ORGANISING YOUR OWN EVENT – 10 STEPS TO SUCCESS.

We’ve looked around for the best advice and put it into 10 tips. Links to sponsor forms and our justgiving pages are at the bottom of the tips.

• Choose something that you will enjoy organising. Your enthusiasm will rub off onto others and ensure the whole project is a great success.
• Be realistic. Event organising can be very time consuming. If your event is to be a success you will need to give up some of your spare time but you don’t want it to take over your whole life.
• Choose your date carefully. Look out for other local events that may clash and prevent people attending your event. Themed events can be a great success. For example with the World Cup on its way perhaps a BBQ on the day of the cup final where you charge people for food and drink.
• Think about costs. Local businesses may donate prizes, pubs may offer a share of drinks sales if you organise a quiz on a quiet night but you are unlikely to be able to arrange an event for free. Be prepared for upfront costs prior to the event and think how much your event is likely to raise. After all your hard work you want to be sure that you raise lots of money for Friend of EduSport.
• Pick the right venue. Ensure it is large enough, where possible that there is accessfor people with a disability to ensure we reduce barriers to participation. Base don numbers consider the number of tables and chairs and if there is adequate parking. If it’s a summer event, think about shelter – it might just rain.
• Publicity. If you don’t tell people about your event they won’t turn up. Use every appropriate method to publicise your event, posters, invitations, e-mails, Facebook, Twitter and of course our website. Local papers are keen to feature fundraising events, especially if they are original.
• Tell us about your event. We may be able to help with publicity materials, possibly advertise your event on our website or suggest other ways to make your event a success. Be sure to take lots of photos on the day and send copies to Friend of EduSport. You never know how many others you may inspire. Smile and enjoy the day
• Set up a Just Giving page, its quick, easy and saves you dealing with cash or chasing up donations. Simply got to www.justgiving.com/edusport and in 5 steps you can have your own on line fundraising page which can be emailed or linked to your Facebook status to ensure everyone knows about your event and how to sponsor/support you.
• Thank everyone who came, donated prizes, gave their time, or cash, or helped in any way at the event – no matter how small their contribution.
• Pat yourself on the back for a job well done and start planning your next Friend of EduSport Fundraising Event.