I want to fundraise for charity, but I don't know where to start?


There is nothing better than being able to give back and raise money for nonprofit organisations (charities). Feedback from Pinups of Australia states that pinups are more likely to enter and support a pageant if its aligned with a worthy cause. This is why they strive to produce pageants and events that raise money for causes such as - Beyond Blue, Dolly's Dream, Pink Ribbon, The Cancer Council, Animal Welfare League QLD, Wires and Wildlife Victoria.

 Here are some of of my tips to help you hold a charity event that's a roaring success:
  • Start early – Everything in life is 80% planning, 20% doing. The earlier you can get started the sooner you can start raising money.
  • Define your cause – Choose a cause that you are passionate about. Make it clear why you are raising money for your chosen charity, tell your story. For example, I raised money for Dolly's Dream after being a victim of cyber bullying, being able to share my story helped give others strength to share theirs and together we raised over $1000.
  • Set a fundraising goal – How much money do you want to raise and how will you raise it? A raffle, ticket sales, gold coin donations, live/silent auctions. Don't be shy to increase that amount as you reach your goal.
  • Contact your charity for permission and support - While people can absolutely raise money for charity without contacting them, it's best to reach out before getting started. This will help you follow any specific fundraising rules outlined by the charity since some are strict about funding sources. This include use of charity names and logos on event posters (print and digital). They are experts in the field so will share valuable tips, offer free swag, and media opportunities.
  • Promote, Promote, Promote – Create a Facebook event, poster, flyers. Use you networks to spread the word and approach local businesses for support. You’ll usually find local papers are keen to promote anything to support charity, so don’t be shy to reach out and contact them with a media release and link to your event.
  • Transparency – Build trust with your donors with transparency of monies raised. We recommend choosing charities that have public facing records of donations, like Everyday Hero, to ensure transparency and accountability. Some charities will provide letters or posts sharing your donation amount. Remember donating direct to a cause is always the best way to support. If timely donations are needed note that some donation platforms like social media may hold donations up to 90 days before releasing them, which was an issue with the recent Australian bush fires.
  • Thank your donors – Do this as soon as possible after their donation. Make it personal. Remind them of the good things their donations will do for the cause.
  • Reflect - contact your charity to let them know how you went, they may even ask to share your achievements with local media. Share in your event how much you have raised so everyone can celebrate your great work. Look at what worked well, and what could be improved and get ready to work on your next fundraising event.

Most of all, be proud of what you are doing, any money you raise for charity is a huge success and will mean so much to them.

Did you have any other tips for raising money for charity?

Further resources
Tips from Everyday Hero
Charity event planning and ideas
Cancer Council fundraising ideas 
Beyond Blue fundraising ideas 
 

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