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Planning a Bowl-A-Thon

• Research the Market: Participants are looking for a fun day to spend with colleagues, friends, and family while raising money for a cause they can get behind.  What do other charities offer to recruit bowlers?  Who are you targeting?  These are only a few questions to ask yourself before you get started.
  
• Develop a Timeline and Budget: A timeline provides a clearly defined roadmap for everyone involved to make sure nothing is forgotten. 
• Develop a budget worksheet: This allows you to realistically estimate revenue and expenses for the event.  Expense control is a key part of fundraising, aim to get everything donated.
  
• Contracts/Agreements: Even if there is no formal contract with vendors, sponsors, and the bowling center, document everything in writing.  A good way to handle this is a confirmation letter that outlines the agreement.
  
• Event Structure: Do not structure your event in a highly competitive format based on bowling skill, this overshadows the purpose of the event.  To help your event reduce competitiveness, minimize bowling score awards and focus on prizes for fundraising.
  
• Recruit Participants: Recruiting bowlers is the key to your event's success.  Signing up bowlers isn't the only thing you need to do to sell this event.  Make sure you are recruiting bowlers who will raise money to participate.
  

To receive a complete copy of the Bowl-A-Thon manual please contact the national office at 800-886-1762 or send an email request to fundraising@fsma.org.