Fundraisers for Small Groups: Helping Small Groups and Organizations Raise Money Through Fundraising

Exploring the Value and Benefits of Small Group Fundraising

From emergency relief for a family in need to helping out the local sports teams, there are lots of reasons to organize or participate in a small group fundraiser. There are also many reasons that these kinds of fundraisers are important and beneficial to everyone involved, supporters and organizers alike. Successful fundraisers organized on a smaller scale can help bring a community together and often result in supporters becoming engaged in the cause long-term, whether it be as volunteers, donors, or in many cases both.

Small group fundraisers are also valuable within their own communities as they give groups and organizations who may be operating with limited (or nonexistent) resources an opportunity to raise funds for their cause. It seems these days there is an endless list of charities looking for financial assistance, and small groups are no different.  Nevertheless, these organizations benefit from the ability to be more innovative and flexible with their fundraising campaigns given that they operate on a smaller scale and in their own neighborhoods. Because these organizations are well acquainted with the areas they serve, they are also able to "tailor-make" events and campaigns to appeal specifically to those who are expected to attend. 

These fundraisers usually have a more immediate impact than, let's say, a large-scale non-profit fundraising campaign. This means that there is less lead time from when the fundraiser happens to when donors and participants start seeing results. Being able to observe a quick turnover like that keeps people engaged and feeling more connected to the group they are supporting, again, making them more likely to show continued support in the future. 

Last, but definitely not least, small group fundraising can be very cost-effective as they usually involve little to no overhead. Less overhead signifies that more of the funds raised go directly to the cause they are campaigning for, and with small community fundraisers, people want to know their money is going directly where it should be and not caught up in expenditures.

Now that we've started to scratch the surface as to why small group fundraisers are important and how they add value to communities, it's time to dive into exactly what constitutes a small fundraising group, as well as how to plan a successful fundraiser. We'll investigate how to go about setting realistic fundraising goals, how to manage resources as well as your volunteers, and, ultimately, how to market and promote your own event. 

And let's not forget the actual fundraiser concept itself! Should you be looking for some inspiration for your own event, we have provided a list of some of the more traditional and well-known fundraisers, as well as some that are a bit more unique and off the normal fundraising track. Here at Paybee, helping people reach their fundraising goals is what we do, so feel free to reach out if you need assistance at any point in your fundraising journey. We're here to help! 

Understanding Small Group Fundraising 

Small group fundraising is precisely what it sounds like: fundraising done on a small scale with limited resources as well as limited participants. The focus of this type of fundraising is to gather people together to raise money within their own community while also raising awareness about a particular cause. 

One of the more common reasons to get people together when organizing such an event is in an effort to raise funds to help local individuals or their families during hard times. This could include such things as assisting with medical bills or providing financial aid to a student wishing to go on an overseas study program.

Fundraisers are also frequently held to assist families or communities suffering from crises such as house fires or flooding or to lighten the financial expenses of a funeral or memorial service for someone who has passed away. Other common motives for hosting fundraising events include supporting community projects, like raising money to build or improve parks and playground areas, expanding libraries, or improving community centers. And let's not forget school-based fundraisers for sports teams and clubs, where funds can be raised in order to assist with purchasing new uniforms or equipment, or maybe assisting with travel costs.

As you can see, there is a plethora of reasons as to why a community may decide to hold a small fundraising event. Whatever the motivation, the common thread throughout these types of events is small groups of people coming together in times of need in order to raise some money and show their support for a good cause.

Planning and Organizing Small Group Fundraisers

As far as the planning process is concerned, the first two things to take into consideration are clearly defining what the fundraising goal is and who or what will be benefiting from the proceeds. 

Your ultimate fundraising goal needs to be both realistic and attainable. For example, if you are trying to raise funds for something specific, whether it be upgrades to the local park or assisting the high school soccer team with travel costs, speak to those in charge in order to determine what the actual financial need is and target accordingly.

Keep in mind that there will be expenses along the way. Things like promotional materials and supplies should be accounted for, with a bit of financial padding included. Unexpected expenses can always pop up along the way and can make the difference as to whether or not you meet your actual fundraising goal, so giving yourself a bit of breathing room is always a smart move. 

Next is organizing your volunteer team. Once you have found people ready to assist you with your fundraiser, it is important to assess the number of people you have and how much time each individual can contribute to your cause.  A small group of volunteers that can commit a lot of time to your event can be even more effective than perhaps a larger group who may have less available free time. Also, involving volunteers that may have a particular skill set, such as marketing, project management, or perhaps even prior fundraising experience, can be an invaluable resource and help elevate your team. 

Trying to set a realistic and attainable fundraising target can be overwhelming, especially with smaller groups that have fewer volunteers as well as limited resources. So, if you are still unsure as to what your target goal should be, it can be helpful to reach out and ask others who have done similar fundraising efforts in the past for advice. Having some personal insight from others as to how much was raised at comparable events can make creating your own target goal a lot easier.

Types of Fundraisers for Small Groups and Clubs 

Popular Fundraising Ideas for Small Groups

Most of us have attended or at least supported a small fundraiser, sometimes without even knowing it. Let's have a look at five of the more traditional fundraisers that have stood the test of time and are relatively easy for even the most novice of fundraising committees to successfully carry out.

The Bake Sale

Perhaps the most popular of all small group fundraisers, the bake sale is a simple and cost-effective way to raise money for charity. With volunteers contributing their time as well as their homemade baked goods, the bake sale is one of the most traditional ways to get communities involved in charity fundraising, be it as a volunteer baker or a sweet-toothed buyer. 

The Car Wash

Simple to organize and requiring very basic supplies, car washes are another classic small group fundraiser that brings volunteers together as a team to raise funds in exchange for a basic service. If held in a high-traffic area and particularly in the drier, hotter months, car washes can bring in not only supporters who were already planning on attending but also draw in support from those who just happen to be driving by. Just be sure to have a rain date in place!

The Raffle

Raffles are a low-cost and high-reward fundraising idea that generate excitement and money at the same time. Conventional raffles involve supporters buying tickets in hope of taking home the grand prize or even a secondary prize such as a gift basket or gift certificate. On the other hand, a 50/50 raffle (as the name implies) splits the proceeds from ticket sales equally between the charity and the person whose name was drawn. In either type of raffle, the idea is the more tickets you buy, the greater chance you have to win, leading people to, hopefully, buy multiple tickets at a time. This type of event also gives you a little more lead time to raise funds, as tickets are normally sold a few weeks in advance of the draw date. And the more time you have to sell tickets, the more money you can raise for your cause.

The Penny Drive

Most of us have seen donation jars while shopping at local businesses or participating in a community event. The idea of the penny drive is probably one of the simplest forms of fundraising there is. Place a jar or container in a visible and high-traffic area with inviting signage explaining your cause and encourage participants to donate whatever spare change they are willing to part with. The concept is simple: small amounts of money, when donated by many people over a period of time, can add up quickly. The penny drive is all about small change making real change for your charity, one coin at a time.

The Charity Dinner

While charity dinners are often associated with large charities or gala events, they can also be a great informal and "dressed down" way to raise funds for smaller groups and nonprofits. Volunteers are enlisted to make a meal, and tickets are sold in advance, with a takeout service available for those who are unable to attend. During the sit-down dinner, community members and volunteers alike have an opportunity to socialize and talk about the fundraising initiative. Many times, other fundraising events will be woven into the evening, such as raffles or silent auctions, which can dramatically increase the funds raised over the course of the night. Overall, charity dinners are a great way to get people together, promote a sense of community, and share a home-cooked meal all at the same time.

Creative and Unique Ideas for Small Group Fundraisers 

Now that we've covered some of the "tried and true" types of fundraisers, let's have a look at some charity events that are just off the conventional fundraising path... 

The Community Scavenger Hunt

Scavenger hunts have always been a fun way to bring people together and are a great way to raise funds for your small group or charity. Scavenger hunts can be tailored to suit any group size and, like all the other suggestions thus far, require little to no start-up cost. And with today's technology, it can even be organized through your phone with websites dedicated to assisting you in creating clues and checklists. You can also do it yourself with apps like Google Forms or Google Sheets so that teams can track their progress, as well as the progress of the other participants, in real-time, kicking up a little healthy competition in the process.

The Trivia Night

While trivia nights are by no means a new concept, they were looked over for some time as a great way to raise funds for charity. Who doesn't enjoy getting together with friends and duking it out in a battle of the brains, especially when it's for a good cause? You can even host a trivia night online using various online meeting platforms, such as Zoom or Google Meet, a trend that caught on during the pandemic.

All you need to do is find yourself some skill-testing questions online, an engaging host who knows how to work the room, and some teams who will pay to play, and voila! In some cases, you don't even need prizes, as bragging rights can often be prize enough, but a little extra incentive to win never hurts!

The Pet Parade

As they say, "everyone loves a parade," and what could make a parade even better than your charity supporters outfitting their fur babies in their finest (or most ridiculous) fashions and having them strut their stuff through your community? Pet parades are fairly easy to organize and can be held almost anywhere, such as a local park or community center. Participants pay an entrance fee and compete to win in such categories as "most creative," "funniest costume," and overall "best in show." 

Just be sure that it is a safe and accessible venue for both participants and spectators, and be sure to check with your local city hall to see if any permits are required well in advance. Also, make sure your event has all the proper amenities for our furry friends by providing water stations, waste disposal bags, and plenty of shade. Throw in some local food vendors or hold your own BBQ to maximize donation dollars, and, again, don't forget to throw in a 50/50 raffle or small silent auction on the side. Combining several fundraising efforts into one is a great way to add some extra excitement and keep people engaged and lingering around until the "top dog" is named.

The Digital Cookbook

A unique and low-cost way to raise funds, the digital cookbook is a fun way to get people to support your cause, get them in the kitchen, and generate passive income in the form of donations for months or even years to come.

It seems in recent years, and especially during and since the pandemic, there has been a resurgence of people wanting to learn how to cook and make their meals at home. The digital cookbook capitalizes on this by asking community members to submit their favorite recipes, organizing them into sections (appetizers, main courses, etc.), and publishing the book online for people to download at a cost or by donation. Bonus if you can get local restaurants involved and have chefs submit a recipe of their own!

Funds should be collected online via platforms such as Paypal or Venmo to ensure payments are collected safely and securely, and the recipe book itself can be marketed through peer-to-peer fundraisers on social media such as GoFundMe to make the process even more safe and secure.

The Silent Auction with Local Experiences

We all know that silent auctions are a great way to raise money for charity, but this is a silent auction with a twist. Instead of auctioning off physical items, supporters donate their time and/or talent to provide a unique experience for the highest bidder. These experiences could include almost anything, ranging from lawn care services to a private yoga class to a one-on-one cooking lesson with a local chef. Ask local businesses and artisans to get involved and see what they are willing to contribute (be sure to inform your bidders about any limitations or restrictions as to when they can "cash in" their experiences).

Because all the "experiences" are donated, this is a fun and low-cost fundraiser. Another great benefit of this type of fundraiser is that, as with all silent auctions, it can be done in person, virtually, or even as a hybrid event, which opens up your charity event to those who may not be able to attend or simply prefer to do so from the comfort of their own home. If you opt to host your silent auction online, the helpful staff at Paybee are more than willing to help you get organized from start to finish with their smart auctions, live streaming events, and mobile bidding services. 

Seasonal and Themed Fundraiser Ideas

Now that we've covered the traditional fundraisers as well as those that are a bit more unique and creative, it's time to move on to the seasonal and themed fundraisers, those that capture our more festive side and put us in the holiday spirit, and for many, the giving spirit as well. 

Because these fundraisers coincide with particular dates or seasons, they also allow for a little bit more time to plan. So let's work our way through the year and find some low-cost and relatively easy fundraisers to help generate donations for your cause. 

The Egg Hunt (With a Twist!) - SPRING

Easter egg hunts are synonymous with spring and people love to get out and participate in this family-friendly event. But Easter egg hunts don't just have to be for children. In addition to the traditional egg hunt for the young ones, you can hold a "special" Easter egg hunt for those who are simply young at heart. If possible, ask local businesses for donations and fill some empty Easter eggs with tickets that correspond to the items you've managed to collect, and be sure to include a "Golden Egg" with a unique prize that will really get the competitive fires going—in a friendly way, of course; it is Easter after all!

This type of event can be held in a local park or community center, with participants paying a flat entrance fee or you can simply ask that people give what they can, which should almost always be an option when it comes to small group fundraising. If possible, hold an egg decorating table off to the side or a fun photo booth with funny Easter-related props that can keep spectators entertained and engaged in the hunt while generating a few extra donation dollars at the same time. This could also be a great opportunity to throw in a small bake sale. Easter isn't all about chocolate after all!

The Outdoor Movie Night—SUMMER

Summer is a great time to get the family out of the house and under the stars to watch a movie together and raise money for a good cause. These events can be fairly low-cost, as projectors and sound equipment can be rented fairly inexpensively or loaned by a friend or family member. Just keep in mind that if you choose to hold your event in a public space, such as a park or schoolyard, you must have the proper permission or permits as to avoid any trouble.

In order to cut down on costs and give the event that "cozy feeling," attendees are encouraged to bring their own chairs, blankets, and pillows. If you're looking to raise a little extra funds on the side, sell popcorn, bags of candy, and other movie-friendly treats so people have something to munch on. While we've listed this event as a summer fundraiser, it is easily adaptable to any time of the year and really allows you to get creative with themes, i.e., Halloween films and costume contests in the fall, Christmas movies, and Meet Santa during the winter. 

The Pumpkin Carving Contest—FALL

Get your community out, raising funds for your charity, and enjoying the spookiest season of all with a pumpkin carving contest! Nothing says Halloween like a freshly carved jack-o-lantern, and a pumpkin carving contest gets families out and gets them creative. Perfect as an outdoor venue in a parking lot or school ground (if you want to keep the clean up as easy as possible), simply charge participants a small entrance fee and offer prizes for "most creative," "funniest pumpkin," or "best overall." Carving contenders can bring their own pumpkin, or if the option is available, try to source some pumpkins in bulk from a local farm or grocery store and sell them on-site. Provide some basic carving kits or encourage participants to bring their own, and don't forget to bring stickers and markers as well as some fun accessories for the younger participants. Safety first!

Like most of the events mentioned so far, adding additional fundraisers during your event can be a great way to boost donations. Offering seasonal refreshments and snacks such as cider or caramel apples, which are both low-cost and easy to prepare, or promoting a raffle or 50/50 draw during your event can be a great way to make a few extra dollars on the side during your event and make the evening a little more fun and a lot more festive. 

The Gift Wrapping Station—WINTER

While Christmas may be the "most wonderful time of the year," for many it is also one of the busiest times of the year. That's why organizing a gift wrapping station in the weeks leading up to Christmas Day can be a wonderful and festive way to raise donations for your small group or charity while making the lives of those who are supporting you just a little bit easier.

Ideally set up in a high-traffic area such as a shopping center or department store (with permission of course), all you need is a couple tables, gift wrapping supplies, bows, boxes, and some cheerful and crafty volunteers, and Santa's gift wrapping workshop is up and running. Gift wrapping can be charged according to the size of the box required or solely be donation-based; even better if they bring their own boxes! Offering a service in return for donations is particularly low-cost and always appreciated, particularly during the holiday season when people are feeling not only a bit more festive but a bit more generous as well. 

Promoting Your Event: Marketing to Raise Money For Your Cause 

While smaller fundraising groups may not have the same manpower or resources as their larger nonprofit counterparts, they do carry the advantage of having closer and more personal ties within their local communities. Because of this, smaller groups need to approach their marketing and promotion strategies from more of a grassroots perspective, with one of the best strategies simply being word of mouth. 

Not only is word of mouth basically free publicity, it also reaches it's target audience quickly and efficiently, especially in close-knit communities. When people genuinely care and are interested in a cause or event, it is more likely to come into conversation, which can result in a snowball effect where the number of people "spreading the word" happens fast. Naturally, the more people who have heard about your event, the better.

However, word of mouth doesn't just mean face-to-face conversations anymore. In today's world , word of mouth has gone viral, and with social media playing an integral part in almost everyone's daily lives, it is the perfect place to post about both your cause and your fundraising events.

Creating "events" and posting them across various social media platforms is a highly effective way to market your event for free, especially if you ask friends and families to share your event on their own personal pages in order to maximize exposure. Many communities have also created their own neighborhood-based groups on social media where people can share upcoming events, which enables you to reach audiences that may not have known about your fundraiser otherwise.

And, while social media and word of mouth are critical in marketing and promoting small group fundraisers, let's not forget some of the more traditional ways of publicizing events. While most people look to their Facebook or Instagram accounts to be up to date with local events, many people still subscribe to mailing lists and newsletters or stop to look at flyers posted in local businesses, community centers, and on telephone poles around town, so keep this "old-school" form of marketing in mind in order to reach as many people as possible. 

Last, but not least... Write up an old-fashioned press release and contact local television, newspapers, and radio stations and ask for their support. A small segment on the local news or a write-up in the morning papers community events page can reach a wide audience, including those who may not be particularly tech-savvy, which in the end can hopefully spark even more interest in your upcoming event. Just because some people opt not to be online doesn't mean they don't want to know about local events or about what's going on in their community.

All in all, the best small group fundraising strategy is to incorporate as many of these marketing strategies as possible. They are all either low-cost or completely free and can make a huge difference at the end of the day in regards to the attendance and, ultimately, the success of your small group fundraiser, bringing you that much closer to reaching your financial goal.

Managing and Executing the Fundraiser 

So far we've covered most of the basics, including what exactly constitutes a small group fundraiser, why they are significant to local communities and what kind of benefits they provide . We've also gone over some of the core strategies regarding how to plan such an event, including some effective marketing and strategy techniques. We've even gone through a list of some of the more popular fundraising ideas as well as provided some suggestions that are a bit more unconventional. So what comes next? The management and execution of the event itself. As mentioned before, because small group fundraisers operate with limited resources and personnel, it is even more important that the event is well organized to ensure that the fundraiser runs smoothly; even small hiccups can become big problems when dealing with small events. 

Handling Logistics and Coordination

As far as logistics and coordination are concerned, three of the most important items to take into consideration are your venue, your volunteers, and your ability to monitor and make adjustments as required. Let's go a little deeper into each one, looking at why each is important and the significance they hold in making your event run as smoothly as possible.

Venue

Picking the right place for your event can really make a difference in terms of how well your fundraiser goes. As people say, "Location! Location! Location!" Holding your event in a high-traffic area with adequate parking or close to public transport can be a make-or-break issue when it comes to getting people to attend and, hopefully, support your cause with a donation.

Regardless of whether you choose to hold your fundraiser indoors or outdoors, before making any decisions, be sure to ask about any permits that the venue may require as well as any restrictions that they may have, such as hours of operation, capacity, noise levels, etc. Making sure "your T's are crossed and your I's are dotted" well in advance of the event can lessen the chance of any last-minute problems popping up and will ensure your fundraiser runs more smoothly

If you do pick an indoor place, you'll need to have a general idea of how many people might come. A smaller spot may feel cozy, but if it's too tiny, people might feel squeezed. On the other hand, if the place is too big, it could look empty. This might lower the mood and affect the crowd's energy along with that of your volunteers.

In addition to the size of an indoor venue, you must also consider what kind of amenities are available. Do they have enough tables and chairs, or will you have to rent them from a third-party? If you will be serving food, does the site have a kitchen available for use with such items as plates, bowls, and cutlery, or will you need to provide your own?

When choosing an appropriate venue, other things to keep in mind are accessibility (is the location wheelchair friendly?) as well as whether there are enough bathroom facilities for the number of attendees expected. Nobody wants to go to an event and spend half their time waiting in lines. The same holds true for outdoor venues, meaning that should you choose to hold your event in the great wide open, you will need to consider whether or not it will be necessary to rent portable toilets if none are nearby and readily available.

When it comes to supplies, the best way to get organized is to make yourself a list of everything your event requires (such as A/V equipment, projectors, tables and chairs, etc.), and make a note of where those items are coming from. Not only does this help you be more organized, but it also makes it easier to know where to return what after the event is over. And being as organized as possible is the best way to make your event a success.

Volunteers

The key to managing your volunteers is communication. It is essential that all members, supporters, and volunteers are on the same page. When it comes to volunteers and committee members, it is important that one person and one person alone is designated as the main point of contact.

The advantage of having one person in charge of communications is that if any quick changes or pivots need to happen or if any information or updates need to be relayed, it is coming directly from the same source each and every time. Things can easily go off track if there is a lack of communication, especially during small group fundraisers, so having one consistent source of information helps keep things consistent and everyone on the same page. 

And, while sometimes it can be tempting to try and do everything yourself, this can be detrimental to the event while leaving you stressed out and feeling overwhelmed. Delegate tasks among the volunteers and have a "Day of Event" checklist to make sure nothing has been forgotten or overlooked. Make sure volunteers understand their role, their schedule, and what is expected of them, and train them if need be, just to be sure the event is consistent from beginning to end. Be sure to check in on your team members from time to time throughout the event to see if they need any support, but don't hover. Trying to micromanage your team can slow the whole event down and leave them feeling discouraged or frustrated.

At the end of the day, keep both spirits and morale high, and be sure to recognize their contribution. Promote a team-based spirit within your group of volunteers and lead by example. This is particularly important when organizing a smaller fundraiser, as every volunteer counts. Your volunteers need to know that you appreciate the time and the effort they are committing throughout the event... and don't forget to send personalized thank-you messages afterwards. You never know when you may need some helping hands in the future.

Monitoring and Making Adjustments

Normally, small fundraisers don't have the same sort of lead time or resources as their larger counterparts do, so when it comes to monitoring the progress and success of your small group fundraiser, it's important to be efficient, focused, and able to make quick decisions and adjustments on the fly. This begins with setting clear and simple goals that make the whole process of reaching your target feel easier to achieve.

While volunteers and attendees should already be aware of your ultimate donation target, breaking it down into smaller milestones and updating the crowd throughout the course of the event can give them cause to celebrate as well as motivate them to give. Be sure to check in with your team of volunteers so you can all discuss any achievements that have been made and use it as an opportunity to address any challenges that have arisen so they can be attended to as quickly as possible.

It's also important to interact with your attendees and ask your volunteers to do the same. Ask your supporters if they are having a good time and if they have any recommendations as to what you could do to make the event more enjoyable. People are more likely to give if they're having a good time, no matter what size the fundraiser may be. Getting feedback about your event in real time can help you make quick changes that can make a noticeable difference when tallying up your donations at the end of the day.

Ultimately, when it comes to monitoring your event and making the proper adjustments, the best thing you can do is stay focused, stay flexible, and take the time to make note of what is working and what isn't and adjust accordingly. Most importantly, breathe... and don't forget to have fun.

Post-Fundraiser Activities 

Post-Event Review and Evaluation

So the event is over, the cleanup is done, and the donations have been tallied. Now it's time for a post-event review. Analyzing your event after the fact is essential in determining whether your event was successful or not. First and foremost are the finances. How much money was raised, and did you reach your fundraising goal? How much money went to expenses, and what is your overall profit? If your expenses were high, what could you do in the future to bring these costs down and ensure that more of the money that you worked so hard to raise goes directly to your cause? These questions are important in determining what kind of changes need to be made should you decide to organize more fundraisers in the future. 

As mentioned before, it's important to check in with guests during the event, but even more important to check in with them afterwards. Inquire as to whether there is anything they could recommend doing in the future to make a similar event more enjoyable. The same goes with volunteers. If possible, hold a debriefing, or even a small luncheon, with your team after the event to go over results and ask them what worked and what didn't. Feedback is an invaluable tool when it comes to fundraising, especially from those who showed support. 

Thanking Donors and Participants

Small groups that host fundraisers in their communities have a distinct advantage over larger fundraising charities and nonprofit organizations when it comes to expressing appreciation to donors and participants. As previously noted, small group fundraisers are frequently conducted in close-knit communities where many attendees may already be acquainted, making it easier to keep track of attendance and donations and even easier to write those important thank-you notes to everyone who supported and attended.

When it comes to expressing gratitude, a great way to show your appreciation and add that "extra special touch" is to send out old-fashioned, handwritten notes, particularly to those who reached into their pockets and donated. If this isn't feasible, personalized thank-you emails or even a simple post on your website or on your social media accounts can make a big difference as to whether or not your guests and donors feel valued.

When it comes to small fundraisers, it is especially important to maintain good relationships with your supporters and to keep them engaged...So write the letter, send the email, and blast out the newsletter. Let your supporters know you appreciate them and hope to see them in the future. 

Sharing Results and Transparency

Regardless of how you choose to express your gratitude to your donors, be it through personalized messages, social media, or an email blast, these thank-you messages also give you the opportunity to report on the results of the fundraiser itself. Be sure to let your guests know if the fundraising target was met, the actual amount of funds raised, and how that money has been/will be allocated.

If any or all of the donated money has already been distributed, make it a point to include the impact stories that have been made, along with any pictures or visuals if possible, and continue to send updates as needed. Donors should leave your event feeling engaged and wanting to know that their money counts for something. Showing supporters real results not only proves that their money is making a difference, but it also demonstrates transparency and creates a sense of trust—two elements that are essential to sustaining long-term support for your cause.

But it's not only important to share your fundraiser results with those who donated or participated. Ideally, if you are running a fundraiser within your community, the community at large should be able to access the financial details in regards to your event. Doing so demonstrates accountability to both your supporters and the public in general.

Create a financial report that includes a breakdown of both the overall revenue as well as a breakdown of the overall expenses, and post it on your website or social media pages. Let people know how the money will be allocated in detail and if there were any administrative costs involved. Be sure to include contact information should anyone have any questions about the fundraiser financials or would simply like to know more about your project. Your financial report doesn't need to be Wall Street caliber, but it should at least cover the basics.

Conclusion: The Power of Small Fundraising Groups

So to recap...When a small group decides to organize a fundraiser, it's usually in direct response to a pressing need in the community. Perhaps to help a family find emergency housing or to extend services at the local library, whatever the cause, a small group fundraiser can make people come together, rally, and make it happen quickly. These kinds of fundraisers can be important and powerful methods of fundraising that shouldn't be overlooked. When it comes to small community-based fundraising events, the old saying "small but mighty" holds true.

Considering the majority of these fundraisers operate with little lead time and usually with minimal financial resources, organizers and volunteers alike must be creative, adaptable, and ready to make adjustments to their marketing strategies and event execution at the drop of a hat. Whether you are looking for any sort of assistance along the way with your fundraiser, don't be afraid to reach out to us here at Paybee. We are here to help support charities of all sizes and can help you make your fundraiser run as smoothly as possible while maximizing your donation dollars.

Whether you're entertaining the idea of creating a fundraiser or already planning one, we hope that you've found this article to be informative and perhaps even inspiring when it comes to finding the right event for your fundraiser. From bake sales to pet parades, there are so many ways to make a difference in your community, so gather your team, get yourselves organized, and get ready for impact. And once you're all done, remember to send out those thank-you notes to all of the people who helped along the way!!