How to Organize a Fundraising Campaign

Organizing a fundraising campaign to support marginalized groups or nonprofits is a meaningful way for you or your GSA to make an impact and practice solidarity within your community!

Choose a Cause or Group

• Begin by selecting a specific cause or marginalized group you are passionate about supporting. 

Research and Identify Local Nonprofits or Groups

• Research local nonprofits, charities, or community organizations that are actively working on the issue or supporting the marginalized group you've chosen.
• Make a list of potential organizations and research their missions, goals, and impact. Look for organizations that are transparent about their activities and finances.

Contact and Vet the Organizations

• Reach out to the organizations you've identified to learn more about their work and needs. You can contact them via email, phone, or arrange a meeting.
• Ask questions about their programs, how donations are utilized, and any specific needs they have.
• Ensure the organization is aligned with your values. Look for reviews, testimonials, and evidence of their impact in the community.

Set Fundraising Goals

• Determine how much money, in-kind donations (e.g., clothing, food, school supplies), and sweat equity (volunteer hours) you aim to raise for the chosen organization.
• Set clear and achievable fundraising goals for each component of your campaign.

Plan Your Fundraising Campaign

• Develop a comprehensive fundraising plan that includes the campaign's timeline, strategies, and activities.
• Decide on the fundraising methods you'll use, such as online crowdfunding, events, donation drives for in-kind items, and volunteer opportunities for sweat equity contributions.
• Consider involving your school or community to increase the campaign's reach and impact.

Create a Budget

• Estimate the costs associated with your fundraising campaign, such as materials, advertising, or event expenses.
• Create a budget to ensure that a significant portion of the funds raised goes directly to the chosen organization. Include the estimated value of in-kind donations and volunteer hours in your budget.

Promote Your Campaign

• Utilize various channels to promote your fundraising campaign, including social media, school newsletters, local newspapers, and community bulletin boards.
• Clearly communicate the mission, goals, and impact of your campaign, emphasizing the opportunity for in-kind donations and volunteer participation.

Fundraise and Collect Donations

• Implement your fundraising strategies and encourage people to contribute financially, donate in-kind items, or volunteer their time.
• Track and manage donations securely, keeping a record of all transactions and in-kind contributions.

Express Gratitude

• Show appreciation to donors and volunteers through thank-you notes, social media shout-outs, or personalized acknowledgments.
• Keep donors and volunteers informed about the progress of your campaign and the impact of their contributions, including the value of donated goods and volunteer hours.

Deliver Donations and Volunteer

• Coordinate with the chosen organization to deliver the financial donations, in-kind items, and schedule volunteer activities.
• Ensure that the donations are received and that volunteers contribute their sweat equity effectively.

Share Impact

• Share the impact of your fundraising campaign with your supporters, including the value of in-kind donations received and the total volunteer hours contributed.
• Provide updates, photos, and success stories to demonstrate the difference you've made through financial donations, in-kind support, and sweat equity.