Getting Organized

• 1). Determine what the fundraiser is working toward. Nobody will support a fundraiser if the goal is not well established. These goals can range from new band uniforms, to group trip funds or to providing reading materials for children.
  
  
• 2). Figure out what type of fundraiser you will be running. There are several different fundraisers to choose from, such as candy sales, sub sales, bake sales and car washes. Choose one that you know will do well and be practical. Don't hold a car wash fundraiser if it is going to snow.
  
  
• 3). Set goals for the fundraiser. How much money do you need to raise? What is the time frame to get that amount? These things need to be spelled out in order to determine if the end result is a success or not.
  
  
• 4). Create a budget. You need to spend money to make money. Materials, ingredients and all other items needed for the fundraiser to kick off will take money to purchase. You can find discounts at several stores if you mention that the materials are for a fundraiser.
  
  
• 5). Get the word out. Advertise the fundraiser. The more people that know about it, the more potential income the fundraiser will have. Put fliers up around the community, post ads online and spread details by word of mouth. These are great ways to let people know about the fundraiser.
  
  

Managing Volunteers

• 1). Get help from within the group. It is always the best idea to get volunteers that are directly affected by the cause. Also, friends and families of the group can be good volunteers.
  
  
• 2). Advertise for more volunteers, if necessary. Craigslist and other online message boards are good ways for you to find volunteers to fill in any extra spots.
  
  
• 3). Organize a few meetings with specific goals in mind. Have an initial meeting to let the volunteers know what is required and what to expect. Other meetings can be for updates and any other necessary agendas that may come up. Make sure that you have contact information for each volunteer so you can update them at all times.
  
  
• 4). Have the volunteers sign up for different duties and times to work. Divide jobs into roles and shifts to make it easier for everyone. Make the shifts even so that there are no problems. Roles may include purchasing materials, selling items or distributing items.
  
  
• 5). Check in with the volunteers regularly throughout the fundraiser and have them do the same. It is a good idea to have the volunteers update you on their progress and for you to keep them on track.
  
  
• 6). Add incentive for the volunteers to work hard and meet their goals. Prizes or raffles can make it fun for them. Be creative and you can also pull inspiration from the cause you are supporting.
  
  

Follow Through

• 1). Create a detailed calendar to keep the fundraiser on task. Let everyone have a copy so that they are aware of it, too. Dates can include beginning and ending of the fundraiser, meeting dates and distribution dates.
  
  
• 2). Collect money and keep it in a safe place. Depending on the type of fundraiser, you can decide to use a safety deposit box or cash register to hold the money securely.
  
  
• 3). Distribute goods or provide services in a timely manner. If you wait too long, the customers might forget about it or feel like they are not getting what they paid for.
  
  
• 4). Give a thank you to the customer. It can be as simple as a printed thank you note or a small gift of some sort. A small token of your gratitude is appropriate and well received. These thank you's do not have to be expensive or outlandish.
  
  
• 5). By the end of the fundraiser, let the group and volunteers know if the goals you initially set were reached. You can do this by holding a small party for the group to celebrate their work.