Step 1: Assess Your Organization's Capacity

Before diving into fundraising, it's essential to evaluate your choir's nonprofit capacity. Use this self-assessment questionnaire as a starting point:

• Staffing: Do you have dedicated staff or volunteers for fundraising? How many?
• Skills: What specific fundraising skills do your team members possess?
• Time: How much time can your team dedicate to fundraising activities?
• Network: What existing relationships does your choir have with community members and local businesses?
• Mission Alignment: How does fundraising align with your mission and values?

Step 2: Explore Fundraising Ideas

Once you've assessed your organization's capacity, consider these fundraising ideas tailored for choirs:

1. Concert Fundraiser

• Host a special concert and sell tickets to raise funds.
• Involve local musicians or choir alumni to increase attendance and ticket sales.

2. Bake Sale

• Organize a bake sale during a concert or community event.
• Encourage choir members and their families to contribute baked goods.

3. Singing Telegrams

• Offer personalized singing telegram services for birthdays or anniversaries.
• Charge a fee for different song options and delivery locations.

4. Merchandise Sales

• Create choir-themed merchandise such as T-shirts, mugs, or sheet music.
• Sell these items at concerts, online, or through community events.

Step 3: Decision Matrix Template

Fundraising IdeaFeasibilityCommunity EngagementPotential RevenueConcert FundraiserMediumHighHighBake SaleHighMediumMediumSinging TelegramsMediumHighMediumMerchandise SalesLowMediumHigh

Step 4: Create an Implementation Timeline

Develop a clear timeline to keep your fundraising efforts on track. Here’s a sample timeline for a Concert Fundraiser:

• 6 Weeks Before: Set a date and secure a venue.
• 5 Weeks Before: Start promoting the event on social media and local outlets.
• 3 Weeks Before: Finalize the program and rehearsal schedule.
• 1 Week Before: Print tickets and prepare merchandise.
• Event Day: Execute the concert and manage ticket sales.

Step 5: Budget Considerations

Budget planning is crucial for fundraising success. Here’s how to break it down:

• Fixed Costs: Venue rental, sound equipment, marketing materials.
• Variable Costs: Food supplies (for a bake sale), printing costs (for tickets and flyers).
• Target Revenue: Set a goal based on your budget and expected attendance.

Step 6: Conduct a Risk Assessment

Understanding the potential risks involved in your fundraising efforts can help you prepare better:

• Financial Risks: Analyze break-even points and potential losses if ticket sales are lower than expected.
• Reputation Risks: Consider how poorly executed events could affect your choir's image.
• Logistical Risks: Plan for unforeseen issues, such as a last-minute venue change or technical problems.

By following these steps, you can find a fundraising idea that not only suits your choir's mission but also engages your community effectively. Good luck!