet foods) and magazine subscriptions.

Auctions

This is a popular method for fundraising and may include a live, silent or online auction. Auctions can be hosted as just that, with the auction being the main attraction or, it can be included as part of a larger event  such as a dinner or gala. In addition to charging for dinner tickets, auctions tend to bring in quite a bit of money. In addition to a live or silent auction, you can also integrate an online component so even those that are unable to attend the event, can bid on the items up for auction.

Raffles

Raffle tickets can be sold to raise additional money at various events. They can also be sold for big ticket items such as a motorcycle or car but that is only if proper advertising space is available. If doing this, you would want to set up in an area such as a mall or boardwalk where hundreds of people walk by each day.

Events

Small Events

For smaller scaled fundraising efforts, small events may be perfect. This might include a dinner or get together for up to fifty people with relaxed themes such as Parent/children dance nights, trivia nights, family fun and art walks. A more formal event may be hosted at a well-known establishment and offer a wine tasting or maybe a gourmet dinner.

Large Events

Big, over-the-top events that are designed to rake in the dough may include dinner dances, galas, 5k runs and golf tournaments. For those looking to plan a Large Fundraising Event, it may be a good idea to contact an event coordinator to assist. In hiring an experienced event planner to help host your large fundraising event, you will have assistance with budgeting and meeting all of your needs. In working with someone that has experience and that knows the ins and outs of the business, you will be able to host a more elaborate event and ultimately, raise more money for your charity.

Article is written by author, Sarah Smith and information is brought to you on behalf of Kaleidoscope Solutions in Philadelphia, PA.