With carefree summer days setting like the sun on the horizon, now is the perfect time to think about making fall a season to remember. There’s no better way to do it than to get your friends and neighbors together and support a cause that means a lot to you. Some of the most successful fundraising campaigns and phenomena (ALS Association Ice Bucket Challenge, anyone?) started with a few caring individuals with a fun idea that motivated and inspired others to give. As a fundraising and development professional, I’ve planned many events, big and small, and learned a few tricks of the trade. Here are a few simple steps and resources that can guide you on your pursuit to engaging, energizing and raising some much-needed funds to help make the world just a little better. Step 1: Find your pasion Love animals? Want to make sure the beaches from Astoria Park to the Rockaways are clean? New York State has over 140,000 nonprofits to choose from and over 8,400 in Queens County alone. Whatever your passion is, find an organization that speaks to you. To learn about the different organizations around, check out Charity Navigator (www.charitynavigator.org), Better Business Bureau Wise Giving Alliance (www. give.org) or Idealist.org (www.idealist.org). These sites not only list organizations by category, but also give important statistics about leadership, financial health, programs and initiatives. Step 2: Connect with the cause Once you’ve found an organization that is working toward your passion, reach out. Have a conversation with a staff member to share your interest in putting something together on their behalf, and ask what their needs are. Organizations are only as good as the volunteers and the community leaders who support them, so don’t be afraid to discuss. Some organizations may have helpful tips, resources and potentially a staff member who can guide you and set your fundraising and friend raising endeavors on a course for smooth sailing. Step 3: Create your space I have a friend who has raised tens of thousands of dollars for juvenile diabetes by combining his passion for the cause with cycling. Think about an activity you love to do, and see how you can connect it to others. While some might want to go the sports route, there is no one way to raise support for an organization that you care about. Turn your standard Sunday brunch into a “Brunch and Learn” or ask your favorite local pub to host a happy hour special for the cause of your choice. With great sites like Razoo (https://www.razoo.com/), Go Fund Me (www.gofundme.com) and Crowdrise (www.crowdrise.com), setting up a page and raising support is easier than ever. Step 4: Set a goal If you thought kicking a ball into a net or hitting a home run felt great, imagine the feeling of meeting a goal of raising much-needed dollars for a cause you are passionate about. I have seen the best come out in people when united around raising support and awareness for a cause while being able to see the change in their community or world around them unfold. The goal should be something you feel is attainable—every dollar goes a long way to help impact an organization’s work. Have a conversation with your nonprofit professional to learn more about what certain amounts raised will do and how it will impact their mission. Step 5: Spread the word! You’ve got your organization, you’ve got your space and you’ve set a goal. Now it’s time to spread the word! Gather together your friends, colleagues, neighbors and others to join you as your team, and then share with others. Everyone can share a special skill or talent that can add to success of the campaign or event. Once you’ve got your team in place, put yourself out on social media, send out personal emails and even pick up the phone. The personal touch will always go a long way and make people feel like their support really matters. Sites like Eventbrite (www.eventbrite.com), Charity Happenings (http://charityhappenings.org/ticketing/) and Charity Buzz (www.charitybuzz.com) are great ways to get your event or cause on the map. Remember, every chance you can bring together people to make a difference can change lives and communities more than you could dream. Happy planning! SEPTEMBER 2015 | BOROMAG.COM | 33 GOD!
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