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10 Steps to Keeping Fundraising Fun

With over 30+ years of experience we have noticed a few simple things that really help make a school or group fundraiser successful. Thats our goal: to see the groups that we serve meet their goals and be able to achieve the class trips, play ground updates or those new snazzy band uniforms that they take so much pride in. All while doing that without the stress or hassles that really take the fun out of it. Who needs that anyway? So without any further ado, here are some practical ideas to ensure a successful fund raiser, that still is fun.

Have a clear goal

One of the best ways to get your group on board is to be able to clearly articulate what we are raising money for. Projects that open new opportunities or growth for your group, like a new science lab, or a band camp create excitement in your group. Stay away from fund raising for ambiguous projects, like the “operating fund”.

Create vision

Take time out to cast vision for the goal. Time invested in your students and volunteers that are going to help with the fund raiser is crucial to your success, and getting them to “buy in”. Don’t do all the talking during this time, make sure there is question and answer space.

The right amount of time

Have a realistic time frame for raising your funds. If you have too short of a time frame your group will not be able reach all of their potential supporters. People are busy and it’s not always easy to connect with them. On the other hand if your fundraiser lasts too long you risk losing momentum with your students and volunteers, and your community could get tired of being asked to support your cause. We recommend one to two weeks with two full weekends for a powerful and effective fundraiser.

Equipped for success

Make sure your students and volunteers are equipped to fund raise. Get some great flyers that will help them share the goal with the community. Also make sure they are prepped with a simple statement that will clearly communicate your groups goal, for example “My class and I are raising money for our trip to Washington D.C. next spring, could you help me reach my goal of raising $500?”

Motivation

Motivation is powerful. We have found that giving incentives and creating a healthy competition can really go a long way towards energizing your students. We recommend a prize program that will get your group excited and naturally bring out the best in each of them. Plus, it is fun for them to try and win!

You’re making sure their ready. We are making sure you’re ready.

Learning new skills

Teaching your students how to hold a conversation, how to pick up the phone and ask for support, and how to share about your groups cause are all life long social skills that will help them grow and develop. Investing in your group in this way will really help them develop and will pay them dividends for years to come. Think about how much your investing back into your community by developing your students.

Quality products

When you run a sale at your school you want confidence that the supporters are going to be pleased with the product. It may be tempting at this point to go with the cheapest product to maximize your return, but in the long run we have found that tends to make it harder for you to run a fund raiser again. Don’t cut corners here, make sure that your community gets the best you can find.

Hassle free

Your supporters are busy, as are your students parents. The last thing they need is for it to be complicated to support your project. Your fundraiser should be hassle free. Consider having your students hand deliver the products they sell, to maximize the connection your community has with your group. The personal touch of hand delivery and a warm thank you will ensure that you have that supporter for the long haul.

Organize

Taking time to think through the fund raiser from kick off to sales, to delivery and distribution. Where are we going to track progress? How are we going to facilitate distribution of products? How are we going to get the community excited? The more you can clearly think these questions through the better chance you have of reaching your goals!

Celebrate success

Did someone make their first phone call? Who had a $100 sale day? Did someone get a supporter that they didn’t know? Create a culture of celebration in your group from the beginning to the end. Plan a party to wrap up the fund raiser, and take time to celebrate the students and volunteers who made it possible.

These are just a few of the tips we have found that really go a long way toward maximizing your sales and reaching your fundraising goals. For more ideas on how to raise funds for your groups, contact us!

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Running a Successful Fundraiser