Fundraiser ideas

jdluvr06

My uncle is letting us use land (specifically his beautiful garden) on his rescue farm for the wedding. He is letting us use it for free but we decided to donate the money we would have used on a venue to the farm. He has really been great about everything, even offering the use of his house for the reception if the weather doesn't hold out. So my mom called me this morning with the idea that we should throw a fundraiser to raise money for his farm, as a way to repay him for his kindness. I'm on all board with that. I think it is a great idea. The problem is that neither my mom or I have ever thrown a fundraiser and we have no clue where to start. I know that you ladies are so creative on here and any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

NYCMercedes

jdluvr06 said:

My uncle is letting us use land (specifically his beautiful garden) on his rescue farm for the wedding. He is letting us use it for free but we decided to donate the money we would have used on a venue to the farm. He has really been great about everything, even offering the use of his house for the reception if the weather doesn't hold out. So my mom called me this morning with the idea that we should throw a fundraiser to raise money for his farm, as a way to repay him for his kindness. I'm on all board with that. I think it is a great idea. The problem is that neither my mom or I have ever thrown a fundraiser and we have no clue where to start. I know that you ladies are so creative on here and any suggestions or ideas would be greatly appreciated.

So your uncle has a farm where he keeps rescue animals and you want to throw a fundraiser for the farm? Is this independent of your wedding?

jdluvr06

Yes it would be independent of my wedding. His farm is a horse rescue farm. He takes in any abused horse but most of his rescues are race horses.

ElcaB

I think it's nice of you to recycle the money you would have used for your venue to your Uncle's farm, but I don't think it calls for a separate fundraiser TBH.

MyNameIsNot

It's not necessary, but it would be nice to do a fundraiser for his rescue farm.  Before you start, talk to him about it.  If he isn't registered as a non-profit, he may have tax issues.  Or, he may just not want a fundraiser.

Do you have any friends who work for non-profit organizations?  Anyone who has worked on a fundraiser before can give you some tips to get started.  I would also talk with related charitable organizations, like the SPCA, to see if they have any connections.  It's pretty much throwing a party, but you have to advertise, charge fees, and do receipts for people to write off.  If you want to have extras, like a raffle or a silent auction, you have to get your prizes together.  

jdluvr06

Those are good suggestions! Thank you!

KatWAG

@jdluvr06 I put on fundraisers all the time and would be happy to give you some tips. PM me if you are interested.