Spring is in the air and it's time to sweep out the cobwebs!  That goes for your fundraising calendar too.  A good spring cleaning can really tidy up your fundraising, and put you on the path to success.

Everything needs a good spring-cleaning at least once a year – including your fundraising calendar!  Most non-profit groups and organizations host at least one major annual fundraiser, but many will hold several throughout the year.  All that planning can lead to one cluttered calendar, which can make your job as fundraising organizer difficult and stressful, when it should be fun and rewarding.

Make your job easier and your fundraisers stress-free and successful by cleaning out the clutter once a year.  How do you do that?  Keep reading and you’ll find out!

Let’s Get Sweeping!

1.  Review and organize files from previous years

- Throw out anything you don’t need
- Sort files by campaign (If you ran a spring and fall campaign in 2005, create 2 files – Spring 2005, Fall 2005)
- Note:  A great alternative to separate files is a large binder with labeled dividers.

2.  As you’re going through, keep a notepad of any phone numbers, email addresses or other important contact information.

3.  Create ‘summary sheets’ for previous fundraising campaigns that include:

-  Your original goal
-  Type of campaign (product sold, or event hosted)
-  The fundraising company you worked with
-  Participants and volunteers involved
-  How much you spent
-  How much you raised
-  Any additional information that might be helpful to future organizers

4.  Attach your summary sheets to the inside cover of each file for easy reference.

5.  Remember that notepad of contact information?  Use it to update contact information for group members, volunteers, fundraising suppliers, businesses, and anyone else typically involved in your fundraisers.

-  Create a “Contacts” file.  Even if you have phone numbers and email addresses in another file or booklet, a separate contacts file kept with your fundraising files will make them easier to access when you need them.

6.  Create a permanent space where everything will be kept, such as a specific file drawer, or designated shelf.

A good spring cleaning can take a full day, or at least an afternoon, but the rewards are well worth it.  The next time you sit down to plan a fundraising campaign, everything you need will be right at your fingertips!  To keep up the organization, have a new file or binder section ready and waiting for the start of your next fundraiser, and maintaining order will be a snap!

Check out this article for more ideas on how to organize a fundraiser>>