From organizing events in your community to hosting online gatherings, bringing people together is fun, fulfilling, and an impactful way to support RAVEN and our work with partnered Nations. Are you ready to organize your own fundraising event? Great! Remember, you don’t need to reinvent the wheel. If you are unsure where to begin, you can start by asking yourself a few easy questions: How do you already engage with your community? How do you already generate income? Can one of those activities be reshaped into a RAVEN fundraiser?
RAVEN is here to help! Here’s how your fundraising event can be successful:
Plan
Get in touch with RAVEN to discuss your fundraising event idea and learn how we can help. We’ll provide you with a dedicated contact who can answer any questions and offer support to ensure your event is a success.
Set a clear and realistic fundraising goal that inspires and motivates your event attendees. You can always adjust your goal as you see progress!
Plan, plan, plan:
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- Choose the date of your event. Plan around holidays and similar community events to maximize attendance.
- Choose your venue. Remember that you’ll need time to secure any necessary permits and insurance, especially if your event will be held outdoors or in a public place.
- Reach out to any partners, performers, volunteers, speakers, host nation openers, and any other event participants well in advance.
Know why you’re fundraising and use your reason to draw people in and get them excited for your event. Check out RAVEN’s website to learn more about our organization and each of our partnered Nations, and connect with us for helpful fundraising materials and explainers to help you understand what we do and why it’s so important.
Mobilize and Promote
Mobilize and expand your network. Use the power of your own network to gather support, donations, and increase attendance. Don’t be afraid to reach out to new connections, too. We’re stronger when we work together! And remember, folks don’t have to attend your event in order to donate. Set up an easy crowdfundraising link and share it with folks who won’t be able to attend, so they can easily make a donation through our website. Make sure to let people know that they will receive a charitable tax receipt for their donation!
Promote your event! Use social media, email, texts, external event websites, and more. Make sure to connect with RAVEN, too, so we can promote your event through our social media, newsletters, and personalized invitations to our donors.
Celebrate and Wrap Up
Celebrate your event! Congratulations, you did it. Remember to celebrate your successes and the ways you are contributing to Indigenous-led environmental justice efforts. Make sure to give thanks. Thank your volunteers, donors, attendees, performers, speakers, etc.
Get in touch with your RAVEN contact again to share any photos, anecdotes, or quotes. We can also help you in completing your final donations to us.
Inspiration From Some Awesome Event Organizers
Since 2023, Queen’s Pre-Law Society has held various events to fundraise for Breathing Lands, an Ontario-based campaign. Events have included Cans for a Cause – a fundraising bottle drive, a LinkedIn headshot fundraiser, pub nights, trivia nights, and more.
Since 2021, Kayci and Sarah have organized Run for FUNds, a community fun run, to fundraise for Heiltsuk and Gitxaała. There is an option to participate in a 5k or 10k, and you can run or walk. This year’s run is happening on August 16th.
In 2023, Dee and Taz put on a silent auction and fashion show on Earth Day. They coordinated silent auction donations, beverages and snacks, and local fashion talent, with tickets and silent auction proceeds going to Gitxaała Nation’s legal challenge.
Make an Impact and Have Fun
Whatever ideas or plans you may have for a fundraising event, we are here to help you bring them to life! By hosting a fundraising event, you are joining a larger movement for justice and Indigenous rights. Supporting RAVEN and our partnered Nations means creating a future where Indigenous rights and title are respected and upheld, and the environment is protected and cared for. We are excited to have you join us—you are playing a vital role in this work. If you have any questions or need support along the way, don’t hesitate to reach out to our fundraising team at organizer@raventrust.com. Thank you, and happy event planning!
