How to Start a Fundraiser
Step 1 - Get organized
Determine whether this will be an individual or group project, and form a committee if you need to. Then, brainstorm what fundraiser you are going to plan. You can use our list of Kids for Wish Kids event ideas (PDF) for inspiration.
Step 2 – Choose a date and location
Once you have decided what you want to do, work with your advisor to decide the best date and location for your fundraiser.
Step 3 – Look over the rules
Make sure you know all the guidelines about fundraising for the Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon by reading the Kids for Wish Kids Fundraising Rules (pdf).
Step 4 – Register your event
Fill out the Kids For Wish Kids form (PDF) and mail or fax it to the Make-A-Wish office. Then, contact Events Coordinator Bri Davey at 503-292-2280, ext. 22 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), to discuss your project, develop a budget, ask questions and find out how the office can help.
Step 5 – Order supplies
Order supplies for your event by submitting a request online. The package of supplies you request will be mailed out to you within a week.
Step 6 – Get the word out!
- Design posters and flyers that you can put up at your school and in the community to get as much support as possible for your event.
- Challenge other homerooms, classes or schools. This is a great way to get more students involved in your fundraiser. The more students involved, the more fun it can be, and the more successful your fundraiser will be.
- Request a letter from the Make-A-Wish office to send out to parents and businesses in your community to get support and donations. (Visit the links to the sample parent letter (PDF) and letter to businesses to see what you can expect.)
- If you are interested, send out a media alert to see if you can get local news coverage. (See the media alert sample (PDF) and media alert tips (PDF).)
Step 7 – Finish up!
- Turn in your money to the Make-A-Wish office within 30 days of the event.
- Send a check or money order to:
Make-A-Wish Foundation of Oregon
Attn: Bri Davey
2000 SW 1st Avenue, Suite 410
Portland, OR 97201
- Plan a recognition assembly for the school. Work with Bri Davey if you’d like to request a chapter representative or volunteer to attend presentation.
- Meet with your committee to discuss the success of the event and brainstorm any opportunities for future projects.
- If you would like to, send out a press release about the success of your fundraise. (Follow the link to the press release sample (PDF) and press release tips (PDF) .)
