Plan a Fundraiser

Thank You for considering a fundraiser to benefit PVA-WI! Whether it's a Bake Sale, Car Wash, Rummage Sale, Bowling Benefit, Trap Shoot, Motorcycle Ride  or any other event, we Salute you!  We can't provide the FREE programming to our members, their families and caregivers without you!

Nonprofit fundraising events are a great way to cultivate support and attract new donors. But great events take a lot of planning, financial support, and hard work. Before securing that banquet hall or scheduling those tee times, ask yourself a few questions:

  • Read PVA-WI's fundraising guidelines.  Click Here
  • Should we even have an event? As much fun as events can be, you want to have a clear idea of what the end result should be.
  • Who is our audience? Is this for existing supporters or are you trying to reach new ones? Maybe your event is for clients. Determine your target audience before you start planning the event itself.
  • What do we want them to do? Have a clear call to action for attendees.
  • Is an event the best solution? Events can be time-consuming and expensive so make sure it is the best way to reach your goal. If your goal is only to raise awareness, you may want to think twice.

Once you’ve determined a fundraising event is the best approach for your organization, create a plan that will help you organize, market and stage your event.

Steps for a successful event: 

1. Set a goal that makes sense:

Set ONE goal and focus on that goal only. It needs to be a goal that is measurable and specific.

Also, you must have a budget and stick to that budget! Your budget needs to line up with your ticket price. If your event is a lavish affair, the ticket price needs to be higher. Do you know how much your attendees are willing to pay? Be sure they are willing to pay that much for a ticket before you decide.

2. Choose the right type of event:

Your event should reflect:

  • Your audience or demographic
  • Your brand and mission
  • Your goal
  • Your budget
  • Your available time
  • Your expertise
  • Your staff and volunteers

Make sure you have a community of supporters already in place. A large event is not always the one to do first. You may need to do a few smaller events so people can get to know you before throwing that huge gala.

3. Secure event sponsors:

You need to define your value so you can clearly communicate why your organization is a good fit. How does your mission align with that sponsor’s goals? Do they have employees already supporting your cause? How many people in the community have benefited from your organization?

Talk about the size and the demographics of the audience you’ll reach. Tell potential sponsors how they will be featured and promoted at the event.

Have different packages and sponsorship levels to attract small “mom and pop” type sponsors as well as the big brands. Securing a sponsor starts with creating a relationship. Do not limit yourself to what you can offer the sponsor in a package. Ask them what is important to them and build a package around that. They may want less than you think.

4. Design a dynamic experience for your supporters:

For a fundraising event that inspires donors, consider these tips:

  • Invite the right people and share with influencers.
  • Pay attention to your invitation. Make it compelling and relate it back to your cause. Create a sense of urgency with early bird pricing and exclusive benefits for early registrants.
  • Go green! Only send the paper to those that need it and sell tickets online.
  • Solicit additional donations from both attendees and non-attendees. Give them the option to donate beyond the ticket price — many attendees will choose to give more if asked.
  • Encourage ticket buyers to spread the word – let them easily share the event with Facebook buttons or tweets.
  • Consider creating a peer-to-peer fundraising campaign to complement your event and help make the experience even more personal and interactive.
  • Thank your supporters immediately.

5. Promote the heck out of your event:

Establish a communications plan. Use your website, social media, email and print. Have corporate or business sponsors promote the event as well with a widget for their website. Invite people to be champions for you. Find those supporters who are the most passionate about your cause and ask them to promote the event on their social media accounts.  PVA-WI will promote your event on our social media accounts.

Are you Ready? Complete our on-line form today!  Click Here

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Please make sure you have reviewed Paralyzed Veterans of America-WI Chapter, Third-Party Fundraising Guidelines. Once the application is submitted PVA-WI will contact you to discuss the event and/or fundraiser. Please send any additional documents to info@wisconsinpva.org. If you have any questions, please email info@wisconsinpva.org.