Fundraising is an essential requirement for non-profit businesses, school teams and clubs and other self-supporting organizations. The spectrum of great fundraising ideas is broad. There are fundraisers that are designed for large scale campaigns, events for organizations with many active volunteers, and fundraisers suitable for young children’s participation.
Who Are You?
The nature of your organization will, in large part, help to determine which fundraisers you might run. PTA’s, for example, are successful selling school spirit merchandise at school functions and games attended by parents. The local basketball league can sell bottled water to the crowds attending games.
Public radio stations, on the other hand, rely predominantly on their on-air fundraising requests for listener contributions. National organizations can coordinate large scale events, like sponsored 30 mile walks and fashion show events.
Kid Friendly
There are great fundraising ideas in which kids can participate in the planning and execution, encouraging their commitments to society. Chocolate covered pretzels may not look great when they were dipped by kids, but they will sell (add some rainbow sprinkles and the other kids will think they’re perfect!). Lemonade stands pop up all across America when the weather cooperates, often with cookies or brownies also for sale. The handmade sign will let you know where the money is going. There’s nothing like the pride on a kid’s face when she makes a sale.
Online Resources
If your organization is looking for something different, look online for great fundraising ideas. You can find ideas and suggestions in how-to articles that will provide lists of things to consider in planning, such as number of volunteers or how to publicize.
Also online, you can search for businesses that are set up for fundraising sales or events. There are companies that will pay a fee to sell signed memorabilia or jewelry at your event, or donate a portion of their sales back to your organization. There are also companies that have programs for fundraising sales, where your members sell gift wrap or cookies and a percentage of the sales goes to the organization.
Back to Basics
Maybe a family game night would be popular and successful for your organization, or maybe a book sale and signing would reach your audience. Raffles usually raise a lot of money; you will need a committee that will boldly solicit prize donations.
It is increasingly challenging to raise money; so many worthy organizations are competing for funding. There are great fundraising ideas that will be right for your organization, and many resources available. Good luck!
Great fundraising ideas can be as simple as a coin drive or more complexed, like a luncheon with speakers, raffles and auctions. The needs and makeup of your organization will help determine which great fundraising ideas are right for you.
