Fundraise

Hosting an event isn't hard — it just takes planning. Remember that we're happy to help support you with materials and advice; just contact us.

Making Your Pitch

Here are some important steps to follow when holding a fundraising event:

1. Identify the problem.: “The UN calls Darfur the worst humanitarian situation in the world. In 2004, Congress and the president declared the crisis to be genocide. Four hundred thousand are dead and millions more remain unprotected today. At this time, the African Union (AU) is the only organization providing protection to civilians of Darfur. Although the world vowed to support the AU force, continued shortages have prevented the AU from being able to effectively complete their mission.”
2. Provide an analysis.: “Sadly, this problem does not need to exist. The United States and its international partners could protect the innocent people of Darfur if we had the will, yet there are not enough citizens holding our government accountable for its inaction.”
3. Layout the plan.: “The world’s governments must continue to work with the United Nations to form a peacekeeping force in Darfur, but the AU needs support right now. The United States and other nations must provide increased financial and logistical support to this critical mission.”
4. Explain what you need from guests.: “We need you help! Over half of your contribution will go directly to help protect civilians in Darfur. The rest will go toward increasing the number of citizens actively involved in this shared effort and toward ensuring that our government fulfills its responsibility to protect the civilians in Darfur.”

You should always:

Explain where the donations are going.
Include brief details about the situation and the need for donations in the invitation.
Ask for checks or have a computer with internet access at the event for online donations; avoid sending cash.
Make a presentation or offer handouts at all of your events.

If possible, try to:

Include a return envelope with paper invitations.
Have a sign-up sheet available for people who are interested in learning more. You can download a PDF of the sheet, or we can send you copies.
Use your fundraisers to connect with other potential activists. Let your guests know what they can do beyond giving money. Encourage people to commit to taking additional action.
Hold a follow-up meeting to discuss the best ways that you can use your skills and talents to help ensure protection for the people of Darfur.