Selling the same thing year after year can cause your profits to slump.  Here are three good reasons to do new fundraisers.

• 1. You never know until you try. Selling the same thing, many of your supporters may get tired of the same produce or service. Even though some supporters may look forward o the same product/service, many like a different option. Choose a fundraiser that excites both your group/organization and your supporters.

• 2. Excitement. Your volunteers will have more energy and enthusiasm if you have a variety of fundraisers. Doing the same thing over and over can become very boring. Like any salesman, you do better when you believe or feel good about the product/service that you are selling.

• 3. Profit Margins and Response. Don't fall into the "greatest profit margin" trap! Just because a product/service has a large profit margin does not mean it will bring your organization the most dollars. A fundraiser must fit your supporters criteria, demographics and interests. Selling hand held fans in Alaska might not be as sod as selling them in Arizona.

 

Most people look at fundraising in a one dimensional way.  They focus on one part of the fundraiser while missing several other opportunities.

Get the most out of one fundraiser as you possibly can.  If you are having some form of entertainment whether it be a dinner/dance or comedy/hypnosis act, look at other ways you can capitalize.  You may be able to sell not just tickets to the event, but also food concessions, souvenirs marking the event and sponsorships from local businesses.  This is just a few things you can do.  These three things can add hundreds to thousands of dollars to an event.

Raffles are another way to increase your profit margin.  Sell tickets and give away school spirit items like clocks, plaques, etc. or donated baskets filled with sports tickets, hotel stays, gift cards, etc.  This would be great for students, parents and alumni.  Bottom line is you must THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX to get the most out of your fundraiser.  Watch your costs but ultimately a little effort will go a long way.

Many people are looking for an easy fundraiser to bring them a lot of money.  Well, there is no such thing; however, your fundraising success is very much dependant on you and your team's EFFORT!

Now, I know that we all have to work, full or part-time jobs, have baseball, football, basketball, soccer games and practices, family gatherings, cleaning house, yard work, and the list goes on and on.  In order to have a successful fundraiser, you must be organized, be able to delegate duties, and effectively manage your team.  You must be able to manage you and your team's time as well.

The amount of time will vary depending on the type of fundraiser.  A dinner show will require much more planning, selling, and overall organization than selling spiritwear, candy, etc., but the same effort should take place.

When you and your team have passion and a true desire for the cause, the effort will come automatically.  If you are going to give your time and energy, then give it 100% of your effort and you will definitely reap the rewards!

Treat your fundraiser the same way a business would treat their Grand Opening.  You want to draw as much attention to your cause as you possibly can.

Talk to the newspapers.  Newspapers love to do Press Releases on human interest stories.  Talk to your area papers to let them know why you are trying to raise money.  Submitting a one page press release is a pretty simple process: 

1. Make the Press Release only one page long, double spaced - shorter the better.   Do not make it longer than 2 pages.
2. Fill the Press Release with details on the cause, including contact information for the action you want them to take
3. Never use "I" or "We" - make it from a journalist perspective
4. Look online for the format in which to write the Press Release

Radio Stations.  Radio Stations have to do Public Service Announcements.  Public Service Announcement is a commercial for a social or community cause, broadcast by radio stations at no cost.  Depending how large your fundraiser is you could go to major radio stations or just local stations, remember both AM and FM stations.  Be sure to target the stations that would best appeal to the market that you are trying to solicit too.

Gain Support from Local Businesses.  Most businesses will be more than happy to help with your cause.  Ask them if you can hang a flyer or poster in the window or if you can leave "Please Take One" flyers on the counter, sell tickets or even sell small merchandise items that you may have.

Sponsorships.  This is a huge money maker for fundraisers.  Go to all business in the area and ask them to sponsor your fundraiser.  Have two or three different sponsorship packages for businesses to choose from.  A low, middle and high end; something like $100, $250 and $500.  For sponsoring the fundraiser, you can give the business something back.  This could be different size ads in a program, names on a banner, names in print advertising or radio/TV spots, websites, etc.  The higher priced sponsor packages offer more exposure for the business.

Volunteers.  Don't forget to use your volunteers to their fullest potential.  They can help you with points 1 through 4 listed above.  Make sure that they tell everyone that they know you need their support.  In today's world, this can all be done in a matter of minutes through e-mail.  Mail everyone in your contact list all the pertinent information and ask all contacts to forward the e-mail to everyone they know.

Putting these 5 steps into action will bring you a very successful fundraiser now and years to come.