Looking for a meaningful way to engage with and support the work we do here at Nellie’s? When you host a fundraising event in support of Nellie’s, you’re not only donating essential funds for the vital work we do, but you’re raising awareness of the violence, poverty, and homelessness affecting women and their children in our community and beyond. Plus, you’ll get the opportunity to connect with friends, family, and community members over a shared goal!
So how do you get started? First things first: You need to figure out what kind of event you want to organize! If you need some inspiration, here are some popular ideas that can have a marked impact for the women and children at Nellie’s:
- Fitness class
- Concert or karaoke night
- Bake sale
- Community BBQs
- Fundraiser dinner party
- Silent auction or raffle
Once you’ve figured out what kind of event you want to host, now it’s time to get planning. Follow these steps to ensure that your fundraiser is a big success!
Step 1: Figure out the logistics
When are you planning to host your event? Where will it take place? Will it be an in-person event or virtual? Consider who your target audience is, and where would be an easily accessible location for everyone.
Step 2: Determine your budget
If there will be costs associated with your event, you’ll want to plan out what your projected expenses will be (i.e., venue rental, decor, food and drinks, etc.) and what your projected sources of revenue are (i.e., ticket sales, silent auction, potential sponsorship, etc.). You can then subtract your projected expenses from your projected revenue to determine your net income, which will represent your total donation to Nellie’s.
Step 3: Spread the word
Promoting your event is a crucial part of the planning process — here are some ways you can share the news about your fundraiser:
- Reach out to family, friends, neighbours, and co-workers via phone, text, or email.
- Post on social media — and don’t forget to tag Nellie’s so that we can share your post, too!
- Put up posters around the neighbourhood and at the event venue.
Step 4: Celebrate on event day!
You’ve done so much hard work already — now enjoy the big day!
Step 5: Wrap it up
Woohoo, you did it! We hope your fundraiser was not only successful, but also fun! Once your event is finished, there are a few closing tasks to complete:
- Complete any outstanding payments or invoices.
- Submit cash or cheque proceeds to Nellie’s either via our Online Donation Form or by contacting fundraising@nellies.org to make alternate arrangements.
- Thank all of your supporters, and anyone else who helped make your event a success.
- You should also ask your attendees if they have any feedback to help you improve on future events.
- If you plan on hosting your event again next year, let your supporters know!
We are deeply grateful to all event organizers who put their hearts and creativity into supporting Nellie’s in fun and innovative ways. To help make your event a huge success, we’ve compiled our top tips in our downloadable Fundraising Toolkit, packed with event ideas, fundraising tips and tricks, sample email templates, and much more. And once you’re ready to get rolling, please reach out to us to discuss your plans and how we can help.