How to Host a Successful Fundraiser - Tips and Tricks of the Trade
by: Kimberly Lewis
Hosting a successful fundraiser is no accident. It requires planning, commitment, and more than a little bit of salesmanship. If this sounds like a lot of work, make no mistake about it, it is. But it's rewarding work, it's meaningful work, and done the right way, it can be fun work. Fundraisers present wonderful opportunities to generate both income and good will for your organization, to raise community awareness for your cause, and to create a sense of camaraderie within your group. These tips are designed to help your organization get the most from your fundraiser, in every sense of the word.
When planning your fundraiser, the first question to ask is "when?" Timing is very important and depending on the kind of fundraiser you want to hold, certain times of the year of the year are better than others. The fall and spring, with their temperate weather, are wonderful seasons if you're going door-to-door, having a bake sale, or holding a car wash.
If you're tying into a specific event like an Oktoberfest or school fair, then the dates are predetermined, but if you're opting for the brochure or "pre-sales" method, you have some flexibility over your schedule. Generally speaking, a two-week period is ideal – anything longer than that tends to be counterproductive. Avoid times that coincide with school holidays when people may be out of town. Not only do you want to have a lot of people around to buy your product, you want to be sure that you'll have plenty of volunteers on hand to help.
Once you've decided when, the question becomes "what to sell?" Selecting the product for your group to sell is in itself an art form and there are many factors to consider. Who are your expected customers? What image do you want to convey? If you're a sports team, perhaps you want to choose a healthy product. If you're raising funds for Juvenile Diabetes then obviously, you don't want to pick candy. Of course, there are several generic products that appeal to almost everyone, such as popcorn, gift wrap, coffee or citrus. Often an answer is suggested by the season - spring bulbs, Halloween pumpkins, or Christmas trees or ornaments are excellent seasonal fundraising items.
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How to Host a Successful Fundraiser - Tips and Tricks of the Trade
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About The Author
Kimberly Lewis is a former corporate executive and active volunteer who has been involved in many fundraising activities for non-profits, from small projects to black tie events. For more information and ideas for fundraising, please visit the Fundraising Ideas Center.
fund-raising-ideas-center.com
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