How to start a fundraiser ?

[Dazed and Confused]

Hello I'm trying to start an Indiegogo fund for my mom and step dad. My step dad has Frederich's ataxia which means the the cerebellum thins, and he looses motor skills. It's been rapidly declining these past few years. he has always wanted to go to Ireland but saves all his money in trust funds, so when he dies my mom can still support herself. So anyways, Im trying to raise the money to send them on a vacation of a life time. So they can have 1 last good time together before his condition worsens and he won't be able to go places. I also really want to offer gifts and prizes to big donors how would i go about that? what should I offer? I appreciate any suggestions. If you want the whole story of what happened click the link below

Thank you so much. and if you have anytime feel free to share the indiegogo link on face book or twitter I will be so appreciative

http://www.indiegogo.com/fightataxiaireland

[Luckyhope258]

Step 1

Specialize in a niche. Determine which type of organizations you want to specialize in work with on fundraising. Many fundraising businesses carve out a specialty to focus their marketing efforts and build credibility within an industry. You can choose to be a generalist rather than a specialist as well.
Step 2

Name the fundraising business. Choose a name that reflects how your business can help organizations raise money or illustrates how you cater to a specific type of nonprofit organization.
Step 3

Write and put together a business plan. Write a plan that describes where the fundraising business office is—in your home or a rented location; the region or industry you plan on working; marketing strategies for promoting your services to your target audiences and the timeline for implementing the plan.
Step 4

Register the business with the state. Call the office of the secretary of state where your office is to register the business with the state. A representative from this office can provide you with the guidance on which documents you need to submit to officially register the business.
Step 5

Register the business with the city or county. Contact the county clerk’s office where the business is to find out how to apply for an occupational license and whether you need a zoning permit for a home office.
Step 6

Secure a tax identification number with the Internal Revenue Service. Call the IRS or apply for a tax identification number for your business online.
Step 7

Install a business phone line and Internet service in your office. Whether you choose an in-home office or an out-of-home location, install a business line and Internet service as these are the two primary tools a fundraiser uses in business.
Step 8

Build a website. For many fundraisers, a business website serves a dual purpose: to promote its fundraising services to organizations and to collect donations for various events the fundraiser is involved in planning and promoting. Include copy, text and graphics on the site to help illustrate how you can help organizations raise money and how it benefits donors to give their money.
Step 9

Open a bank account. Take your business paperwork from the state, tax identification number from the IRS and a picture identification card to the bank to open a business checking account.
Step 10

Establish a credit card processor service. To accept credit card payments from clients and process credit card donations for fundraising event, talk with your business bank and several other merchant account providers to establish a way to accept and process credit card payments. Choose the option that is most convenient and provides the best features and fees.
Step 11

Contact organizations to promote your services. Contact the director of development or the marketing manager of each organization that fits into your niche. Explain how your fundraiser service can benefit the organization and schedule a time to meet or speak further. Follow up the conversation with a brochure and business card in the mail and add the contact to your email list to keep in touch with them.