Basket 01794 340 100
Basket 01794 340 100
25 July 2016
Timing is a key player in your fundraising success, regardless of the size or style of the event you are planning.
We don’t just mean the timing of your event in the year – on top of this, the time you invest in planning your event will have an effect on the success of the fundraiser.
To ensure your event runs smoothly, a clear plan and some time for organisation are important to ensure you don’t face anything unexpected.
Planning in advance of the event will allow you to mark out everything you need, including location, volunteers, prizes, equipment etc. You can then easily set a time frame and budget to accommodate your needs. Sandra Sims states in the 5 Keys to Successful Fundraising that “organisation plays a critical part in the success of a fundraiser”, no matter the scale or size of the event.
Consider how much time you have before your event and whether your ideas are viable in that time frame. It’s easy to underestimate the planning stages of any event so be sure to look at your budget, hiring venues and equipment, sending invites out to your guests and gathering volunteers (if you need them).
When planning your event it is also a good idea to note the seasonal events that occur around the time of the fundraiser, to make sure you either avoid the holiday or take advantage of it and create a themed event.
The timing of your event through the year is also another key factor to its success.
Research has shown that ‘charities receive 41% of their donations in the last few weeks of the year” (Mark Shreve, We Did It Blog). Christmas time has a huge effect on people’s perspectives and the festive joy and season of giving influences individuals’ decision to give to charities. However, Raffle Ticket 4U sales show that the second biggest spike in sales falls between May and June, because organisations are purchasing raffle tickets for their summer fetes and fairs that happen throughout July and August – so this is a good time to capitalise on summertime celebrations, and make the most of any nice weather if your fundraiser is outside!
The timing of your fundraising event largely depends on your organisation and style of event, however, it’s clear that planning your event around major seasonal holidays, annual events or a specific awareness day, week or month can help to really sell your event and raise more donations.
This could be because the event is seen to have more of a purpose if themed around an existing awareness day or event. It could also be because individuals expect to attend and pay for an event around the seasonal holidays. For example, people often expect to attend a bonfire night fireworks display, a summer fete, or a Christmas fair.
Not every event or awareness day will relate to your charity or your goals, but it is likely that you’ll be able to build your next event around a specific calendar event if that’s what you want to do. It gives a ready-made theme and a feeling of festivity to your celebration.
The timing of your event in the year as well as the time you take to plan your event can both have an effect on the success of your fundraiser. Read our information below featuring some key annual dates, as well as some advice on the best time to host your event. Also, keep an eye out for Part 3 of the Guide on Running a Successful Raffle, because it’s all about planning your raffle event.
We have included the best times to fundraise below, including the best seasonal happenings that could help your event, as well as specifying national events that you could use as inspiration, or could base your fundraiser on.
Research suggests that January to April is the second best time of the year for giving. This is because the curve of end-of-year giving extends through December and ends mid-January. Many people will wait for their new year’s budget in order to donate, and many are inspired by the fresh start that a new year can bring.
January to April events:
Specialised Holidays:
Apparently May through to August is the lowest point in the year when it comes to donations. However, the summer is the second biggest spike we see in raffle ticket sales, and these are the perfect months for summer fairs and village fetes. So why not make the most of our summer weather with some summertime fundraising?
May to August events:
Specialised Holidays:
Donations to charities reach an annual high at the end of the year. People are influenced by the festive season and the act of giving at Christmas. The start of a new school term is also a great time to start fundraising, as well as the other seasonal holidays – Halloween and Bonfire Night.
September to December events:
Specialised Holidays:
