Are you holding a garage sale this weekend? Do you love to knit? Would your children enjoy selling cookies to the neighbours? Are you planning a dinner party soon? Do you have artist friends willing to donate one of their creations to an auction for a good cause? Have you set yourself a personal goal such as walking the length of the Camino de Santiago? Or is your company wanting to set up a golf tournament?
All of the above could be turned into charity fundraisers. Whether small or large-scale, whether a few euros or many thousands, whether as a one-off or as an annual event. All ideas are good ideas.
The key for a successful and stress-free event, as with all things, is to plan and the checklist below can offer some helpful tips. (Though clearly for a child selling home-baked cookies to neighbours, much of this will not be relevant, so dip in and out as relevant! 😊)
- Careful planning: select a good day, time, venue. Do you need to consider access and parking? Do you need to request permission from the commune and register your event with the police? What will people eat or drink? Do you need insurance? How will you collect contributions etc.
- Enlisting help: Don’t try to do this alone. Not only does it take more effort than you might think but it is so much more fun to spend time with friends or family and work collaboratively towards a shared goal. Other people bring other perspectives and other experiences. More hands might light work … so long as they are well directed. 😊
- Clear communications: Make sure everyone in your team knows what is expected of them, by when and that the group as a whole is kept informed and up to date. Also be clear with your invited guests so that no-one is surprised or disappointed.
- Spreading the word: Make sure the right people know! Friends, family, colleagues, your neighbours, the media? Use emails, social media, posters, leaflets, whatever is appropriate and fits your budget.
- Having a Plan B: Life happens. Things don’t always run according to plan. It is important to be flexible. Have a back up plan for poor weather, or missing guest speakers etc.
- Following-up and Thanking: Make sure you thank everyone that contributed, whether as a volunteer or a participant, venue host or entertainer, and let them know the final result of your fundraiser. Building a sense of shared achievement helps people to feel that their input was valued and they are more likely to help again.
To help you get started, a core group of experienced #TeamBeatParkinson fundraisers are ready to brainstorm with you, and then guide and support you!
If you have any questions at all please do not hesitate to send us an email at info@demoucelle.com
Thank you so much for your interest in supporting the Demoucelle Parkinson Charity.
Photos – Unsplash: Markus Spiske, Margaride Afonso, The Creative Exchanges, Stephanie McCabe, Tetiana Shyshkina, Nareeta Martin, Gene Gallin