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Everyone
enjoys going on overseas sports tours, but organising them is
another matter. One of the biggest ways of raising income is
by Fund raising as a group, not only does this help with the
overall cost of the tour and also makes the tour party gel together
before the tour starts.
There are loads of books of how to fund raise available – We
highly recommended – Tried and Tested Ideas for local fundraising
events by Sarah Passingham or you can log on to www.dsc.org.uk
- click on buy books on line - and you will see fund raising
books for ever occasion.
Fundraising
Many proposed tours never get the green light for lack of funds.
A pity - because it need not be so. Fundraising can be productive,
satisfying and enjoyable - a great way to build the team, and
have lots of fun into the bargain. True, it can also be exhausting
and frustrating if events do not go to plan and do not generate
the target income - but if you start wisely and realistically
and share the load, then you have every chance of good success.
Getting started
Adopt a professional approach right from the word go:
First appoint a Fund-raising Co-ordinator
Second, gather a Fundraising Committee
Third, set your targets and goals
Fourth, plan an achievable schedule of events and activities
Appointing a Fundraising Co-ordinator
The task of Fundraising Co-ordinator takes a very special kind
of person. They must have time and patience and good personal
and organisational skills. They need not, however, have all
the practical skills needed to fundraise. Their skill is to
find the right people with those skills, to persuade them to
join the Fundraising team then get them working together, using
their different talents and abilities to the full. The Co-ordinator's
role is to define the targets and goals and turn ideas into
action with a practical plan of campaign.
Gathering a Fundraising Committee
Look for the following types:
The 'Creative Writer' - put this person to work on leaflets,
posters and press releases.
The 'Number Cruncher' - every fundraising team needs someone
with a head for figures, with control over the funds and a clear
view of costs and potential income.
The 'Fridges to Eskimos' person - or in other words,
someone with the gift of the gab and a certain amount of chutzpah,
who can sell the idea of your tour to whoever - companies who
might sponsor or donate gifts in kind, others who might help,
people who might provide raffle prizes or a free venue etc.
The Tea Lady - or Man (let's not be sexist here) - What
event doesn't involve refreshments? 'Tea' is just a generic
term - refreshments that get the event rolling and generate
more funds may well be of the more alcoholic variety (but here
licenses need to be thought about - more later).
The Odd Job Man - or Lady (ditto) - Invaluable - the person
who puts delivers the flyers, puts out the chairs, plays the
background music, and does the clearing up.
The 'All Mouth -No Action' person - Committees attract these,
but avoid them if at all possible. People with ideas are relatively
easy to find - it's the people who put them into action that
are truly worthwhile. Once you have your committee, you must
now set about reaching your goals and targets, there will be
good and bad events, but at the end of the day ever pound you
make is a step closer to reaching your target!
Plan the details of your event Carefully - Having planed
your campaign very carefully, you must know decided how much
money you need to raise. You will also need to answer the following
questions:
What are the planned fund-raising dates? Fund raising
events often clash at Christmas, Easter or during Summer Holidays,
try to avoid these dates as many other groups will be very active
around this time, and a really good event is often spoiled because
the amount of choice on offer.
How many helpers do you need? Those who are not afraid of
hard work and who are able and willing to give the necessary
time to fulfil their task, will achieve the goals of the event.
What equipment will you need? Where possible use equipment
which is on hand or belongs to your organisation. Find sources,
which will offer you the loan of equipment. Ask local businessmen
for a donation towards the event, perhaps in the return for
advertising.
What venue will you need to hold the event? Choose the
right venue for the event; always take in to consideration the
changing weather in the UK. A happy and dry staff will always
generate more enthusiasm and more income, then a wet and cold
one. Organise an exciting event, which will ensure that people
attend your event, whatever the weather.
How are you going to advertise the event? Use colourful
and professional looking Posters, Newsletters and Leaflets to
advertise the event. Start to advertise the event as soon as
the data, time and venue are known.
Are printed tickets or posters required? Check the "Lotteries
and Amusement Act " before you start to organise a raffle. Start
a raffle well in advance of a function, with the winning tickets
being announced at an event. This will publicise your event
and should ensure people attend to see if they have won a prize.
Where are you going to find your prizes? Ask team members
to donate prizes up to a price limit. Ask retail shops and local
business that support your organisation to donate prizes. Spend
a percentage of the estimated income on major prizes.
What additional methods raising money can be held at the
same time? Always look for opportunities to raise cash at
other events i.e. Black out cards, Bonus Ball, Coin collection.
What do we do with the money raised? Always look for
a good interest account that will allow you to gain the best
return on your pound, please remember that you will need access
to your money, to pay your final balance 8 weeks before your
departure date.
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