Fundraising How to Guides
How to guides for various types of fundraisers
Table of Contents
Getting Started
We ask that you request permission before using the LHON Collective name, logo, or tagline.
If you’re not sure how to get started, we are here to help. E-mail Uli Heine in Donor Services at uheine@lhon.org.
Host a Fun Walk
Introduction
A fundraising walk is a fun way to spend time with friends, family, and your community. You'll choose a date and a location, then invite everyone to come walk with you and show their support. You might even make a day of it and have picnic lunches and a cooler full of cold drinks for all your participants.
What you may need
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Matching t-shirts
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Bottles of water
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Balloons, a banner, or other eye-catching decorations
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Choose your favorite local park with a walking track
How you collect donations
Typically, donations are collected in cash, but nowadays, people can make donations right on their phones. You can have them donate directly at LHON.org, or you could set up a JustGiving page for your lemonade stand and collect your donations in one place. A QR code at your table would be perfect!
How to promote your event
Think about who you want to invite and share your event on social media, via email, and/or text. Consider printing fliers to share with neighbors or to post in your community. People need reminders, so call, text, and post about your walk often!
Fun alternative ideas
Virtual Walk (Have people share selfies wearing your team shirts or using your event hashtag)
Host a Lemonade Stand
Introduction
A lemonade stand is a classic fundraising idea and it's easy! You'll find a spot to set up (your neighborhood may be just perfect), have a pitcher (or a few) of lemonade made, and be ready to offer passers-by a refreshing glass for the price of a donation.
What you may need
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Lemonade
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Cups
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Signs
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A money jar
How you collect donations
Typically, donations are collected in cash, but nowadays, people can make donations right on their phones. You can have them donate directly at LHON.org, or you could set up a JustGiving page for your lemonade stand and collect your donations in one place. A QR code at your table would be perfect!
How to promote your event
First, you'll want to make signs to let passers-by know what you're up to. You may also want to promote your stand on social media (don't just post once) and/or email and text your friends and family to let them know to stop by.
Fun alternative ideas
Organize a bake sale, yard sale, or craft sale.
Host a Game Night
Introduction
Hosting a game night is easier than it sounds and can be done in person or online (there are many virtual gaming websites to choose from). Choose a game that your friends will enjoy. Have them reserve their spot to play by making a donation. You could gather at home or meet up at a local game-friendly spot.
What you may need
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Game(s) to play
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Snacks and drinks
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Prizes for the winners
How you collect donations
Typically, donations are collected in cash, but nowadays, people can make donations right on their phones. You can have them donate directly at LHON.org, or you could set up a JustGiving page for your lemonade stand and collect your donations in one place. A QR code at your table would be perfect!
How to promote your event
Post on social media, tag close family and friends, and your venue if you're using one. Ask the venue if they will repost to their account to reach more followers. Also, print and post signs with QR code at and near the venue.
Fun alternative ideas
Game watch-party fundraiser. Gather friends for food and drinks to watch a pro game and ask for donations!
Host a Group Class
Introduction
A fun way to learn a new skill in a group setting, while donating to a great cause. Group classes can be anything - learning to make a specific recipe or how to paint on canvas. It can take place indoors or outdoors. If you live near the water, a paddle boarding or kayaking group class would be a unique activity.
What you may need
Depending on the activity, your list of needs will vary. Apart from your needed materials, think about refreshments or other things that might make the gathering feel special and fun.
How you collect donations
Typically, donations are collected in cash, but nowadays, people can make donations right on their phones. You can have them donate directly at LHON.org, or you could set up a JustGiving page for your group class. Add a note with a suggested donation amount, and voila!
How to promote your event
Post on social media (more than once) and allow your followers to share the posts too. Also, talk up your class. Word of mouth is key!
Fun alternative ideas
You don't need to hire an expert to gather your friends and explore something new together. Having friends over to make your own pizzas using gourmet ingredients is easy and fun!
Host an Auction
Introduction
An auction is a popular fundraiser because the sky's the limit in terms of donations - items go to the highest bidder! What can you auction off? Almost anything! Artwork or other handmade goods, retail merchandise, experiences, and trips, are all popular auction items.
What you may need
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Auction Items (try and recruit donated goods)
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Minimum Bid / "Buy Now" Price
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A Way to Share Items (include photos)
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A Way to Accept Bids
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A Way to Distribute Items
How you collect donations
There are auction websites that you can utilize (with a potential cost involved), you can promote via a Facebook event, and ask the LHON Collective for help in creating a personalized donation link. For an in-person auction, you can collect donations via check, cash, or credit card.
How to promote your event
Promote your auction on social media (don't just post once) and/or email and text your friends and family to let them know where to find your items and how to bid.
Host a Restaurant Night
Introduction
Collaborating with a restaurant is a great option for fundraising and raising awareness about LHON. Reach out to a local restaurant and ask them which night(s) are typically their slowest. Ask if they would be willing to host your fundraiser and donate a set percentage to LHON Collective. You will be helping them bring in traffic on a slower night.
What you may need
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Signs or fliers (include a pic of your family or loved one who is your motivation for hosting this fundraising event, if you'd like)
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You may want to print cards that say something like ”Thank you for dining with us and supporting LHON Collective research towards a cure!"
How you collect donations
The restaurant will handle the money, but you may want to provide a sign with a QR code for additional donations to LHON.org’s donation page.
How to promote your event
Post on social media, tag close family and friends, and the local restaurant. Ask the restaurant to repost to their account to reach more followers. Also print and post signs at and near the restaurant.
Fun alternative ideas
Maybe other local places might donate a portion of their proceeds to LHON Collective.