FUNDRAISING TIPS AND TRICKS

The key to a successful school, church, non-profit, or any other group fundraiser is deliberation. Planning, delegation, timing, and execution all impact the final outcome of any fundraising effort. Following these top ten fundraising tips will ensure that your organization’s fundraiser goes off without a hitch.

1. Get creative: People get “fundraising fatigue”; that is, they get tired of selling—and buying—the same products and services year after year. Focus on offering something that people need and use already, so they will be more likely to value your fundraiser products.
2. Reach out: The best fundraisers blend events with product sales, engaging the participants, as well as the greater community. This step helps participants to feel more vested in the fundraiser’s outcome, and expands the fundraising beyond the organization and its existing supporters.
3. Plan ahead: Check your organization’s calendar, to ensure that your fundraiser will not compete with other events. This step is particularly important in organizations that may do multiple fundraisers, such as high schools, where multiple clubs and sports teams may hold school fundraisers throughout the year.
4. Delegate strategically: Survey participants, to find out how they are willing to help, and assign volunteering roles that match their interests. An accountant may hate the idea of creating posters, but enthusiastically agree to act as treasurer.
5. Clarify volunteer needs: State tasks and time frames clearly, so that participants know what to expect. Volunteers are more likely to sign up to “Set up tables from 6:30 to 7:30” than to “help out during the Art Gallery Event.”
6. Publicize, publicize, publicize: As soon as possible, begin publishing details about fundraising efforts via your organization’s newsletter and website. Provide a means for people to volunteer to help. Raise community awareness via flyers, an ad in the community paper, or even the outdoor marquee.
7. Set the dates: Choose concrete start and end dates for the fundraiser. Ideally, it should not run more than three weeks. This abbreviated time frame creates urgency among participants, who are more likely to turn in money and order forms if they have a deadline.
8. Set a goal: Decide how much money your organization wants to raise through the fundraiser. Be sure to account for costs like shipping. If reaching a certain quota will help reduce expenses, factor this into the fundraising goal. Connecting the fundraiser with a specific, tangible purchase provides greater motivation for participants and potential supporters.
9. Measure progress: Prominently advertise your organization’s fundraising progress. A thermometer is a popular visual aid, because it shows the current amount earned, along with the goal. If your organization will be sending out newsletter or other update, include information on fundraising progress.
10. Consider Rewards: School-aged children often are more enthusiastic about a program if they feel that there is a reward, or potential reward, at the end. Whether that be a drawing for a special prize, participation in a field trip, or a class ice cream party, incentives consistently result in superior sales outcomes.
11. Follow up: Once the fundraiser is complete, update participants on the fundraiser’s outcome. Use the money for its intended purpose as soon as possible, so that participants immediately see the results of their efforts. Thank the community for their support with an another ad in the local paper or marquee message.

With careful planning and management, every fundraising effort will be a smashing success. By choosing a compelling, creative fundraising strategy; setting specific dates that do not compete with other efforts; and communicating effectively, your organization can maximize the results of creative fundraising ideas.