Best Way - Creative Fund Raising Ideas

Creative Fund Raising Ideas

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By Lynette Hingle
eHow Contributing Writer

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Creative fund-raising brings in more money

Raising money for schools, churches and nonprofit organizations is a necessary part of maintaining these vital social groups. However, most people do not respond well to the usual fund-raising techniques and need to be inspired by something unusual to give away their hard-earned money. Therefore, when planning your next fund-raising event, choose a creative theme that fills a pressing need or offers people an opportunity to have a really good time while investing in your cause.

Seat Cushions

Purchase bulk seat cushions from a local supplier. Sell advertisements on cushions to local businesses, and have seat cushions printed with advertising copy. Rent a booth or table at a sporting event, and sell seat cushions to event attendees.

Themed Dinner

Choose a dinner party theme, such as "Retro Movie" or "Mardi Gras." Ask local restaurants to donate or significantly discount one dish each for your fund-raising event. Contact other party-planning suppliers, such as rental halls and paper-utensil suppliers, and ask for donations or discounts for your event. Purchase inexpensive door prizes and giveaway items. Sell tickets to your event.

Service Raffle

Stage a service raffle that gives away specified hours of house or yard cleaning to local seniors. Call local radio and television stations to promote your raffle, and send a press release to your local newspaper.

Create-on-Demand

Set up an account with a create-on-demand online store, such as CafePress.com. Design an engaging logo for your fund-raising event, and upload it to the online store. Choose several items, such as coffee mugs, mouse pads and shirts, for your customers to purchase. Promote your create-on-demand fund-raising service through word of mouth, emails, fliers, volunteer events and inexpensive paid local advertisements. Wear and use your custom-created products often.

Auction

Have community and business members donate items for a fund-raising auction. Ask a professional auctioneer to donate his time to the charity event to make it authentic and fun-filled. If you cannot secure a professional auctioneer, hold a silent or online auction. Recognize your contributors with small tokens of appreciation, such as freshly baked goods or free car washes.

Christmas Website

Set up a basic Christmas website that will allow your fund-raising project to earn a commission on every sale that is made through your affiliate link throughout the holiday season. Include children's clothing and toy retailers, bookstores, jewelry retailers, body- and bath-product retailers and gift-basket retailers.

Ask everyone in your fund-raising group to alert all family members, friends and co-workers of your website through emails and personalized mailing. Also, have your entire fund-raising group change their voice-mail messages to include information about your Christmas fund-raising event and specific website address.