| While planning for your charity event, it is vital to set a | | | | for by a sponsor and that should be your goal. Find a |
| budget and make a financial goal. For many nonprofits, | | | | staff member in your organization that is a good |
| the benefit auction is an important annual source of | | | | negotiator and put them to work. In exchange for |
| revenue, if not the largest. It is critical that you have | | | | donated items or services, a vendor could be given |
| clear objectives in mind, so that as your team is | | | | free tickets, a corporate table, or advertising at your |
| making the arrangements, they will work hard to meet | | | | event. Some of the expenses that need to be |
| the goals. | | | | negotiated are the venue, advertising, printing, postage, |
| When determining your budget, remember to include all | | | | decorations, food, drink, entertainment, etc. Obviously, |
| possible sources of revenue. Are you selling tickets to | | | | the more expenses can be greatly reduced or |
| your event? Will there be a cash bar? Is there a raffle | | | | eliminated up front, the easier it is to reach your |
| and a "fund-a-need" or similar program scheduled? Do | | | | financial goal. |
| you have sponsors or corporate tables? And, of | | | | Your nonprofit organization should not have to spend |
| course, there is the live auction and silent auction. | | | | money to make money and sometimes it cannot! |
| Even though your nonprofit is hosting this charity event | | | | Even if your nonprofit has the money to invest in a |
| to raise funds, you still need to anticipate the expenses | | | | benefit event, it is very possible for that first winning bid |
| from such an event. It is absolutely feasible to have | | | | to go right to supporting your cause and not to paying |
| nearly every expense donated by a vendor or paid | | | | off the centerpieces or the napkins on the table. |