Feel like walking on water might be easier to learn than starting a fundraiser for your nonprofit organisation? You’re not alone. 

Hosting a successful fundraiser means capturing attendees’ giving spirit while maximising the money you raise. 

No wonder you’re overwhelmed — it’s a lot to tackle alone. 

If there’s anyone who understands the struggles of creating an event from scratch, it’s us. At Eventbrite, we’ve been ‘event-ing’ since 2006. From creating an event invitation to crafting post-event email surveys, we’ve helped nonprofits worldwide start successful (and profitable) fundraisers the right way. 

In this article, we’ll show you how to start a fundraiser in 12 steps and share the ‘pro tips’ we’ve learned during our many years of experience. 

How to start a fundraiser in 12 steps

Step 1: Know the ‘why’ behind your fundraiser

Step 2: Have a clear understanding of your target audience

Step 3: Analyse current event trends (and use them to your advantage)

Step 4: Create a budget

Step 5: Choose what type of fundraiser you’ll host

Step 6: Determine your unique value proposition

Step 7: Organise your fundraising event

Step 8: Reach out to your network and potential sponsors

Step 9: Invest in the right fundraising software

Step 10: Create a fundraising marketing campaign

Step 11: Set up donation tickets

Step 12: Write post-event emails

How to start a fundraiser for charity 

A successful charity fundraiser needs an innovative idea, but it starts with thorough research and fundraiser planning. These steps will outline exactly what you need to start a fundraiser, reach the financial goals for your next fundraising event, and remove the headache of managing the event logistics. 

Step 1: Know the ‘why’ behind your fundraiser 

Understanding the ‘why’ behind your fundraiser will help you develop a strategic fundraising plan. Your ‘why’ should guide your decision-making in all stages of the process, from determining which type of fundraiser to organise to identifying which major donors to target. 

When questioning how to start a charity fundraiser, consider the following:  

💡Pro tip: Remember that donation amounts are higher in groups. Therefore, if you’re setting a significant fundraising goal, organise a fundraising activity where social status and group dynamics come into play, such as a charity gala or silent auction. 

Step 2: Have a clear understanding of your target audience 

The next step is to develop a clear understanding of your target audience because for your fundraiser to succeed, you need to get it in front of the right people at the right time.

Do this by assessing details on who your potential attendees will be, such as: 

💡Pro tip: Take note from WISE, who are hosting a conference showcasing women in STEM. As they know their target audience is higher income earners interested in preserving, learning, and appreciating women in STEM, they designed their event to appeal to this type of attendee.

A line up of guests attend a fundraiser.

Step 3: Analyse current event trends (and use them to your advantage) 

The key to fundraising success is developing a process based on current industry trends and data. For instance, 79% of nonprofits expect to use artificial intelligence (AI) in the next three years. 

To optimise the work of your fundraising team, consider how you can incorporate a growing trend like AI into your workflow. 

This might look like investing in fundraising software to help streamline the planning process or utilising generative AI like ChatGPT to create compelling copy for your social media posts to target previous donors. 

💡Pro tip: To make life easier, invest in event management software, like Eventbrite, that offers AI tools that help streamline mundane event tasks. For instance, Duck Club uses Eventbrite’s AI writing and email marketing tools to reduce the time they spend creating email campaigns and event ads — with Eventbrite’s help, they now experience a 60% open rate. 

Step 4: Create a budget 

Whether you’re starting from scratch or relying on last year’s budget, you need a rough budget in place in the early stages so you know how much money you have to work with. 

A budget will give you perspective on what type of event is the best investment for your money. Remember, your main focus should be on reaching your fundraising goal, and the best way to do that is to try to keep your costs as low as possible and your profit margin sky-high. 

Some things to consider when creating your fundraising event budget include: 

💡Pro tip: To guarantee a strong ROI for your fundraiser, use an event budget template to estimate your anticipated costs and compare them against the total sales revenue of your last event. If the projected expenses exceed the previous revenue by more than 10%, a more cost-effective fundraising idea, like a virtual event, may be worth considering.  

comparing different types of fundraisers

Step 5: Choose what type of fundraiser you’ll host 

There are three main types of fundraiser events: online, in-person, and hybrid. The type of event you choose should be based on location demands, as indicated through previous event data, budgetary constraints, and industry trends. 

Online fundraiser ideas 

Online or virtual fundraising events are cost-effective since you don’t need to hire a venue, and you have the scope to sell more tickets. They also allow you to reach potential donors, sponsors, and partners on an international scale, expanding the reach and impact of the event. 

Some creative online fundraiser event ideas include: 

💡Pro tip: You don’t have to lose a sense of community or an emotional connection just because your fundraiser is completely online. For example, the GoLibrary | National Library Board is hosting an online panel on Zoom to educate attendees about their relationships with the animals in their lives and the ones they eat.

In-person fundraiser ideas 

Research indicates that people experience less empathy when they don’t have an emotional bond to an issue. In-person fundraisers are highly effective as they allow you to create an ‘atmosphere’ — attendees who feel the energy, passion, and emotion in the room are more likely to get on board with your mission and donate. 

Here’s how to start a charity fundraiser that’s creative: 

💡Pro tip: Link the theme of your event to an upcoming holiday or special occasion to ramp up interest and event registrations. For instance, Women Who Can (CIO) are hosting their fundraiser, ‘Chapter New Charity Launch & Fundraiser!,’ against the backdrop of a gorgeous country house to increase the event’s appeal. 

Hybrid fundraiser ideas 

Hybrid events offer the best of both worlds — in-person immersive experiences with virtual engagement and technical innovation, allowing you to sell more tickets than just an in-person event. For example, an event such as Pilates Project: London Fundraiser for Education could give attendees the choice to join in online from their homes to participate in the pilates class if they can’t attend the event in person. 

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A post shared by The Remi Foundation (@theremifoundation)

Some creative hybrid fundraiser event ideas include: 

💡Pro tip: You can use Facebook to set up live events to receive donations that allow attendees to donate at any point during the event. 

Step 6: Determine your unique value proposition

People are excited to support a cause, but they also want to have a great time. ‘Raising money’ isn’t a theme. Bring your cause to the forefront of attendees’ minds by incorporating it into the event’s theme and activities. To raise money for its helicopter emergency medical service, East Anglian Air Ambulance is hosting Only The Brave obstacle course, inspired by its pilots, doctors, patients and families.

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A post shared by East Anglian Air Ambulance (@eastangliairamb)

In 2024, attendees seek unique experiences, so it’s the perfect time to embrace innovation. In fact, our latest TRNDS report found that 41% of 21–35-year-olds enjoyed wearing costumes to events with their friends. 

To inject creativity into your event, give it a crazy theme, like: 

💡Pro tip: Utilise the power of exclusivity and FOMO (fear of missing out). AK-OK 80’s Rewind Charity Disco in aid of St Ann’s Hospice emphasises the event’s limited capacity and highlights that people should “book early to avoid disappointment”. 

Step 7: Organise your fundraising event 

When figuring out how to start a charity fundraiser for a large-scale event, we recommend giving yourself eight to 12 months for the planning process to allow time for unexpected challenges and secure a venue. 

Some event logistics you’ll need to consider are: 

Finding the right space can take time. Even if you have a venue you’ve worked with in the past, it’s worth shopping around. A non-traditional space, such as a marketplace, can be inspiring, while some venues might be willing to offer a discount or donate the space to support a charitable cause.

💡Pro tip: If you’re looking for a comprehensive guide on what you must cover when organising your event, download our free fundraiser checklist now. 

Step 8: Reach out to your network and potential sponsors

Are you taking advantage of your community of supporters who might want to fundraise?

Sponsors help to promote nonprofit events and maybe even financially support the setup — especially when your budget barely covers the cost of the venue.

You need to do a little legwork to secure the most lucrative sponsors (who are also the best brand fit). Before you start writing a sponsorship pitch, it’s important to get clear on what you’re asking for and to find the best fit to sponsor yours.

💡Pro tip: Lean on your existing event network or community ties to seek out venues or performers who regularly collaborate with nonprofits and see if they offer discounted rates for fundraising events. From here, you can use a tool like Sponsor Seeker to find a sponsor for your event. 

data graph of event

Step 9: Invest in the right fundraising software 

The most efficient way to start a fundraiser is to partner with an event management software that removes the ‘guesswork.’ Effective fundraising software will assist you in reaching your fundraising goals by helping you promote your event across different mediums, like social media and email. Using tools like these helps you reach your target audience with ease and create compelling event ads. 

That’s why Eventbrite is such a great solution for nonprofits — it supports you throughout every stage of the event planning journey and marketing. 

From turning past event data into easily digestible reports and guiding you through how to start a fundraiser on Instagram to promoting your event on Facebook and collecting donations through generated QR codes — Eventbrite has your back. 

To learn how to start a charity fundraiser, look at event organiser Ladies Get Paid. They use Eventbrite’s Zoom integration to host their online events and promote their in-person events on our market platform. 

💡Pro tip: Use Eventbrite to create unique tracking links to understand better where your ticket registrations come from and which marketing strategies lead to ticket sales. 

Kickstart your fundraising event 

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Band plays at event

Step 10: Create a fundraising marketing campaign 

To sell out your fundraiser, you need a solid promotion strategy for every single marketing channel connected to your brand. 

The essential elements of a modern, cost-effective marketing strategy are:

💡Pro tip: Don’t be afraid to be a bit different when it comes to your marketing strategy. Remember that in 2024, potential attendees are used to seeing the same ol’ promotional techniques all over their social feeds. Stand out by using a ‘refreshingly genuine’ voice.

Cut out the ‘hard sale’ language in your copy and edit together a short reel of direct-to-camera promotional content that shows ‘you doing you’ — recommend your event to potential attendees like you would a friend, not a sales client. 

Step 11: Set up donation tickets 

Make it easy for people to donate to your fundraiser. With Eventbrite, you can set up ‘donation tickets’ to facilitate contributions from potential donors. These ticket types don’t have a set price or maximum limit, allowing attendees to donate any amount before your event even begins. 

You can also use Eventbrite’s integrated checkout system on your social media channels, like Facebook and Instagram, so attendees don’t have to leave the app to purchase a ticket. 

💡Pro tip: To maximise profits, use Eventbrite’s ‘add-on’ feature, which allows you to include additional offerings related to your event, like merchandise or VIP experience items, with a portion of sales contributing to the fundraiser. 

Step 12: Write post-event emails 

post event email example

The work isn’t done just because you’ve thrown away the last napkin. 

When you wake up the next day, don’t forget to follow up with your donors and volunteers with a thank you email. It’s a small gesture, but it means a lot to the people rallying around your cause.

Understand how to start a charity fundraiser with a successful post-event email: 

💡Pro tip: Give special recognition to generous donors who contributed ‘mega gifts’ to your foundation. Sending out a heartfelt ‘thank you’ email can help maintain long-term relationships with major donors.  

How to start a fundraiser (the right way) 

Planning a fundraiser is a daunting process, but it’s a whole lot simpler when you have the right tools at your disposal. 

With Eventbrite, you can collect donations, create a marketing campaign on social media channels like Facebook and Instagram, and track event registrations all from one place. 

While we can’t guarantee there won’t be setbacks, we can assure you that with Eventbrite by your side, you’ll never have to navigate them alone.