You’ve landed here on this blog post and that tells us two things. One, you’re probably considering hosting a portrait fundraiser, and more importantly, two, you’re wondering if a portrait fundraiser is the best fit for you and your fundraising needs.

It may seem obvious, but one of the most common questions we receive on our Facebook page is who can host a Knickerbockers fundraiser? For one reason or another, there are a few misconceptions out there about who qualifies. A lot of folks think they need to be associated with a larger organization or have some kind of fundraising experience. Others think coordinators need to be physically located near the Knickerbockers office.

The truth is that our coordinators have all different backgrounds and levels of experience! Best yet, we’ll send our freelance photographers, located all over the South, to your location.

When it comes down to it, just about anyone is eligible to host a Knickerbockers portrait fundraiser. To increase your confidence, we’ll break down the main types of coordinators we typically have and then lay out what is required to secure a proper location.

Types of Eligible Coordinators

Non-profit organizations

Knickerbockers caters to a whole host of non-profit organization types. Some of our most common fundraiser hosts include fire departments, hospitals, churches, public schools and their smaller affiliates. Whether you’re the head of a fire department or a parent volunteer at your child’s school, all are eligible to host!

Small Groups

Does your men’s soccer team need new jerseys? Is your ladies’ book club looking to to buy new books for under-resourced schools? If you’re the leader or member of a small group, like a local recreational sports team or a book club, you’re the perfect fit to coordinate a portrait fundraiser.

There’s no need to worry about whether your group’s cause qualifies! There are so many different reasons to host a fundraiser and with our structure, no group or cause is too small to take the lead. Your group and its cause are worth it!

Individuals

A large number of people who inquire about our fundraisers are individuals interested in hosting a fundraiser alone. Many question whether they’re qualified to host. As a single coordinator you may need to roll up your sleeves and put in a little elbow grease to meet specific requirements, but it’s certainly achievable! For some guidance and fresh ideas for selling portrait certificates, check out our useful tips here.

Eligible Location

One element we consider a deal breaker when it comes to hosting a portrait fundraiser is the coordinator’s ability to secure a location. This could make or break your experience, because the location must meet a specific set of requirements. Coordinators sign up and sometimes find themselves tripped up at this stage of the planning process, mostly because they don’t see it coming. Our goal isn’t to scare you away, however, it’s essential that we keep these standards in place for the sake of the photographers and the success of the fundraiser!

Here’s a complete list of what you’ll want to keep in mind when securing a location:

must be located in the Southern region of the United States--we send our photographers throughout the region. If you’d like more detailed information on your specific location, please contact us directly.
a minimum of 18’x25’ cleared level space with an 8’ ceiling
heating and air conditioning appropriate to season
several electrical outlets for the photographers’ equipment
clean, working restrooms with running water
wireless internet connection, cell phone service or an available landline in the viewing area

Remember these requirements from the start and you’ll set your fundraiser up for success!

Small Towns

Small town fundraisers sometimes require special attention due to their size and reach. In the same way that individual hosts may have some added pressure to meet requirements, small town hosts may also confront challenges due to location and reach. While some basic marketing and selling efforts will go a long way to address these potential pitfalls, there’s often a better solution available! In many cases, we’re able to connect you with nearby coordinators to join forces and share a location. This doubles your reach and almost ensures you’ll reach your minimum, while also promising more volunteers and support.

Now that you’re fully in the loop on who can host a Knickerbockers portrait fundraiser, you’ll be confident in your decision to coordinate one yourself! Still a bit on the fence and wanting more information? Check out our Top 5 Reasons to Host a Portrait Fundraiser, and get in contact with us. We’ll be happy to guide you on your fundraising journey!

The Full Lowdown on Who Can Host a Knickerbockers Portrait Fundraiser