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FUND-RAISING SUGGESTIONS
Approaches to Funding
The growing scarcity of funding for not-for-profit groups has forced many organizations to seek alternative funding sources. More than just raising money, however, a well run fund-raising program can be an experience that educates, builds self-esteem, provides community service and promotes school, organization or community spirit.
First-time fund-raisers may look at their fund-raising goal and panic. Remembering a simple fact can help: IT TAKES MANY ROCKS TO BUILD A MOUNTAIN. It can take several fund-raising events to get the funds needed. However, there are some people who prefer to put all their energy into one huge effort and raise all the funds they need. Have a brainstorming session, ask other people who have raised funds for suggestions.
YOU CAN DO IT ! ! !
Ways to Raise Funds Requiring a Long Time-Frame
Grant Writing
Grant writing may be productive if the planners have someone who is willing to go to the library and look through volumes of grant descriptions, select the foundations whose guidelines the project falls under and phone these foundations to find out up-dated information on the forms, information required and grant deadline dates. It is also advisable to inquire when the money would be available once the grant was awarded. It takes time for foundations to review the grant applications they receive and the board of directors often meets only once or twice a year. The time-frame of grant writing often does not fit the needs of fund-raisers.
One Big Fund-Raising Event
Having one big gala event with famous people is often considered a solution to fund-raising. The drawback here is that a stadium or auditorium requires a large deposit, the event producer needs money right away to do the work required and to attract big-name entertainers, who may also require big fees. A lot of money can be made in the end, but it costs a lot of money to get the event initiated. If for any reason the ticket sales don’t go well, the planners can lose a lot of money. Having a carnival or fair also costs money to put on, but if the location and weather are right, the gate receipts could be very profitable. Also consider that equipment and/or performers require contracts that must be paid.
Ways to Raise Funds Requiring a Shorter Time-Frame
A Traveling Dinner
Sell tickets to a traveling dinner where people will have each part of their meal at a different restaurant. Before dinner, hors d’oeuvres can be served at a large home because people don’t need to be seated. Aim to involve
restaurants with a large seating capacity so more tickets can be sold. If a restaurant is guaranteed a certain number of customers and they will all be served the same food, they can charge the fundraisers a much more reasonable price. The restaurant gets publicity and new customers by participating. If at least three restaurants are included, a traveling dinner can make an enjoyable and novel evening.
A Walk-a-thon or Bike-a-thon
Have a walk-a-thon or bike-a-thon for which prizes may or may not be given to winners. Potential walkers and bikers sign up sponsors who promise to pay them a certain amount of money for every mile they walk or bike. During the marathon, traffic control, water and medical personnel need to be at hand. Collecting the money from sponsors after the event can be a slow process. With a catchy slogan, fine weather and civic support this kind of event can be health promoting as well as very profitable.
A Dance
Having a dance in a school gym with snack concessions can raise quite a bit of money. If a popular radio disk jockey will agree to come free for an hour and/or a local popular band will perform free for an hour, ticket sales will usually go well. Money for decorations will be needed in advance and perhaps for snacks and drinks as well. A school may offer the use of its gym free if the clean-up is taken care of responsibly by the fund-raisers.
A Raffle
Have a raffle with donated prizes.
A Suggested Model for Raising Funds Quickly
This can be done by organizing a week of one-day efforts engaging many people each day. The more people involved, the more funds can be raised.
Saturday collect recyclable items and sell them to a recycling center.
Sunday hold a big bake sale in a prominent place.
Monday have several car-washes all over the city.
Tuesday organize several teams to wash storefront windows in the business district.
Wednesday give a concert in the market area during which money is collected.
Thursday organize teams of two or three people each to offer yard care.
Friday have a street or yard sale of donated items.
These suggestions may or may not work in every area. Consider what things people are willing to pay for and need. Then make plans accordingly.
Fund-Raising By Selling Products
The demand for fund-raising has grown, so has the fund-raising industry. Today there are some 2,000 product fund-raising companies in the United States and Canada. For the most part, these are independent small business owners or product manufacturer representatives who work with groups to assist them in fund-raising.
Selecting a Professional Fund-Raising Representative
A key decision for fund-raising organizers is the selection of a fund-raising company. The most important
criterion when evaluating a company is service. Ask the company to explain what they will do to make your fund-raiser a success. Have them demonstrate their expertise and professionalism. Also, ask for and check references to find out if the company delivers what it promises.
Some important questions to consider:
How long has the company been in business ?
How specifically will the company help implement the program ( a kick-off presentation, letters to advertise, handling of returned merchandise) ?
How will the company tailor the program to fit your needs ?
Does the company comply with the tax laws in your area and how will these laws impact your program ?
Does the company guarantee their products ?
What is the company’s policy on replacing damaged products ?
Is student or volunteer safety a key element of the program ?
Will the company give the fund-raiser credit or buy back undeliverable or unsold goods ?
How responsive will the company be to other problems such as incorrect or lost orders ?
How is the educational value (e.g., working with money, selling) of the fund-raising program maximized for the students or volunteers ?
Choosing the Right Product
The first and most important step when narrowing down the product choices is to insist on high quality merchandise. Generally, consumers are willing to pay for a product to help support a worthy cause; however, they do not want to pay for inferior or overpriced products. If a group wants to have another fund-raiser, patrons will support it only if the quality of the product the previous time was good. Another important factor is pricing. Obviously fund-raising coordinators must assure that the school’s profit must assure that the fund-raiser’s profit will be sufficient to meet the financial goal set. The selling price of the product should be in tune with those who are doing the selling. Older students who are primarily responsible for the selling may do better with lower priced items since many of their sales will be on campus. For younger students, it is likely that parents will help with the selling so more expensive items could be more effective. When setting the price for the product consider the income level of the community. To assure successful sales, be sure to compare prices of similar products and whether or not your price represents a fair market value. Think twice before selecting an item that is “new” or “hot.” Proven “winners” may sell better in the long run.
Choosing the best fund-raising program for your group depends on other factors as well as pricing. The age and number of your volunteers and their experience in fund-raising need to be considered. It is important to choose a program your volunteers will be comfortable with because PRODUCTS DO NOT SELL-PEOPLE SELL.! Although organization goals provide an incentive, often prize and incentive rewards can make selling more fun. Caution: be clear on the cost of the prize program and how much it will impact the profits.
More Fund-Raising Tips
Establish a realistic fund-raising target first. Knowing how much money you need makes it easier to decide how to raise it.
Ask lots of questions ahead of time so the profits won’t get eaten up by “hidden costs” such as freight, prizes or over-ordering.
Choose your fund-raising program early to assure ample time for planning.
Set a specific beginning and ending date for your fund-raising and stick to it. Without a definite target date the campaign will drag on without direction.
Stay motivated to the end. Keep energy levels high by communicating before, during and after the fund- raising program. Provide frequent reminders of goals and deadlines, status reports and updates.
Avoid shipping and ordering problems with products by checking all order forms to see if they are legible and complete. Keep copies of all order forms.
Draft volunteers ahead of time, not at the last minute. Remember to communicate with absentees who miss important meetings and announcements.
Remember to put the FUN in FUNd-Raising !
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