HOSTING AN INDEPENDENT FUNDRAISING EVENT
An independent fundraising event is conducted by an individual, group, or organization in the community with proceeds to benefit Hope Faith Homelessness Assistance Campus or one of the Hope Faith programs.
WHO CAN CONDUCT A FUNDRAISER ON BEHALF OF HOPE FAITH?
Individuals and organizations can host an independent fundraising event to support Hope Faith. These can be individuals, families, civic organizations, churches, schools, businesses, government agencies ... anyone in the community can hold an event to support the areas of greatest need or a specific program of your choice.
HOW WILL THESE GUIDELINES HELP ME?
These guidelines were designed to make planning your community fundraiser as easy as possible. From creating a timeline and a budget, to organizing and publicizing your event, it is a complete planning guide that will allow anyone to become a successful fundraiser for Hope Faith. Feel free to use a few of our ideas and suggestions or all of them – whatever works best for you!
WHERE WILL MY DONATION GO?
There are many programs and services at Hope Faith - Homeless Assistance Campus that your donation can support. If you have a passion for a specific area, we will work with you to ensure your donation goes directly to that area. If you'd like details about the programs we offer, visit here to learn more. If you would like different funding ideas, please contact the Hope Faith Development Department.
HOW CAN HOPE FAITH HELP ME?
Listed below are ways Hope Faith - Homeless Assistance Campus can help with your fundraiser:
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Provide consultation on fundraisers and events
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Provide and approve use of our logo, provided certain criteria are met
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Help you select a program of Hope Faith for your donation to support
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Coordinate check presentations
We are here to support you. However, there are some services we are unable to provide:
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Our sales tax exemption number
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Insurance or liability coverage
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Mailing list of donors and/or vendors
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Hope Faith stationery
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Funding or reimbursement of your expenses
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Publicity (e.g. newspaper, radio, television)
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Guaranteed attendance of Hope Faith staff
GETTING STARTED:
Deciding to host an independent fundraiser for Hope Faith is a huge accomplishment in itself - thank you!
Here are 10 steps to help you get started:
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Form a planning committee. Bringing together a group of enthusiastic and dedicated people who share an interest in raising money for a great cause will increase the probability of a successful event.
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Brainstorm. Gather members of your planning committee to brainstorm ideas for your fundraiser. Give free rein to your imagination — several heads are better than one! The more people participate now, the more committed they'll be later.
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Choose the “right” event. The type of event you choose should fit the size, interests, talents, goals and time availability of your planning committee.
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Identify your target audience. Consider who is most likely to attend and support the type of event you have selected.
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Develop a budget. Try to identify all the expenses involved with your event (invitations, postage, rental space, signage, food and catering, promotional materials, website, advertising, etc.) Then think about possible sources of funds, and people and companies you know who may be able to donate products (food, equipment) or services (like design, printing, photography) to reduce your costs. This will help keep your costs down, which is something everyone will appreciate.
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Develop an event timeline. A timeline is important in planning a publicity strategy for your event.
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Schedule the event. Select a time that is appropriate and convenient for those who will be attending. Be sure to check local community calendars for conflicting events.
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Open a bank account. You may find that you will need to establish a bank account to accommodate incoming revenue and expenses. This can be done by visiting a local bank and creating a business account under your event’s name.
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Collect all funds. We ask that all event proceeds designated for Hope Faith-Homeless Assistance Campus be forwarded to Hope Faith within 30 days following the conclusion of your event.
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Say thank you! Sending thank-you letters, notes or e-mails to everyone who participated in or supported your event shows your appreciation and reinforces their goodwill about supporting Hope Faith.
AFTER YOUR EVENT
SEND IN YOUR DONATION/PROCEEDS
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Mail a check to: Hope Faith-Homeless Assistance Campus, 705 Virginia Ave, Kansas City, MO 64106.
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Checks should be made payable to Hope Faith-Homeless Assistance Campus.
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Include a short note explaining your fundraiser.
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Once we receive your donation, an acknowledgment letter will be sent to you for tax purposes.
SEND US PHOTOS
E-mail the best 3-5 photos from your event to: katie@hopefaith.org
LOGO USE
As stated in the guidelines, the use of Hope Faith-Homeless Assistance Campus logo is allowed for up to 30 days after your event. Remove logos from any materials after this time.
START THINKING OF YOUR NEXT FUNDRAISER!
The best time to think of a new idea is right after an event or fundraiser. Think of what parts went well and what could be changed to make the next event even more successful.