Firewalk Fundraising: Ignite Your Event for Maximum Impact. A charity firewalk is a truly unique and powerful fundraising event. It’s a challenge that resonates with people, inspiring them to push their boundaries while supporting a cause they care about. But maximising the fundraising potential of your charity firewalk requires careful planning and execution.
Here’s a breakdown of key areas to consider when planning your charity firewalk:
1. Costs & Income:
* Budgeting: Start with a clear budget, factoring in venue hire, refreshments, marketing, certificates, t-shirts, safety equipment, insurance, volunteer expenses and first aid.
* Fundraising Target: Set a realistic fundraising goal based on the number of firewalkers you anticipate.
* Registration Fees: Registration fees should cover your direct event costs. Aim for £20-£35 per walker, or consider including a charity t-shirt for higher fees.
* Sponsorship: Encourage walkers to set a target of £100-£200 each.
* Boosting Profits: Explore corporate sponsorship, offering promotional opportunities in return. Additional revenue streams like raffles, paid refreshments and bucket shaking can also increase your total.
2. Target Audience:
* Segmentation: Identify different target groups (staff, family/friends, current supporters, local businesses, community groups, individuals).
* Marketing Approaches* Tailor your marketing messages and channels to each group. For example, use social media for younger audiences and local press for broader reach.
3. Marketing & Promotion:
* Channels: Utilise local press, radio, email, social media, word-of-mouth, posters/flyers, telephone and platforms like Eventbrite to spread the word.
* Messaging: Highlight the challenge, the cause, and the impact of donations. Use compelling visuals and testimonials to inspire participation.
4. Maximising Sponsorship:
* Ease of Fundraising: Provide clear instructions and offer to set up Just Giving pages for walkers.
* Multiple Options: Offer both online and hard copy sponsorship forms.
* Tracking Progress: Monitor Just Giving pages to track fundraising progress.
* Encouragement & Tips: Send regular updates, celebrate achievements, and offer fundraising tips.
* Match Funding: Encourage participants to ask employers for match funding.
* Incentives: Partner with a corporate sponsor to offer gifts to walkers who reach their target.
5. Communication & Support:
* Welcome & Guide: Send a welcome email with fundraising instructions after registration.
* Regular Updates: Provide regular email updates, offering encouragement and support.
* Resource Availability: Offer donation pots, posters, and t-shirts to assist walkers.
* Event Itinerary: Share a detailed event itinerary two weeks prior, covering parking, timings, attire and refreshments.
* Post-Event Appreciation: Send thank you emails with photos.
* Feedback & Evaluation: Collect feedback from participants, volunteers and sponsors to improve future events.
6. Logistics & Post-Event Activities:
* Venue & Safety: Ensure the venue meets firewalk requirements and a thorough risk assessment is conducted.
* Event Schedule: Create a detailed schedule for setup, welcome, marshalling, photography, refreshments and closing activities.
* Staff & Volunteers: Allocate sufficient staff and volunteers to cover all areas.
* Press Release & Social Media: Share the success story with local press and highlight the event on social media.
* Fundraising Deadline & Gift Aid: Remind participants of sponsorship deadlines and maximise Gift Aid opportunities.
* Thank You & Database: Express gratitude to everyone involved and update your database with new contacts.
By implementing these strategies, you can turn your firewalk event into a truly impactful fundraising success!
For further information about making the most out of your firewalk, use a company who offers you more, visit Steve Consalvez: Giving Back. Book a charity firewalk through Firewalk UK and we’ll help you ever step of the way!