Before you can begin promoting your fundraiser and soliciting donations, you have to set a date. There are several considerations to take into account when setting a date for your fundraiser:

• Allow yourself ample time to promote and organize your event. Most fundraisers take at least 2 months to plan successfully. Even the most knowledgeable and experienced fundraiser planners take time to do their work properly. You must set your date far enough in the future that you have time to get the word out about your event, and to assure that you have planned the event carefully and thoughtfully. Even if your fundraiser is conducted online or through the mail, you need to set a deadline for your goal to be met, and a date at which donors can check back to see how much you raised.
• Carefully consider the day of the week. If you are hosting a fundraising event, think carefully about what day of the week you choose. Try to pick a day when your target audience will be most available. For example, if people will be bringing kids to your fundraiser, don’t plan it in the middle of a school day.
• Weekdays may be cheaper for rentals. If you are renting a venue for your fundraising event, you may save money by planning it on a weekday. You may also find a business willing to donate the use of its location at a time when it is normally closed for business.