Put the FUN Back in Fundraising
Find Your Fundraising Inspiration
There are many ways to raise money for your organization and the great thing is, you don't have to stick to just one idea! Believe it or not people are still in the giving mode these days, despite the economy, because everyone has a hope that things can get better. Here are some ideas to get your fundraising project underway! Use one or use them all but have fun with it!
Sell Custom Journals
Journals are a unique fundraising opportunity that offers a new selection in products that parents, grandparents, and family friends will love.
Raffles
Raffles are great for events where you expect to have a lot of people and have the opportunity to host a raffle. Find a local business that is willing to donate a great prize, sell tickets to patrons at your event, and toward the end announce your winner! Immediate proceeds!
Recycling Cans
Collect Cans. Ask group members and maybe community members to drop off empty cans and bottles. A great recycling option that also raises money for your organization by turning them into profit.
Sell Coupon Books for a Profit
Coupon books are successful because not only will it raise money for your cause, it will also save people money with the coupons!
Sell Storybooks
iHutto has written two children's coloring storybooks specifically to raise money for non-profit organizations, schools, and teachers. Books can be shared via Amazon link or copies purchased as wholesale and sold at events.
Sell Homemade Sweets
Get some volunteers together to make cakes and cookies. Sell them in a traditional bake sale or get people involved by turning that bake sale into a cake walk! Everyone loves a good homemade sweet, just like mom makes.
Sell T-Shirts
Cafepress and TeeSpring are awesome (free) fundraising tools to create and sell your own t-shirts! It not only allows you to create your own products, but it will set up the website to sell theses items from, you promote it and patrons go online to purchase items.
Sell Cookbooks
Cookbooks are an excellent way to raise money! Collect recipes from members of your group and turn into a recipe book to sell.
Jelly Bean Profits
Jelly Bean Guessing Jar. You can actually use anything you can stick in a jar but the basic premise is that a patron will pay a set amount to guess the quantity of the items in the jar for a chance to win that jar!
Sell Ad Space on Website
Another way to raise money for your organization is to sell ad space on your website to local businesses that could benefit from the promotion. Your organization will not only raise funds but also help a local business at the same time.
Sell Personalized Bottle Water
Sell Bottle Water. Perhaps your group is already hosting an event, set up a booth and sell bottles of water that have your organization's logo on the label. There are water bottle companies that have programs set up for just this kind of thing.
Car Washes
Car Washes are still a great way to make money for your cause! Typically you can find retailers that will donate supplies needed for the event then set a base price for a wash and have a sign that you will take donations.
Garage Sales
Community Garage Sale ~ gather items around the house, invite other group members to donate items to sell and host a garage sale.
Sell Cookie Dough
Selling Cookie Dough is always a big hit! Moms love the reusable container with dough to go a long way and the kids love the cookies!
Host a Banquet
Host an event, serve food, sell tickets. A banquet is a good way to get sponsors in one room to talk about your non-profit organization. Find a location, get food donated, and have a magical night while raising money!
Monthly Fundraising Holidays
Need a little inspiration for your fundraising campaigns throughout the year? Here's a handy content calendar for the holidays to help you pre-plan your campaigns.
January
With a New Year brings a new beginning to your fundraising campaign. The New Year means new marketing which leads to new streams of revenue for your non-profit. Whether it’s reaching out to current sponsors or to attract new ones, a fundraiser in January could be very important. A simple “Happy New Year” message to your sponsors reminds them you are still here.
February
Cupid isn’t the only one on the hunt for new ‘sponsors’ this month. Use the power of love to your advantage when showing prospective sponsors why they want to help your organization. The goal here is to make them fall in love with what you do. Show your current sponsors some love and how much you appreciate them!
March
St. Patrick’s Day is the day of green and a month of good luck. In other words, it is the perfect day of year to promote your non-profit in hopes of good fortune! Have fun with leprechauns and four-leaf clovers! Include lots of four leaf clovers and a pot of gold in your campaign.
April
The Easter Bunny is a busy worker this month but shouldn’t be the only one leaving goodies for your sponsors. Attract new sponsors at the same time with something fun like hunting for an Easter egg on your website!
May
Memorial Day is honorable holiday and a great day to remember and honor our Veterans. There’s no reason your fundraising materials shouldn’t express this sentiment. If there are local Vets in your area, market a free service (if possible) to them on that day.
June
It’s end of school year for most and a sale is a great way to kick off the summer. Depending on the organization you are in, summer can be a great time to advertise your organization because parents may have more time to shop around.
July
There is nothing more patriotic than Independence Day and the 4th of July for U.S. marketing. Celebrate in style with a marketing campaign that shows appreciation for the freedoms you have.
August
It’s back to school time and you’re inching closer to the big holiday season. Now is a good time to prepare for for your yearly fundraisers by kicking off the school year with a special fundraiser.
September
Labor Day is a time for family and friends to come together and celebrate our patriotism. This is a great time to market your non-profit and a great way to give back too.
October
“Spooky” characters in your promotions means more on the books for your non-profit.
November
The day after Thanksgiving isn’t the only time shoppers look to save money. The entire month of November means we are closer to the end of the year, time with family, and lots of food. People are spending money this month so make sure your marketing is reminding them that you are here.
December
The month of giving (and consumer spending) is upon you. Even if your organization isn’t typically busy during this time of month, it is a good idea to plan for marketing this month to remind people you are here and to put a personal touch on wishing them happy holidays. Send virtual cards out, with your organization's information enclosed, to show them you care.
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