Create Fundraising Incentives & Goals

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An effective fundraiser takes planning and effort. It won't just happen by itself. Several things need to be considered during the planning stages, such as what the exact goal amount will be and what type of fundraiser would work best in achieving it. In some cases, two smaller fundraisers may work better than a larger one. Put together a planning committee and divide up various aspects to one or two members.

Create a Plan

Every good fundraiser started with a plan. Know what you want to accomplish and map out a plan that will get you there. Look at each person on your team and pair them up with activities that match their strong points. If you have a person who is good at advertising, put them in charge of that aspect of the plan. Delegate activities according to priority and make sure all aspects of the project are covered from start to finish.

Create Checkpoints

Create checkpoints where members of the team can stop and review their progress. This is particularly essential during the fundraiser itself. It helps to determine if they project is on track and the amount of money being taken in is steadily increasing. Large fundraisers that take longer than a few days to complete need to be kept on track. People need to be reminded of the purpose they are working for. Holding meetings once or twice during the event to evaluate progress is a great way to keep people motivated.

Set Goals

The first thing a fundraiser must have is a goal. Once the main goal is established, each team member should set a personal goal. Whether you are working with children or adults, both like to achieve goals. Not just for the rewards that are often offered but for the satisfaction of accomplishing a task. Goals should be attainable, but they should also take some effort. If one goal is reached, set another one. Keep moving forward. Setting and achieving goals are like stepping stones, each one moving you closer and closer to your destination.

Create Incentives

Creating incentives is one way to encourage members to meet the goals they have set for themselves. Smaller goals can be added on the way to reaching larger ones. This especially helps children stay motivated. Small prizes, such as school supplies or tickets to be used for larger prizes can be given each time reaches a smaller goal. The same idea can be used for adults, the only difference being more age appropriate rewards.

At the end of the fundraiser, the individuals with the highest amount of total sales are normally rewarded with a larger gift. Some groups hand out bicycles or pizza parties for the kids, while adults may get a day at the golf course or gift certificate to their favorite restaurant. The ideas are endless and can be almost anything the group as a whole agrees on.

Plan to Celebrate

Plan to celebrate a successful fundraiser. While you don't want to spend the profits of the event, you can still hold a small celebration. By having a carry-in dinner, you will eliminate the need to pay for food and beverages. The celebration can be held at a local park or a member's home to avoid having to pay for a venue. The only real expenses the event would incur, would be those associated with purchasing the prizes being awarded to the highest earners.

Create small certificates on the computer and print them out. Give one to each member of the team who participated in the event. It is something they can keep to remember the event and doesn't cost much to produce.

The incentives and goals for each fundraiser will be different. Depending on the type of fundraiser you will be hosting and how elaborate you want to be will depend primarily on the budget you have to work with and just how much money you are trying to raise. During the planning stages, make sure enough money is set aside for small rewards and prizes. Fundraisers that are created to reach a specific monetary goal, often surpass that goal and have money left over. In this case, the excess money can be donated to another charity or fundraiser or it can be placed towards the celebration party that closes out the fundraiser. Either way, the fundraiser was a success and everyone who participated walks away with a feeling of accomplishment.

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