How to Motivate People/Teams/Sponsors in a charity?

Question

What are some things that would motivate people working for a charity (not getting paid)? Also, what are some things that would motivate sponsors to donate money, food, prizes, etc to be auctioned off?

Background: we are a charity that is holding a one time dinner/auction to raise money for a special needs person.

Answer 1

For donations: Be honest and keep it simple. Tell them what it is for, promise that they will be clearly identified as a sponsor, ask them if they have anything they would like to donate.

For food, you may need to get someone to front you the cash and just buy the food. Then sell tickets for the meal.

We do this for our elementary school and raise loads. We also hold a raffle.

Try to stay "in community". Local merchants who may know this person are more likely to help. Broaden out your range if you need to.

Papers will often give you a free mention or allow you to write an "editorial" describing the event, the person, and what kinds of things are happening.

If you can do this under the umbrella of a charitable organization the sponsors and helpers can deduct their gifts.

Check into orgs associated with the person's special need or perhaps a local church they attend might help.