As we fast approach our busiest season for fundraising events, we have been taking a look at the things an event planner needs to keep in mind…
A is for Audience – be clear on the groups you are looking to attract and make sure your event will meet their needs.
B is for Budget – have a realistic plan at the start of funds you are aiming to raise, how much you need to spend and where the money will be coming from.
C is for Community – the local one is always a great place to find supporters. Make sure you are known in yours!
D is for Dates – check the local calendar and make sure that your event is not going to clash with anything important.
E is for Enjoy – yes, events can be stressful but it’s important to be able to enjoy the experience. Happy organisers = happier attendees.
F is for Freebies – donated goods and services mean more funds raised.
G is for Gratitude – never forget to thank all those who have supported the event at the end.
H is for Health – there must always be adequate first aid provision in place.
I is for Ideas – get your team together and bounce some around. Everyone has something to add.
J is for Joint – if an event idea is too big for you to handle on your own, why not pair up with another charity or organisation to make it happen?
K is for Keep Calm. Things can and will go wrong but it’s important to keep a clear head and deal with problems professionally.
L is for Lunch – events can be tiring and you’ll need all the energy you can get so don’t forget to eat!
M is for Marketing – digital, social media, press or good old fashioned flyers and posters. There is no point having a great event if nobody knows about it so make a communications plan at the start.
N is for No – if something just isn’t working out, never be afraid to draw a line under it and do things differently.
O is for Opportunity – keeps your eyes and ears open in the most unlikely of situations and you may just find your next idea, volunteer or sponsor.
P is for Prizes – by having the best you can afford within your budget, people will be given a sense of quality and will, therefore, be more likely to return for future events.
Q is for Quick – you’ll be surprised at how suddenly the day has arrived and how soon it’s all over!
R is for Review – at the end, always sit back down with your team and review how everything went. Good or bad, lessons are always there to be learned for next time.
S is for Sponsorship – local business often look for ways in which they can support charities. By exchanging promotion for funding, services or volunteers means it’s a win-win situation for everyone.
T is for Teamwork – with so many elements to planning and running an event, it’s just not a job that one person can handle on their own. A strong team will make all the difference.
U is for Umbrella – if your upcoming event is outside, check the weather daily. Whilst you can’t control what it does, by having umbrellas, ponchos and drinking water available you can make it a more comfortable experience for the people there.
V is for Volunteers – never underestimate how many you will need to rely on to make things happen, especially as people can drop out on the day.
W is for Work – events can need a lot of this and putting the effort in is great but likewise, don’t do things for the sake of it. Simplicity is key.
X is for Exciting – (well almost…) And whatever the size, seeing an event you have planned come to life always is.
Y is for Yawning – you’ll certainly be tired at the end of the day. Which brings us nicely to…
Z is for Zzzzzzs – which will be much needed if your event has been a busy and successful one!
(Written by Christina Jones, Fundraiser at Strode Park Foundation)
