Hosting a fundraising event is a fantastic way to support Don’t Go Hungry while bringing your community together for a meaningful cause. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you plan a successful event:
To get started, reach out to us by emailing [email protected] and let us know about your idea.
We may be able to assist with the following:
- Volunteers
- Educational materials about our program
- Promotion on our website
- Promotion on our social media channels
- A program representative to speak at your event
Guidance for Community Groups Hosting a Fundraising Event
- Define Your Goals
- Set a Clear Objective: Decide what you want to achieve, whether it’s raising a specific amount of money, collecting food donations, or increasing awareness.
- Understanding Your Audience: Consider the type of event that will best engage your community (e.g., bake sale, charity run, silent auction).
- Choose an Event Type
- Creative Ideas: Fundraising ideas include food drives, trivia nights, community fairs, garage sales, or virtual events.
- Align with Our Mission: Choose an event that highlights the importance of reducing food insecurity.
- Plan the Logistics
- Secure a Venue: Choose a location suitable for your event’s size and activities. Check if permits or insurance are required.
- Set a Date and Time: Pick a time that works for your target audience and doesn’t conflict with other major local events.
- Budget Wisely: Plan for costs like venue rentals, promotional materials, and supplies while keeping the fundraising goals in mind.
- Promote Your Event
- Spread the Word: Use social media, email campaigns, and flyers to promote your event. Tag us, and we’ll help amplify your message!
- Leverage Local Media: Reach out to local channels like community bulletin boards.
- Engage Your Network: Encourage friends, family, and local businesses to participate or support your event.
- Make it Easy to Donate
- Set up clear and secure donation channels, such as an online fundraising page or a cash/card collection system at the event.
- Provide options for food donations if applicable, and ensure attendees know what items to bring (preferably non-perishable within the best before dates).
- Reach out to us to ask what we are in need of most.
- Foster Engagement During the Event
- Share Our Mission: Don’t Go Hungry provides food support to neighbours in need through a compassionate, community based program in New Westminster and Burnaby. As a mission of Trinity Presbyterian Church, we partner with multiple community groups and a wide diversity of volunteers to feed our neighbours.
- Include Fun Activities: Games, or entertainment to keep attendees engaged and excited.
- Say Thank You: Acknowledge donors, volunteers, and participants during the event and through follow-up messages.
- Post-Event Follow-Up
- Share the Impact: Let participants know how much was raised and how their contributions will be used.
- Thank Your Supporters: Send thank-you emails or cards to donors, volunteers, and sponsors.
- Evaluate and Reflect: Review what worked well and note any areas for improvement to make future events even more successful.
Hosting a fundraising event is not only impactful but also a rewarding experience for your community. Thank you for helping us fight food insecurity and create a hunger-free community.