10 Steps to a Successful Fundraiser by Andie Campbell
Although fundraising seems like a frequent and simple task, there are far too many common mistakes made while running one. That's where I come in: This is your 10 step guide to running a successful fundraiser.
1. Reasons for Fundraising
Without a will there is no way. Whether your
school needs a new playground, a cheaper field
trip or new sports equipment a fundraiser is
the way to go. If you're raising just for some
extra money, people are less willing to participate.
If, however, there is a good reason to fund
raise, to better benefit the children, participants
will be much more generous. A reason is the
key aspect of school fundraising because without
a reason, there is no real need for the fundraiser.
2. Fundraising Personnel
There are many decisions to be made, and responsibilities
to be taken: fundraisers wouldn't function without
volunteers. The PTA or PTO generally organize
these events and as a team a successful fundraiser
could be held. Without the fundraising personnel,
certain key aspects wouldn't be worked out such
as:
* Picking the fundraiser * Sending out order forms * Collecting/depositing money and * Delivery
It is up to a great team to meet your goals, which brings me to my next point...
3. Goals
Unrealistic goals can bring plenty of disappointment.
Set goals that are appropriate; base these goals
on your past fundraisers, children's general
motivation etc. A major problem is setting goals
that don't seem worth even trying for. A reasonable
goal that all teachers, parents and children
could manage will lead to confidence, a key
sales skill!
4. Products
Products are also very important in a fundraiser.
Selling child-adult appropriate products such
as books or cookie dough are far more popular
than say, socks. Picking the right company with
the appropriate products can mean more sales,
and we all know what more sales means.
5. Decide how to raise the money
There's the old fashion door-to-door, there's
also product sales through catalog, or a classic
bake sale. Some ways can be more successful
than others; if you have friendly and generous
neighbors, the door-to-door is best. Bake sales
are good but don't generally make as much money.
Once you've decided your products, and how to
raise the money, you can begin to promote your
fundraiser.
6. Promotion
If nobody knows that there is a fundraiser,
what are the chances that they'll participate.
The more advertising done, the more successful
your event will be. With tons of advertising,
two benefits come along: Firstly, the idea gets
stuck in their head, guilting them to buy more.
The other benefit is that the more they know
about the fundraiser, the more willing they
are to pay up. Knowing details reassures them,
and lets them feel more in charge. By knowing
exactly where the money is going etc. they are
more free with their money. Also, the fundraiser
needs to be promoted to the children, to excite
them, getting the pumped up to succeed!
7. Media
Media can help you earn some more cash, if you're
even simply mentioned in a local newspaper,
more customers will notice this, and urge to
donate/purchase. By simply drawing up a press
release, more promotions will be made. Being
on TV can also excite and encourage the students.
8. Asking Questions
Asking yourself appropriate and important questions
are very important especially when it comes
to hidden costs:
* What is the guarantee for the product? * Is there/what is the shipping cost? * How much profit per item do we receive? * When will we receive our payment? * What type of payments will be accepted? * How long until the products arrive? * How will they be sorted and packaged for delivery? * What are our deadlines?
9. Timing
If one neighbor is visited at 4pm by student
A and decides to buy 2 chocolate bars to support
A's fundraiser, when student B comes at 4:30pm,
he'd of already bought what he wanted. This
theory also works on a larger scale; therefore,
the sooner your fundraiser is done (in the fall)
the better. In order to have as much revenue
as possible, a second-third week of September
fundraiser will be a great success. Also this
way the students don't need to freeze in the
later months! Timing is also important to ensure
payments are all received on time and shipments
all meet their deadlines. Timing has to do with
organization, bringing me to my final step to
a successful fundraiser.
10. Organization
We have been taught to organize since kindergarten,
so this seems like a simple thing to do, however
as members of PTA etc. many projects on the
go can mean being disorganized. Not all the
responsibility can be put on the kids - Teachers
must have the kids obey all deadlines to ensure
easy communication with the company and with
the parent-customers.
Bonus #11: Have fun!
About the Author
Andie Campbell is a marketing associate at Green Students Fundraising. She has a passion for the environment and business and is a school fundraising expert.