Free download · Corporate & nonprofit
Free Gala and Fundraiser Planning Kit
A fundraiser is a party with a purpose, and the details decide how much money you raise. This kit covers your committee, timeline, sponsorship tiers, auction planning, run of show, budget, volunteer roles, and donor follow-up. Use it to keep your team organized and your guests generous.
What's inside
Everything in the kit
- Committee Roles and Timeline
- Sponsorship Tiers
- Silent and Live Auction Checklist
- Gala Run of Show
- Gala Budget Split
- Volunteer Roles
- Post-event Donor Follow-up
- Gala Planning Worksheet
- Workbook: sponsors, auction items, expenses and timeline
Files you get
- PDFGala and Fundraiser Kit (PDF)Printable kit with timeline, checklists, tables and a fill-in worksheet
- ExcelGala Workbook (Excel)Sponsor tracker, 80-item auction tracker with suggested opening bids, expense budget, timeline
Read next
Guides that go with this download
- Charity Walk or 5K Event Planning: Course, Permits, SetupHow to plan a charity walk or 5K: choose a course, handle permits and safety, set up registration and the finish area, recruit volunteers and rent tents.
- Church Anniversary Celebration Planning: Service to DinnerPlan a church or pastor anniversary celebration with a program, guest choirs, a souvenir journal, dinner and seating for 100 to 500 guests in Chicago.
- Event Sponsorship Packages Guide: Tiers, Pricing and PitchHow to build event sponsorship packages: choose tiers, set prices, list benefits, write a pitch and deliver for sponsors at galas and community events.
- Fundraising Gala Planning Timeline: A 9 Month PlanA fundraising gala planning timeline that runs nine months out, covering committee, venue, sponsors, auction, invitations, rentals and the final week.
- Silent Auction Planning Guide: Items, Bidding and SetupA silent auction planning guide covering item sourcing, pricing, bid sheets or software, table layout, volunteers and checkout so your fundraiser runs smoothly.
- Volunteer Coordination for Nonprofit Events, Step by StepHow to coordinate volunteers for nonprofit events: how many to recruit, role cards, shift schedules, training and the thank-yous that bring them back.
Questions
About the Gala and Fundraiser Planning Kit
How far ahead should a fundraising gala be planned?
Nine to twelve months is common, because sponsors set budgets early and popular Chicago ballrooms book a year out for spring and fall dates.
Is the gala kit really free?
Yes. Enter your email and the download links appear right away, with no account needed. You can unsubscribe from planning emails at any time.
Will the spreadsheets work in Google Sheets or Numbers?
Yes. The Excel files open in Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets (File, then Import) and Apple Numbers, and the formulas keep working. CSV versions are there for any tool that prefers plain columns.
Can I share it with my partner, family or committee?
Yes. Print it, forward it or upload it to a shared drive. It is free for personal and nonprofit planning use.
More free downloads
