Independent Fundraiser Toolkit
Thank you for shining a light by hosting a Fund a Life fundraising event!
When hosting an Independent fundraiser, it's up to you to create, plan, promote, and manage your fundraiser. Throughout your fundraising journey, you’ll have access to Fund a Life tools and resources to make your event planning process as simple and stress-free as possible.
Getting Started
Set your fundraising goal: Decide how much you would like to raise or the number of participants in attendance. To help reach your goal, establish benchmarks throughout your journey to track your progress. And feel comfortable adjusting your goal to reflect your efforts and results.
Pick a date and location: After you decide on the type of event you are going to host, determine when and where it will take place. Both in-person or virtual events are great options! Once you have those logistics confirmed, you can work backward to organize an efficient planning process.
Encourage Participation: Lead by example, and be sure to participate in your own fundraiser! Challenge other participants to join you in making a difference.
Spread the news: Even if participation in your fundraiser is not available to the general public, make sure you promote it to everyone who can participate. We will also give you, your organization, or your business shout-out to our social media followers and donors. If your fundraiser is public, we’ll help your promote it by posting about it at least once on our social media pages, and including it in our upcoming newsletter.
Our easy-to-use fundraiser toolkit will help you thrive!
Your downloadable fundraiser toolkit includes:
Fund a Life Logos
Fund a Life Brand Standards
Canva flyer template
Links to Fund a Life social media & suggested hashtags
List of suggested fundraiser ideas & our top tips
Customizable email template to share with friends, family, and/or coworkers
FAQs
Do I have to get Fund a Life’s permission or approval to host a fundraising event?
Although the beauty of this DIY fundraising toolkit is that you have the ability to structure your fundraiser however you see fit, we do ask that you submit your proposed fundraiser concept prior to launch.
How can I get the funds raised over to Fund a Life?
We would love to collect any funds you’ve raised in support of Fund a Life in person! When your fundraiser is complete, reach out to us at mhowell@fundalife.org to set up a time for Mark to visit your office, collect your donation, and personally thank you and your fellow participants for your support.
If you are unable to meet with us in person, you can mail your raised funds via mail at PO Box 406, Brighton MI 48116, or by donating as a lump sum online.
Can I print the Fund a Life promotional materials provided in the toolkit?
Absolutely! Please feel free to print and distribute the provided materials. If you’re local to Brighton, we suggest using First Impression Print & Marketing for an awesome printing experience
Do I have to do one of the suggested fundraisers?
Not at all! Our suggestions are simply to help get your creative juices flowing, and to help out if you’re ready to host an event but need a little inspiration. We welcome your ideas and would love for you to host your own unique fundraising event.
Can I use the Fund a Life logo in my promotional materials?
When creating any promotional materials for your fundraiser, please use the provided sub-logo. We have also provided our brand standards in the toolkit - feel free to use these guides for any digital or printed materials you might create.
Will Fund a Life promote my event for me?
Although we cannot guarantee timely event promotion for DIY fundraisers, we will try our best to share any content that you tag us in on social media, and to include a shoutout about your fundraiser in our next newsletter. We may also feature you & your organization you share on our website and in social media posts.
We deeply appreciate your support, and we want to show our love and gratitude for you however we can!
How can I get Mark or someone from the Fund a Life team to come to my event?
If you’re interested in having Mark visit your fundraiser, please reach out to him directly at mhowell@fundalife.org. While Mark will not always be available to attend every fundraiser, we will do our best to support you however we can!
Can I share photos and videos from my fundraiser on social media?
Of course! Whether or not your fundraiser is open to the public, we strongly encourage you to spread the word on social media, either before, during, or after your event. Make sure to tag us and use the hashtags, too!
As part of the Independent Fundraiser program, Fund a Life is unable to:
Pull permits or insurance
Underwrite or pay expenses
Can I use the 501(c)3 number?
Unfortunately, you cannot use Fund a Life’s 501(c)3 number in connection to your fundraiser.