NGO’s host fundraisers for varying reasons, including raising funds for a worthy cause or creating awareness. The success of these events depends on whether their objectives are met. Organizing a winning outdoor fundraising event can be challenging. Nonetheless, careful planning can help ensure a successful fundraiser. This article outlines four tips for a successful outdoor fundraiser.

1. Plan in advance

Proper planning is central to the success of your outdoor fundraising event. When organizing a fundraiser, know your goals and objectives and define its purpose. Many outdoor fundraisers are held in public areas. You must reserve the space several months prior to the event to avoid inconveniences. Planning an outdoor event involves deciding the fundraiser’s target, desired outcome, and the project/cause benefiting from the raised funds. So, determine these in advance for smooth planning. Know your target audience early enough to make it easier to customize the fundraiser accordingly.

Waste management is a key consideration when planning a fundraising event. You can consider dumpster rentals, including a dumpster rental, to keep the atmosphere inviting and clean. Portable toilet rentals come in handy as they ensure the attendees’ comfort. You should also have access to running water and electricity. Plan for music, lighting, and other equipment you might need.

2. Get the necessary permits

To host a successful outdoor fundraiser you must acquire all the necessary permits. Depending on the event's location, you may need a building/ construction permit that lets you put up temporary structures like tents, dumpster rentals, and portable restrooms. You also require a noise permit to determine the amount of noise allowed in the event and for what duration. This permit also protects you, the organizer, from sound complaints. If food and drinks will be served or sold in the fundraiser, secure the health/ food permit. Acquire the event permit, which allows you to host your fundraiser in a specific location.

3. Develop a fundraiser budget

A fundraiser budget makes it easy to track your expenses while preventing overspending. It enables you to allocate the available resources wisely to ensure a successful event. A fundraising event budget predicts the occasion’s expenses and income, making it easier to plan future fundraisers. It also helps measure the fundraiser’s success. When setting the budget, know your objective (how much you’re hoping to raise from the event) and consider the costs you’ll incur hosting the event.

Set the ticket price, bearing in mind that the proceeds should cover the event’s expenses and help you achieve your fundraising goal. To make the most out of your fundraiser budget, make it realistic and monitor your expenses.

4. Market your fundraiser

• Effective fundraiser marketing is crucial to helping you achieve the event's goals. The following are several methods you can implement for effective fundraising event marketing.
• Add the event to your NGO’s website: You can add the fundraiser to your site to get the word about the event out fast and easily. You can incorporate it in the website's header and brand a registration page containing the event details where potential donors can register
• Leverage word of mouth: Word of mouth can effectively market your fundraiser. It involves requesting donors who support your objective to invite their families and friends
• Use email: Email marketing allows you to reach potential donors in their inboxes, ensuring effective event promotion. You can send a series of emails, including the event announcement, which acts as the Save the Date, event reminder, and final-chance emails
• Leverage social media: Social media is ideal for creating awareness and generating excitement around your fundraiser. It allows you to target and get to a wider audience without spending much. You can create events on various platforms for potential attendees to put in their calendars, and dedicated hashtags for your followers to use

Endnote

Organizing a good fundraising event requires proper, careful planning. Consider implementing these tips to ascertain a successful outdoor fundraiser.