6 Steps to Planning an Event

Organizing an event to raise money may seem like a daunting task, but you can do it if you work step by step. Remember to have fun. It will be a lot of work, but it is exciting to know you are making a difference. Good luck!

1. Pick a cause.

Go to www.DoSomething.org/Causes to explore causes to get behind and organizations that are working on these issues. Before you start planning, contact someone from the organization you are raising funds for. Make sure they are willing to accept your donation and see if they can help you advertise.

2. Find a venue.

Whether you need a gym for a basketball game or an auditorium for a benefit concert, contact the location first to make sure you have a place to hold the event. Click here for ideas on ideas about types of fundraisers.

3. Organize volunteers.

You can’t do everything by yourself. Gather a group of friends, family, or anyone who wants to help you run the event. Give everyone a specific task to complete before and during the event. Someone can help by getting drinks donated and running the snack stand at an event. Plus, working with others is a lot of fun!

4. Gather supplies.

Make a list of everything you think you need for your event. If you are holding a car wash your list of supplies will be much different than if you are having a roller skating night. Ask local businesses or stores to donate goods or funds. Most people are really interested in helping!

5. Publicize.

Make flyers and post them everywhere in your community. E-mail a flyer to your friends and ask them to forward it on to their friends. Don’t forget to use MySpace and Facebook! Make an announcement at school or ask a local radio station if they will mention your event on the air. Be creative and people are sure to be interested.

6. Get ready for the big day!

Make sure you have plenty of volunteers to help on the day of the event. You may need people to set and clean up, sell food or merchandise, or tell attendees where to go. Remember, different events require different help. If you are holding a car wash you need people to wash cars while others direct cars into the place, but a concert may require an MC and ticket-takers. Make sure you assign everyone a specific task so your event will be a success.