Public Events
Fundraising guide
Turn a room into a year of school
A public event gives people a reason to gather and a moment to give. It takes more work than a post, but it creates the kind of memory that turns one donation into a relationship.
Why events work
An event makes the work tangible. People hear a story together, meet others who care, and give in a moment of shared attention rather than a scroll. The ask lands differently in a room.
SKF’s own history is built on this: Assam Floods: Resettling Families shows what community response can do, and Thank You, VMware shows how a company gathering became sustained support.
Choose a format
- Run or walk — a 5K or sponsored walk. Best for workplaces and schools; needs a route, permissions and water.
- Quiz night — low cost, high energy. Best for pubs, community halls and friend groups.
- Cultural evening — music, dance or a film. Best for showcasing the work and attracting new supporters.
- School fete or festival stall — food, crafts and a giving jar. Best for families and local visibility.
- Dinner or supper club — a hosted meal with a short ask. Best for close networks and major donors.
Pick one format and do it well. A simple quiz that runs smoothly beats an ambitious evening that starts late.
Budget and permissions
- Set a small budget and decide who carries upfront costs. Aim for costs under 20% of the target.
- Check the venue for capacity, accessibility, insurance and noise limits.
- Ask about permits for public space, amplified music, alcohol, raffles and food handling.
- Confirm food and drink arrangements, allergies and a non-alcoholic option.
- Name one person responsible for money and one for the door.
If you are unsure, ask us before you announce the event. A permit problem discovered on the day is the most common way an event loses money.
Sponsorship and ticketing
Local businesses will often cover a specific cost rather than hand over cash: printing, the venue, refreshments, a raffle prize. Offer clear recognition and a simple one-page request.
For ticketing, use one platform and one link. Decide whether the ticket price covers costs or whether you will ask for a donation on the night as well. If you take cash, count it in pairs and issue a receipt for anything above your local threshold.
A ninety-minute run of show
- 0–15 min: arrival, music, name badges, drinks.
- 15–25 min: welcome, why we are here, housekeeping.
- 25–40 min: one story from the work — short, specific, honest.
- 40–60 min: the main activity: quiz, performance or meal.
- 60–70 min: the ask. One target, one action, one QR code.
- 70–85 min: thank-yous, raffle, music.
- 85–90 min: close and clear exit instructions.
Rehearse the ask once. It should take under three minutes and end with a specific number.
Day-of checklist
- Cash box, card reader or QR code, receipt book, float.
- Signage, donation link, printed impact one-pager.
- Volunteer brief: who does door, money, photos, pack-down.
- Accessible entrance, seating and toilets confirmed.
- Emergency contact and first-aid arrangements.
- Approved photos only; ask before photographing guests.
After the event
Thank everyone within twenty-four hours, including volunteers and sponsors. Within a week, tell attendees the total raised. Within a month, show what the money is doing. The follow-up is where a one-off evening becomes next year’s committee.
Every gift is receipted. Operating costs are funded by a founding member, so 100% of every donation after payment-processing fees goes to programs.
What the money funds
What your ask makes possible
These are shares of a real program cost, not fixed price tags — need varies by village — but they show what a modest gift can do.
- $50 — one-fifth of an annual sponsorship: roughly a term of school materials, uniform and exam fees.
- $250 — a full year of Support-A-Girl for one girl: tuition, books, uniform, safe accommodation, healthcare and mentoring.
- $1,250 — five years of sponsorship, carrying a girl from school into higher education or a trade.
Donations are tax-deductible in the USA (EIN 47-3774368). For Indian 80G and FCRA status, please contact us before giving if a deduction matters.
Questions
How much should I spend upfront?
Keep costs under 20% of your target. Ask sponsors to cover specific costs so the money raised goes to programs.
Can a company host the event?
Yes. Workplace events work well as lunch-and-learns, quiz nights or matched-giving drives. We can provide a short brief and a speaker where possible.
How should we handle cash?
Two people count it, record the total, issue receipts above your local threshold, and bank it the next working day.
Do we need insurance?
Check with the venue and your local authority. Public events, alcohol and physical activity usually need cover.
Can we sell alcohol?
Only where licensed. Confirm the rules with the venue and local authority before you advertise.
What if attendance is low?
Run the event you planned, collect the gifts you can, and follow up with everyone who could not come. A small room can still fund a year of school.
Can we use SKF’s name and logo?
Yes, on approved materials for your event. Do not imply that SKF is the event organiser or insurer.
Contact us
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