http://www.gofundme.com/online-fundraising/
GoFundMe is a do-it-yourself online fundraising service that has helped thousands of people raise millions of dollars in online donations for the fundraising ideas that matter to them most. GoFundMe allows regular people to accomplish extraordinary things with easy-to-use personal donation websites.
*Many NAPA families have used GoFundMe or similar websites to raise money for therapies, equipment, or other costly expenses that are not covered by insurance companies.
Be organized – Track your auction items, set up systems for bid-sheets, thank you letters, and be firm with deadlines.
Seek out new donors – Contributions will need to be made prior to promoting the event by your family, friends, neighbors, or anybody interested in helping your cause.
Promote the event – The best way to get people to attend events is to promote it through your networks – church, school, clubs, family, friends, Facebook, etc.
Be creative – Offer the usual fare (like restaurant gift cards), but also seek out special, one of a kind items to generate excitement.
Find sponsors – Ticket sales and auction proceeds aren’t the only ways to raise money from this type of event. Seek out sponsors who will write a check in return for marketing consideration, free tickets, etc.
Accept credit cards – You will sell more items, at higher bid levels, if you accept cash, checks, and credit cards at checkout.
You need more staff than you realize – Have a lot of volunteers or staff available to answer questions, process checkouts, and tidy up the auction items on a regular basis.
Have fun! – Silent auctions needn’t be strictly formal events. Make this a fun time for your guests (think: good food, open bar, a band) and they will want to attend the event year after year.
Volunteers – Ask friends, families, and even your neighbors to volunteer their time and items to your cause. Have them ask t nds and family as well.
Location – Choose a high traffic location such as a grocery store, department store, mall, event, community hall, town square, etc.
Pricing – Do not set your prices too low(you’re trying to raise funds after-all) and accept credit cards if possible. There are many apps you can download on your smartphone so you don’t miss out on those without cash.
Advertising – Create flyers to put in the immediate area where you’ll be holding the bake sale, create a mass e-mail to send out a couple times leading to the event, radio, etc.
Generate a Buzz – Create flyers, signs, etc. and advertise locally. Solicit local restaurants and businesses to participate in the cooking or to sponsor a cook.
How to Collect Funds – You can collect a flat rate or donation amount at the door, or have a donation container paired with each chili as a way to vote for each contestant.
Contestants and Judges – Ask friends, family, or anybody in your community to participate in the contest. You could also solicit local restaurants and ask the chefs to be your “celebrity cooks” or judges.
Prizes and Categories – Create different categories, such as Spiciest Chili, Judges’ Favorite, Crowd Favorite and “Best Chili in Town.” Ask local businesses to donate gift cards or prizes from their businesses or reward your winners with special chili trophies/plaques.
Supplies – According to FundraiserInsight.org, you should supply plenty of refreshments, common chili accompaniments like cornbread, hot sauce, shredded cheese and lots of napkins, bowls, spoons, etc.
Either charge a set admission price or recommended donation for the event. Rent Karaoke equipment from a local DJ which should include a library of songs and you can either set it up as a competition or just a free for all!
Ask local restaurant/bar owners to donate a percentage of an evening’s dinner checks to your cause. If they agree, it’s now your job to get as many patrons as possible to visit the restaurant on the fundraising evening.
You will need to sell tickets to the raffle, combine the money and award 50% of the combined money to the person who holds the winning ticket and 50% of the money to your cause. These are good to host at large meetings or events.
Ask for friends and family to volunteer their time and or supplies for the car wash. Hold it in a high traffic area with signs directing people to the car wash. Charge a set amount or recommended donation. Don’t forget to advertise your cause!
Ask for donations items from your friends, family, church, or any group your involved in. Once you receive all your donations choose a date and location (consider the weather) to hold the yard sale. Advertise via social networks, flyers, mass e-mail, etc.
