Community Fundraising:

Community Fundraising Frequently Asked Questions

Minda Seibert, February 2, 2010

What steps do I need to take before holding a community fundraiser?

• Download the Community Fundraiser kit. It is important to submit completed documents to Mercy Corps for approval prior to your event. Permission is required in order to use Mercy Corps's name and logo.
• Currently, all fundraising for Darfur needs to be authorized in advance by Mercy Corps. If you are interested in hosting an event to benefit Mercy Corps programmes in Darfur, please contact Minda Seibert at (800) 292-3355, ext. 5741 or (503) 896-5741.

What are some examples of successful fundraising events that I can hold?

• Hold a benefit concert with professional or school musicians.
• Put on a talent or fashion show, comedy night or play.
• Get friends together for a walk-a-thon, fun run, bike-a-thon, dance-a-thon, or similar event, and ask family members and friends to contribute by the mile or hour.
• Encourage friends and family to make a donation to Mercy Corps in lieu of gifts for an occasion such as a wedding, anniversary or birthday.
• Hold a bake sale at school, church or office.
• Help your children get involved by sponsoring a lemonade stand or an event that features student artwork.
• Buy or sell items on eBay to support Mercy Corps' efforts.
• Raise money online by creating a fundraising page at mercycorps.org/fundraising. For FAQs for fundraising pages to go mercycorps.org/fundraising/faqs
• Fast for a meal with friends, colleagues or classmates. Donate the cost of the food you would have eaten.
• Sell items at a neighborhood garage sale and donate the proceeds.
• Hold a recycling drive. Offer to collect and recycle newspapers, cans, bottles or other items for a donation.

If you have an idea that you'd like to discuss with Mercy Corps, please contact Minda Seibert, at 503-896-5741 or 1-800-292-3355 ext. 5741 or through email.

How do I promote my event to the community?

• Download the Press Coverage Checklist online or contact Minda Seibert. This document provides step-by-step instructions to getting the word out about your event.
• Where appropriate, Mercy Corps can provide you with materials for distribution.
• Information about your event can be posted on the national Mercy Corps Events page.

How do I successfully raise funds for Mercy Corps through this event?

• Set a realistic budget for the event. Keeping costs down will generate a bigger profit for your event. In some cases, you can get things donated — like rental space or catering to help alleviate costs.
• Events where 100 percent of the amount raised is to be donated to Mercy Corps are often easier to manage.
• Be sure to communicate how funds will be generated for Mercy Corps and in what amount. For example, if you are selling tickets to an event, be sure to display what percentage of the price of the ticket will be donated to Mercy Corps. For example: "£5 of every ticket sold will benefit Mercy Corps programmes."
• Create a plan for collecting funds and keep accurate records of each donation.
• Document all donations on the Fundraising Tracking Form and send to Mercy Corps.
• Thank each donor and sponsor after the event.