Create Your Own Event 

QUICK START GUIDE (click for a PDF version) 

The first step is to register to Become a Fundraiser here.

​Once registered you can create your event page utilize the Manage My Page option in the drop down menu under your name on the top right.​

To create an event, choose a template for the event you would like to host on the left menu. Then, in the drop-down menu, you can select the specific event type. From here you can add your event details and fundraising goal.​


Complete the rest of the event details, click save, and you’re ready to host your event!


EVENT CHECKLIST Click for a PDF version ​

Brainstorm

❑ List your passion, hobbies, and interests to generate fundraising ideas.

  • Decide on a name for your fundraiser – get creative!
  • Think about who should be involved or who you will ask for support.

Logistics

 ❑ Pick a Location

  • Explore locations without site fees, opportunities to get space donated, or negotiate a reduced rate.
  • Is your event outdoors? Does this location offer a weather contingency option? 

❑ Determine a date and time

  • We recommend planning a minimum of 3 months in advance.
  • Try picking a date that would work for you annually to help attendees mark their calendar year after year.

❑ Permits (usually for larger events involving the public) and insurance

  • Visit your local municipality building to determine timelines and who you should be working with. Consider what city, park, or street permits you may need.
  • If insurance is required, organizers must purchase an insurance policy at their sole expense, or use donations made directly to the third-party event. To purchase one-day insurance, we suggest K&K Insurance, www.kandkinsurance.com (800-637-4757), or a similar insurance company.

Set a Goal & Prepare a Budget

❑ How many people do you anticipate?

  • Will you require a registration fee or have a suggested donation?

❑ Determine possible expenses and estimate costs.

❑ Consider reaching out to businesses for in-support or a corporate donation.

  • To ensure your corporate donations are applied to your fundraiser gifts can be made online directly through your event page or via check utilizing our Corporate Donation form.
  • Ask for in-kind donations to offset expenses and/or add to your event experience?
    • For example, food, beverage, sound system, T-shirts, decorations, etc.

Fundraising

❑ Consider a suggested or required donation to attend.

❑ Review our Fundraising Tips and Tricks for fundraising ideas.

Volunteers

❑ Recruit your crew to help you organize, plan, and execute your event.

❑ Delegate tasks and check in regularly to monitor the group’s progress.

Promotion

❑ How will people find out about your event?

  • Make a list of your network and potential supports
  • Email, call, text, and share your event on social media. Access our social media toolkit here.
  • Create a flyer utilizing our customizable templates, Green or White versions, to help promote your event.

❑ Canva.com is another great resource for creating promotional materials.

❑ Refer to the “Crohn’s & Colitis Foundation Brand Guidelines” when creating promotional materials.

Day of the Event

❑ Schedule a pre-event walk-through with your volunteers to review everyone’s roles and responsibilities.

❑ Create a checklist of the day’s schedule, including a list of contact information of vendors and volunteers, etc.

❑ Have fun and greet attendees to communicate the event’s schedule.

Post Event

❑ Be sure to thank attendees, volunteers, and supporters through an email or personal note.

❑ Ensure any donations made via cash or check are attributed to your event by mailing them to the Foundation along with our Offline Donation Form.

Congratulations on a successful event!

For additional support reach out to our DIY team at DIY@crohnscolitisfoundation.org