How to Make a Custom Calendar for Fundraising

A custom calendar is a fun and creative way to raise money for a non-profit organization. It also can turn great profit. Creating a custom calendar is much more personal and representative of your organization, rather than simply ordering a stock calendar and having your name and logo slapped on it. There are many different custom calendars to choose from depending on size, style and pricing. The less you spend on purchasing the calendars the more money that you will make for your organization. The most cost effective way to do this is to find a sponsor to donate money up front. If you're feeling game, lay the calendar design out yourself. Read on to learn how to make a custom calendar for fundraising.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Theme for your calendar
• Sponsorship money
• Photographer or great photos already
• Printing company
• Calendar making software

1. Decide what size calendar you want to create. The standard size is 8.5 X 11, but there are various sizes to choose from. Keep cost per unit in mind.

2. If you plan on selling your calendar online, you are going to need to add on the cost of shipping and packaging materials plus manpower to stuff envelopes and mail. Figure out your cost including everything and decide on your selling price.

3. If you want to design the calendar yourself, choose calendar creator software that you can easily navigate. Download a free trial first before buying anything. I have added informative links below. Make sure the template has all the options that you want for your calendar. You may want to be able to enter custom holidays, numerous photos on each page, or special text or logos.

4. The other option is to upload your photos to a calendar creator company website that will lay out your calendar for you. Get pricing from them first. Ask if your quote includes printing, tax, shipping or any other charges. Some companies will give you the license to their calendar software for free if you use their company for printing. Make sure that you can see a proof before all your calendars go to print.

5. Pick your photos, text, special messages and any other content that you want to include. Start your calendar design.

6. Send your proof to the printer or upload it.

7. Check your proof carefully and get ready to raise funds for your non-profit.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the layout simple.
• Use great quality photos.
• Get a photographer if need one.
• Make sure that you set deadlines for layout and printing.
• If your don't have money upfront, it's really not worth it.
• Do not wait till October to start.
• Don't print them yourself, get them professionally printed.
• Don't make your calendars too expensive because they won't sell.

Resources

• Great Calendar Software
• Custon Bulk Calendars and Printing
• Custom Calendars
• Youth Group Calendars

[trevr123]

on 11/24/2008 I would highly recommend using www.createphotocalendars.com . Their website and product is tailored for fundraising non-profit groups.

[Rathns]

on 5/27/2008 very useful site

[Rathns]

on 5/27/2008 good