Set up a committee

• Ask people who have a lot of experience or who can offer time and energy to the project.
• One individual should be in charge of delegation and organisation - The Committee Chairperson.
• Try to use the skills and resources that you have available in the most effective way possible.

Select an event

• Brainstorm about ideas :Some of the best fundraising opportunities are born from group discussions!
• Pick a relevant event to the audience e.g. a charity football match in your local football club. You will increase your chances of holding an event that is both a success in terms of raising money and a great experience for all involved.
• If you need inspiration take a look at our fundraising ideas

Select a date

• Attendance will typically be higher on the weekends depending on the event.
• Look at the community calendar to make sure that there are no other major events planned for the same date.
• Give yourself enough time to adequately prepare for your fundraiser.

Find a location

• You will need a venue that can both accommodate all of the guests and that has the facilities to provide all your event requirements (e.g. furniture, refreshments etc)

• Make sure to plan the event from start to finish and make a timeline of when each delegated task should be completed.
• You will need to have enough volunteers to allow the event to run smoothly.
• Make a budget and include all foreseeable costs of the event. Set fundraising goals; this will give you something to work towards but be realistic.
• Make a list of everything that you will need for the event: refreshments, tickets, chairs, tables, microphones, speakers etc. Depending on your fundraiser, you may need some or all of the following supplies: Selling tables, chairs, posters, tickets, refreshments, tally sheets to keep track of your efforts and cash boxes with plenty of change!

Sponsorship

• Contact potential sponsors. Local businesses will usually be happy to support a good cause and a local event.
• You may be able to get a business to sponsor the whole event or even individual parts of it (e.g. each hole on a golf course)
• Some events can be turned into participant sponsorship opportunities. Base the activity around a competition, e.g marathon, and get each participant to raise their own funds.

Spread the word!

• Tell as many people as you can. You could place signs around the local community or even ads in the local papers (you may be able to get ad space for free/discount as it is for a worthy cause)
• Many local radio stations will also have local community bulletin boards and public service announcements for non profit groups. Please note that any use of the SVP logo must be approved prior to printing

We would love to receive and images or videos of your fundraising activities and in some cases, they may even be put up on the SVP website to show off your hard work!

Send any photographs to fundraising@svp.ie

Don't forget to let us know about your event!

Give us as much detail as possible and we will try and help you as much as we can with t-shirts, balloons etc.

Fundraising@svp.ie

• Check whether all tasks are on schedule or completed.
• Go to the venue and check that it is set up and ready to receive guests.
• Collect donations/sponsorship
• Prepare a detailed program for the event and ensure to give enough time to each activity.
• Make a checklist of all the things needed in the venue.
• Check whether you have enough people to help out with the event. If you need more, ask around and see if people are willing to volunteer.

• Arrive early to the venue with all team members and volunteers.
• Make sure that organisers are wearing distinguishable identifications.
• Make sure that the host speaker has a schedule at hand. He/she should be well prepared and should be informed about SVP and those who have organised the event.
• Welcome all guests
• Take photographs of all important things including special guests, banners, activities, etc.
• Thank all guests and participants, donors and sponsors.

• Thank all committee members, sponsors and volunteers.
• Send any photographs to fundraising@svp.ie
• Send the funds raised for SVP into your local conference or region. Any donations to the SVP National fund will be accepted via the national office.