Creativity Takes Courage: Fundraising 101

"If you have come to help me then you are wasting your time, but if you feel your liberation is bound up with mine then let us work together."- Aboriginal quote

As an event planner at Forté Events Co. I often get requests to plan fundraisers for community organizations.  Most of the time the organization has already prepared plans toward producing the fundraiser.  The ask me to manage logistics and day of coordination,  so they can focus on the attendees and future funders.  However, I always ask "If you were an attendee at your fundraiser, would you give?, If so, how much?, If not, why?" 

These questions often prompt a thorough review of their original plans.  Most are surprised that after the plan review they would NOT give at their own fundraiser!  My role as an event planner can be very complex.  Managing of details and logistics matter, but also making sure the event (in this case a fundraiser) has a consistent theme and connects with the organizations intended audience are my concern as well.  This creates "buy-in" or in other words, when more time is given toward intentionally creating an event where attendees automatically connect with the theme, the more people are prompted to give without tireless efforts of trying to be convinced this is a good cause. It is important to make that connection with your audience, which makes  your fundraiser a success! 

In the quote listed above, the importance is placed on the connections humans have with one another in order to see progress.  The same is true for fundraisers, it is important to make sure that when planning a fundraiser you do the following: create a connection, stay consistent with your theme and diversify your funding sources.

In my new community of Channahon, I see great potential for raising funds and contributing to the effectiveness of existing fundraisers.  Recently, I started a little project that entails listing all fundraiser initiatives I come across.  In order for me to create an accurate list I need your help (I'm a newbie, remember, LOL!).  I am asking you to let me know of any fundraisers coming up within the area.  I would like to learn more about them and even attend some!  Here's to contributing,

I look forward to your responses...peace,

Monique Phillips

Event Planner, Forté Events Co.