How do you organize a walk-a-thon fundraiser?

Question

I would like to organize a Walk-a-thon fundraiser to benefit the SPCA, but I'm really not sure where to start. I know I'll have to contact the SPCA, but I'm not sure what to say to them because I'm not sure what I'm supposed to expect from them.

Really, I just have no idea how to begin this venture, so if anyone has any experiance or has any ideas, I'd really appreciate it.

Answer 1

First: do you have experience organizing a walk-a-thon? If you have never participated in one, and never helped to organize one, then first you need that experience first. You need to look for a walk-a-thon in your area that you can help with, to learn all of the MANY things you need to do regarding organizing such an event. And such an event is a HUGE undertaking: you will need to arrange and pay for a place for the walkathon, pay security (as needed), pay for permits, pay for liability insurance, pay for marketing, etc. Fundraising events are *expensive*; many people think they can get everything donated, but the reality is that everything must be paid for by *someone*.

A better idea would be to volunteer with your local SPCA and get to know the organization: how it works, who does what, how the staff currently fundraise, etc. As you build a relationship with the organization, and the staff and other volunteers see that you are a reliable person, you can brainstorm with them ideas about how you can help raise additional funds with the organization.

Answer 2

The SPCA will have a volunteer coordinator or a development department; these are the people who are responsible for fundraising efforts and they will be glad to walk you through the process no matter how little you know, or already have done.  Just get the number, let them know you want to organize a walk a thon for them and you're not sure where to get started.  I promise you, you aren't the first person they've dealt with who wanted to do something good, but wasn't sure how to get started.  They'll really be glad to help!

Answer 3

what is SPCA?