Charities, non-governmental organizations, or NGOs, and even local elementary schools rely on funding from outside sources to continue research, make a difference in the community and tackle the world’s problems. Donating a portion of your income to charity is a noble endeavor, but getting involved in direct fund raising through events like a charity walk can really make a difference for the organization you choose as a beneficiary.

Depending on your event’s size, there can be a lot of red tape, including dealing with local governments, securing permits, providing services and more, don’t let that discourage you from doing what your heart tells you.

Step 1

Assemble a steering committee to outline the broad goals of the project. The job of the committee is to approve the general parameters of the event, what charity or charities should benefit, and what roles each committee member will play going forward. You can chair the committee yourself and delegate responsibilities or put everything to a vote.

Step 2

Choose a fund-raising model. You can either charge an entry fee for each participant or allow participants to collect individual sponsors who commit to donations at the completion of the event. Set a minimum level of sponsored donations for each participant.

Step 3

Contact organizations who have sponsored charity walk-athons or walk/run races in your area. Use their contact lists to get in touch with companies who provide seating and scaffolding, any necessary sound equipment and insurance. Enter into contracts with these vendors for your event.

Step 4

Call the charities that will benefit from the event, and use any resources they may be able to offer. They might agree to supply the printing for brochures or logo t-shirts to give the participants. You’ll need to minimize the costs of the event in order to maximize the final donation tally, so using existing charity resources is a good first step.

Step 5

Outline a route, and then contact local law enforcement to work out the necessary permits. You may also need to involve homeowners’ associations if your event passes through residential neighborhoods. Secure the permits and permission for a long enough period to set up, complete and break down the event.

Step 6

Visit any businesses along the route, and ask them to donate merchandise or money in exchange for a mention on signage or in printed material.

Step 7

Schedule deliveries on the day of the event well in advance of the start time. Bleachers, scaffolding, a start/finish line, signage and concessions should be set up and ready a minimum of one hour before the start of the event.

SOURCE: livestrong.com