How To Turn A Good Fundraiser Into A Great Fundraiser
"COME EARLY, BE LOUD, STAY LATE"
OR HOW TO TURN A GOOD Fundraiser INTO A GREAT FUNDRAISER
"Come early, be loud, stay late" is the slogan that University of Texas football coach Mack Brown started to encourage fans to support their football team. This same quote equally applies to putting on successful fundraisers.
COME EARLY!
Get your supporters involved in your fundraiser right from the start - AS EARLY AS POSSIBLE! Last minute fundraisers, typically turn into low profit fundraisers. Come up with a solid fundraising plan, including start and end dates, and STICK TO IT! It's important to start your fundraiser with a Kick-Off Rally. This event will provide an opportunity for you to lay out a plan of attack and, maybe most importantly, motivate your supporters. Remember, a fundraiser is just like a game, if your supporters believe they can succeed, they probably will. Set a realistic goal and infuse them with confidence that they can achieve that goal.
BE LOUD!
Want a successful fundraiser? Then make sure everyone knows you're having one! A fundraiser doesn't do anyone any good if people don't know about it. Send out a newsletter or mass email to your supporters prior to the launch of your fundraiser. Make sure you post signs, posters, and banners in and around your community letting everyone know how they can help support your cause. Remind your supporters to tell anyone and EVERYONE about the fundraiser, because you never know who your next donor could be - Be Loud!
STAY LATE!
What coach Mack Brown meant by "Stay Late!" is to stay until the game is over regardless of the score or outcome. This motto couldn't be more appropriate for a successful fundraiser. Regardless of how your fundraiser is going, don't quit until the whistle blows! Chances are you will raise most of your money either at the beginning of your fundraiser or at the very end, when the pending deadline creates a sense of urgency among supporters and donors. Be sure that your supporters are raising money until the very last minute by staying in contact with them via email or phone. Cap off your fundraiser with a Wrap Party. This will be a time for you to reward your supporters for all their hard work and get them excited about next year's fundraiser.
