How to Fundraise Effectively for a Small Organization

Whether it's selling pizzas, throwing a black-tie event, or organizing a car wash, there are thousands of fundraising opportunities for your small club or organization. Choose your fundraisers carefully, and plan everything to the last detail. Above all, have fun!

Instructions

1. Gather pamphlets from local companies offering fundraising programs. Read them carefully, and compare profit rates. Consider other costs (location costs, food for workers, advertising costs etc.) associated with these fundraisers.

2. Consider the product or service being offered. Is it something that everyone needs or likes? Is it easy to sell? Does it provide a valuable service?

3. Call other clubs and organizations that have held these particular fundraisers in the past. Get the scoop on how it went. Word-of-mouth advice will save you time and money.

4. Hold a brainstorming session with your club or organization leaders. Put your heads together and come up with some original fundraising ideas.

5. Choose a fundraiser from your expanding list of existing and original ideas. Pick one that's profitable and fun.

6. Plan the fundraiser to the last detail.

7. Advertise! Advertise! Advertise! You can't make money without getting the word out.

8. Have your fundraiser, and enjoy your profits!

Tips & Warnings

• Save all your pamphlets and ideas. You might need them next year.

• Simple fundraisers work well for children. Avoid having children solicit from door to door.

• Avoid conducting fundraisers that ask for exhorbitant amounts of money with nothing to offer in return. This works for charities, but rarely works for organizations looking for a profit.

• Come up with a fundraising idea that's never been done before. This will call a lot of attention to your fundraiser.

• Research shows that face-to-face fundraising is the most effective, while special events are the least effective.