When you're in the midst of corporate fundraising planning, take into account the number of employees you have and the type of business you run. For small businesses with only a handful of employees, your fundraising event should be planned on a smaller scale; if you have a large corporation with hundreds of employees, a larger, more elaborate undertaking may be warranted.

Determine whether or not alcohol should be a part of your fundraiser planning. If your business is moderate or sells alcohol, you should consider including a bar if you have a dinner or event; if your business is more staid or promotes healthy living or abstinence, the presence of a bar may be inappropriate.

1. Consider traditional food sales as part of your office fundraising planning.

2. Make sure your business fundraising planning takes non-food sales options into account.

3. Consider ready-made or professional fundraising options.

4. Large organizations should consider a fundraising planning consultant.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Start your fundraiser planner duties by considering the classic food sale

Long popular with schools, churches, and businesses alike, food sales are a tried and true method of fundraising. Most typically, each participant sells food items to their friends and the profit goes into the fundraiser till.

I recommend: GourmetFundraising.com has a wide variety of foods to use in your fundraiser, including soup and pasta mixes, coffee, sauces and marinades, popcorn and cookie dough and dessert mixes. Also consider iLoveFundraising.com, which offers cheesecake, chocolate, healthy snacks, candy, and meat snacks.

Make a list of non-food items to resell as part of your corporate fundraising planner duties

Non-food, door-to-door fundraisers aren't as popular as traditional food fundraisers, but you can pick from a wide variety of interesting and useful items.

I recommend: Entertainment Publications makes coupon books full of half-off and discounted offers. Home & Garden Party has a wide variety of scented candles and other items to sell in your fundraiser.

Turn the corporate fundraising planning over to professionals

When in doubt, save yourself the time and stress of attempting to plan your fundraiser on your own and trust a reputable professional fundraiser planner or ready-to-go event. The professionals will make sure nothing slips through the cracks; otherwise, it's up to you to remember every detail.

I recommend: A Casino Event will help you throw casino-themed fundraiser, complete with gaming tables, dealers, and chips. Or sign up at YourCause and let them lead you through online fundraising possibilities for your organization.

Hire a consultant to help make you a successful fundraiser planner

If the fundraising event or campaign is large enough, bring in a reputable consultant to help you manage things.

I recommend: EHL Consulting Group and Affinity Resources specialize in nonprofit fundraising.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Keep a notebook to collect information about your corporate fundraising event planner progress. Add price lists, food selections and fliers in the book so all of the information about your business fundraiser planning is in one location.