Robin Hood: Using Fun to Mobilize Funds 18th Eastern Africa Workshop on Resource Mobilization. Joseph N Wang’endo.

Putting Back the “Fun” in Fundraising Let’s be brutally honest – we’re more likely to do something, and do it well, if it’s fun. Fundraising is no exception. Bringing in money for a good cause isn’t just about raising funds; it’s about fun too. Fun fundraising ideas are engaging for fundraisers, donors and the charities they support.

Fun Events Organising fun events as a means of fundraising can be a great way to involve an array of different people and the community as a whole. It can raise awareness for your cause in a fun way, reaching new audiences and a wider potential new supporter base.

Why Do People Participate in Events? The Five Drivers of Participation. 1. Affinity to third‐party group. 2. Affinity to activity. 3. Affinity to participants. 4. Affinity to cause. 5. Affinity to organization.

1. Affinity to third‐party group. Often participation in an event is not because of the activity or the beneficiary at all, but rather due to the efforts of an affiliated (or unrelated) third party group. Similarly, many events use large corporate teams in which affinity to the corporation is the defining motivation.

2. Affinity to activity. Some people participate simply because they like the activity in question. For example, marathon runners like running, and that is usually their primary driver for participating in an event.

3. Affinity to participants. Some people participate because of others who are participating. A person who participates in a walk because a group of co‐workers or friends are also doing it might fall into this category.

4. Affinity to cause. Many people engage in fundraising events because they share support for the cause which the event is designed to impact. A breast cancer survivor, for example, might participate in breast cancer walks, runs, concerts and galas.

5. Affinity to organization. At this level, loyalty or community with the non profit organization itself is the participation driver. An executive who dislikes galas but attends one anyway to support the organization is an example of this type of participant.

Ideas There are a huge number of tried and tested ideas of raising money. With a little time and thought your idea can be converted into a new, exciting and up-to-date event

Ideas Fashion Show Concert / Play / Musical Evening Trivia Quiz - Pop / Sport / General Knowledge / etc. Car Boot Sale Sponsored Haircut Golf Tournament Five / seven a side football / rugby / hockey / etc. Sponsored Walk The list is endless and we have not yet mentioned the "Thon" family, MaraTHON, WalkaTHON, SlimaTHON.

What Makes for Successful Special Events? The following elements are crucial to successful special events: •    Careful planning •    A realistic budget and timetable •    Strong volunteer support •    Identification of the target audience/constituency •    Good publicity for the event •    An event date that does not conflict with other events •    A written contract between sponsors and/or guest speakers/celebrities

Planning Discuss with friends, colleagues, and management how easily the event can be organised. Do we have the people to make all parts of the project run smoothly? Will the event cost us anything to get off the ground? Arrange a date. What resources do we need? How do we publicise the event? What can go wrong? Can we get a celebrity? ( There are generally tame celeb's in your local area, or people who may give their time)

Publicising the event The media If you are able to get the support of your local Radio and TV station your event's profile is taken onto another level. You will find it invaluable when approaching people in the local business community. If they think that they might be able to get some good (and cheap) local PR, they are more likely to help.

Handy hints when seeking sponsors Set your sponsorship target - aim high! Seek help from your friends - network, friends of friends - you will collect more than you thought possible, but you need to work at it. Start your sponsorship early - well in advance of the event. When you approach people for sponsorship, ask them if they would mind giving you the money NOW - offer a receipt (we can provide you with a book if you need it). It is easier to give money back should you have to pull out of the event, as opposed to trying to collect after the event - people lose interest quickly, and often find excuses for not giving you the money. Always maintain a record of your sponsors and ensure that your list reflects those who have paid and those who have still to give you their contribution. If you belong to a club or association, get them involved either as a sponsor, by organising a fundraising event, or by 'matching' the funds you raise. Ask local companies or firms to sponsor you in return for wearing their logo on your T-shirt.

Sponsorship ideas that have worked Approach companies for corporate sponsorship. Get friends or colleagues to organise your fundraising Get the press involved as much as possible. Try to get your photo or a story about your fundraising in the local paper as much as possible Organise a plush dinner with guest speakers Tweet, Facebook, blog out to friends and family who live in different parts of the country and the Diaspora Organise raffles with prizes from local businesses

THANKYOU