Course Overview

The overall aim of this course is to present the issues and processes involved in planning and organizing special fundraising events.

It examines the advantages and disadvantages of special events as a fundraising technique; it explores different types of special events; and it sets out the organization of special events in terms of: tasks and responsibilities, the participation of celebrities, scheduling and budgeting, and strategies for maximizing profits from the event.


Although this course is designed for the novice fundraiser, experts may discover some new ideas and re-examine basic principles. It will help all fundraisers to answer questions such as;

• What kind of event should be held?
• How can returns be maximized?
• What human resources are needed?

It also examines techniques for reducing the labour, increasing the income and removing some of the dangerous uncertainties associated with hosting special events.

Boyd McBride, National Director of SOS Children's Villages Canada had course input. SOS Children is an worldwide child charity, that helps needy children who are orphaned or abandoned.