What is the best way to support Patriots for Disabled Divers? We get asked that question all the time, and the answer is simple: run a fundraiser in your local community. Setting up your own fundraiser to support Patriots for Disabled Divers is a fun, engaging way to spread the word about PFDD’s adaptive diving programs. Fundraisers don’t have to be complicated to run. To help you get started, we’ve assembled 15 tips for running your own adaptive diving fundraiser.
- Understand the Cause: First, make sure you have a clear understanding of Patriots for Disabled Divers and our mission to bring the therapeutic benefits of scuba diving to injured veterans. Supporters will want to know where the funds will be directed and why the cause is important.
- Set Clear Goals: Define how much money you want to raise. Having specific, measurable goals will help you stay focused. It also gives you and your supporters a clear metric to shoot for. This will help keep supporters engaged and motivated to help.
- Choose a Fundraising Idea: Select a fundraising idea that aligns with your skills, resources, and interests. Don’t underestimate the importance of fun. You are far more likely to run a successful event if you pick a fun idea. Some popular options include bake sales, charity runs, online crowdfunding, or charity auctions.
- Plan Your Event or Campaign: Create a detailed plan outlining all the necessary steps. Consider factors like the date, location, budget, volunteers, and marketing strategy. The more specific you are in your plan, the easier it will be to implement your fundraiser.
- Budget Carefully: Nothing is more frustrating than a fundraiser that costs more than it raised. Create a budget for your fundraiser to ensure that you don’t overspend. You want to maximize the amount you can donate, which means keeping costs low. In general, try not to spend more than 10% of the funds raised on event costs.
- Legal Considerations: Research any legal requirements for fundraising in your area. Some regions may require permits or have specific regulations for charitable events. For example, if your event will include alcohol, be sure to research permits. Some states allow limited-duration liquor licenses for fundraising events.
- Online Presence: Whether your fundraiser is online or IRL, leverage social media and crowdfunding platforms to reach a wider audience. Online fundraising is all about telling a compelling story. Get personal and share why this cause is so important to you.
- Promote and Market: Get the word out about your fundraiser using every channel you can. This may include social media, email, flyers, local newspapers, and community bulletin boards. The more people who know about your event, the greater the chance of success. Encourage friends, family, and colleagues to get involved. Personal recommendations are powerful tools for increasing awareness.
- Provide Incentives: Recognition is a strong motivator, and even small incentives can inspire supporters to go above and beyond. Offer incentives like prizes, recognition, or exclusive content to motivate donors. You can keep costs down by soliciting local businesses for donations to use as prizes and swag.
- Express Gratitude: Thank your donors and supporters. Expressing gratitude helps build relationships and shows supporters they are valued. A simple thank you email goes a long way, but consider personal messages to your biggest supporters.
- Follow-Up: Keep your donors updated on the progress of your fundraiser and the impact it has made. This helps supporters see the fruit of their donation and increases the likelihood that they will support your next event.
- Evaluate and Learn: After your fundraiser, evaluate what went well and what could be improved for future efforts. This reflection time will help make your next fundraiser smoother and even more successful.
- Safety Precautions: If your fundraiser involves physical events, prioritize safety and adhere to local health and safety guidelines. Any physical event has the potential for injury. Take reasonable precautions and be prepared to address likely injuries. If your event is especially physical, like a fun run, consider having a medical tent at the fundraiser.
Remember that every successful fundraiser takes time, effort, and dedication. It’s no surprise that the most successful fundraisers are run annually. Repetition and practice create smooth, professional events that have the opportunity to grow through word of mouth. Be patient and persistent, and you can make a meaningful contribution to PFDD. To learn more about how to contribute to PFDD or to let us know about your own fundraiser, contact us online or via email at jeff@patriotsfordisableddivers.org.