Fundraisers.com: Ideas Blog

Event Idea: Try A Breakfast, Lunch Or Dinner Fundraising Event

2005-11-02T14:48:00.000-08:00

Food is always a good fundraiser so try a fundraising breakfast, lunch or dinner event. Keeping it simple is best. A Hotdog event fundraiser is a great way to start. Have your local grocer donate the hotdogs, buns, condiments, chips and pop. Set up in a busy area, even the parking lot of your grocer. You can use a propane BBQ or boiler for the cooking. Offer up a package deal like "1 Hotdog, bag of chips and can of pop for only $3!" This way you can raise more, faster. Important: Be sure to thank your grocer by giving them recognition for their food donation.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

Fundraising Idea: Have A Bingo Night

2006-07-12T19:26:00.000-07:00

Bingo nights are always popular so try a Bingo night fundraiser. Do it all in the same as a normal bingo does it; sell cards and call numbers in your school gym or church basement. Instead of money for prizes, give away items donated from your local businesses and be sure to give them recognition for them. As always, good publicity will make your bingo night fundraiser a success.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

New York TImes On Charity Poker

2006-02-06T16:57:00.000-08:00

Today's New York Times has an article on Charity Poker Events. This can be a great source of revenue for your cause. Fundraisers.com will be launching a new Charity Poker section with resources and tips on how to put on a successful poker event on its website very soon.

Link to New York Times: Seeking New Sources of Money, Charities Get in on Poker Craze

New To Fundraising? First Time Fundraising Tips

2006-09-13T20:59:00.000-07:00

These quick and simple tips for first time fundraisers will get you on track and on your way to the first of many successful fundraisers.

Decide how Much Money Your Group Needs To Raise
This will help you evaluate products and programs that will be ideal for your group.
Watch For Hidden Costs
Don't let your group's profits disappear because of hidden costs (ex. shipping, prizes).
Give Yourself And Your Group Lots Of Time To Prepare
Select your fundraising program early. This will give you lots of time to plan. Include your fundraiser on the school or community calendars and newsletters.
Timing
Make sure to stagger the various fundraisers to avoid flooding your potential consumers and to avoid competing with other fundraisers.
Set Up Specific Dates And Stick To Them
If you avoid setting clear target dates the campaign tends to drag on and often without direction.
Try To Conduct Fewer And More Effective Programs
This will help maintain motivation and avoid "fundraising fatigue".
Rely On Your Fundraising Company's Expertise
Ask lots of questions and use your fundraising company's suggestions and advice.
Stay Motivated Throughout The Program
Some organizers tend to lose interest once the program is underway. Put a 10-12 day time limit on order taking. It's easier to stay motivated with clear goals and deadlines.
Communicate Clearly Before, During And After The Program Is Put In Place
Keep energy levels high by reminding parents, teachers and other volunteers of the fundraising goals and deadlines.
Avoid Shipping And Ordering Problems
Work closely with your volunteers and assure their order forms are legible and filled out completely.
Keep Copies Of The Order Forms
Always keep copies of the order forms before you send them to your fundraising company.
Recruit Adult Volunteers Ahead Of Time
This will make the distribution of the products to the volunteers more efficient.
Double Check Products Received Against Your Order Forms
This needs to be done before the products are given to the volunteers to ensure that nothing is damaged or missing.
Keep Absent Volunteers Informed
Don't forget to communicate the program's kick off and other important meetings to absent volunteers.
Have Fun!
A good attitude = better success!

Fundraising Idea: Have An Auction

2006-08-14T19:06:00.000-07:00

The most common way of doing an auction fundraiser is to have collectibles such as pro-athlete or celebrity signed items (jersey, baseball, bat or hockey stick, movie poster, video tape or DVD) up for sale. Your local pro-sports team or celebrities are usually willing to do this for a good cause. Consider an Online Auction for some of the more lucrative items that were donated. If you don't have a group member that can post them online, check out a local ebay retailer store to sell your items. Read about how you can sell your items online at iSOLDit.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

Earn $5 For Your Organization With Every Membership Sold

2006-07-31T17:10:00.000-07:00

In these days of tightening budgets, BJ's Wholesale Club is proud to offer your school or youth organization a uniquely effective fundraising program: selling and renewing BJ's Memberships through the BJ's Fuel Your Fundraiser(SM) Program.

For every Membership sold or renewed, BJ's will donate $5 to your qualifying school or youth organization. To help you sell more Memberships, BJ's provides a special, money-saving Fuel Your Fundraiser Membership offer to individuals joining or renewing through your organization. Get all the details on the... IDEAS Page.

Fundraising Idea: Organize A Night At The Races

2006-07-07T16:54:00.000-07:00

Here's a fun a new way to have an exiting fundraising event. Not actual gambling, "A Night At The Races" is a re-creation and meant for fun. With. People watch a pre-taped horse race and bet and win "funny money". Raffles are usually drawn throughout the event. What you need to get started, including the video tape, race program and race tickets are all provided by companies like "A Night At The Races".

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see the Fundraisers.com... IDEAS Page.

Fundraising Idea: Have A Lawn Or Garage Sale

2006-01-23T21:00:00.000-08:00

Most everyone thinks about clearing out "stuff" from their attic or garage, well here they can do good too. Have a Lawn sale fundraiser where your community donates items they are willing to let your group sell. Then your group picks a central location to hold your fundraising lawn sale. Once again be sure to publicize this well in advance and many times.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

Fundraising Idea: Organize A Rubber Duck Race

2006-01-29T19:50:00.000-08:00

This event fundraiser is fun and can get kids involved. All you need to do is get the rubber ducks or any other fun thing that can float. Have them numbered to match tickets you sell to supporters. Make sure your event is publicized so you can have a fun turnout on the day of the race at your local stream or body of water. The first duck to cross the finish line wins a prize that was donated by a local sponsor.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

CSRwire: The Corporate Social Responsibility Newswire Service

2006-03-06T23:22:00.000-08:00

If you're looking for the perfect newswire service to promote your company cause, take a look at what marketing specialists are using to help promote their cause marketing campaigns. CSRwire is a specialized newswire service designed to reach key audiences with corporate social responsibility announcements.

For more information, see the... CSRwire Homepage

Alonovo Marketplace A Perfect Match For Socially Responsible Shopping

2005-12-10T23:04:00.000-08:00

Now Socially Responsible Shoppers can shop online with the intelligence of a Shopping website that rates Socially Responsible Businesses.

Alonovo.com provides an intelligent, informed online shopping experience for the powerful consumer demographic. By directly integrating trusted Social Responsibility (SR) ratings coupled with a large, price competitive array of electronics, books, CDs, DVDs, appliances, tools, computers, software and more... into a visually compelling and simple user experience, Alonovo.com has started to redirect consumer spending based upon Social Responsibility ratings.

Alonovo.com's mission is to catalyze a constructive relationship between an informed marketforce demand and the business supply chain. This accelerates the "race to the top" among businesses that are working to balance people, planet and profit by moving SR directly into the profit equation.

Organizations such as the American Red Cross, Habitat for Humanity, Doctors Without Borders, Global Exchange, Stand for Children, UNICEF, Oxfam America and many other prolific groups. Each Alonovo.com registered member selects their beneficiary organization and their respective online shopping then provides direct benefit to their selected community selected local, national or global cause.

Shop at Alonovo.com

Leo Burnett Seeks Non-Profit Partner For Charitable Brand Boost

2005-12-10T22:44:00.000-08:00

Advertising agency Leo Burnett USA has announced a new business pitch with an unusual twist- it will conduct the review in support of a deserving cause. Moving beyond the traditional industry channels for public service relationships, the agency is proactively seeking a non-profit organization as a prospective client partner. Burnett is looking to grow a new or unknown entity into a powerful and recognized brand, putting its full range of marketing services behind the partnership.

"Our goal, as always, is to invest ourselves and our expertise in a worthy cause. What differentiates this new effort from our pro bono assignments are three key elements," said Leo Burnett USA Chief Marketing Officer Ben Kline. "We want to build a brand from scratch. We want the relationship to be long-term. And we want to fully leverage our strengths to help a worthy cause receive the awareness and recognition it deserves."

About Leo Burnett USA

Leo Burnett USA helps build many of the world's most valuable brands, including McDonald's, Disney, Procter & Gamble, Marlboro, Altoids, Kellogg, Nintendo and the U.S. Army. As the most awarded agency at the Effie Awards for four straight years, Leo Burnett USA is the "Most Effective Agency in America."

The country's second largest agency brand as ranked by Advertising Age, Leo Burnett USA is the flagship office of Leo Burnett Worldwide, Inc., a global network of over 200 operating units including a variety of specialty marketing services and 94 full service advertising agencies in 82 countries. Leo Burnett Worldwide is a wholly owned subsidiary of Publicis Groupe

Interested organizations are encouraged to submit proposals for consideration.

Submit now at Packaged Good
Read more Leo Burnett Worldwide
Read more Publicis Groupe

Event Idea: Set Up A Book Sale

2005-11-30T23:21:00.000-08:00

Another old favorite fundraiser. People are sure to donate books they are done reading and people will be sure to buy them as a good read and a good cause. Ask people to drop off their unwanted books or better yet just go door to door. If you find your fundraiser has left over books you may even want to donate them to a hospital, shelter or seniors home.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

Event Idea: Have A Bake Sale

2005-11-07T13:10:00.000-08:00

Always a favorite event fundraiser even though it isn't the "newest idea". Why? Well because home baked goodies can't be beat. Also because some community members love baking and sharing with others. It's recommended to not have these too often though so try spreading them throughout the year. Here's a great tip: Bake some scrumptious cookies using the cookie dough from a popular cookie dough fundraising brochure and make sure to have your order book ready to sell from and raise extra money.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

Event Idea: Run A Recycled Bottle, Can Or Ink Cartridge Drive

2005-11-04T17:04:00.000-08:00

An excellent fundraising idea for our times. Raise money and do good for the environment. Let your community know that they can drop off their refundable bottles, cans or ink cartridges at a central location. Your group will handle the sorting and keep the refunds. A nickel or dime may not seem like much but if this fundraiser is well publicized, all that plastic, glass, aluminum and cartridges will add up quick. To raise more and as an added incentive / service to your community, you can go door to door to pick their refundable bottles and cans or tie in with a local business to become a drop off location for your group.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

Event Idea: Have A Car Wash

2005-11-03T11:07:00.000-08:00

A great service and event fundraising idea for all those car loving people out there. Get your group volunteers together and pick a central location with high car traffic. Make sure you have room for cars to line up and have a few hoses going so you can wash more than one car at a time. As an added fundraiser sell some snacks and beverages to car owners. Be sure to have enough chairs and shade for your car owners to sit while they wait.

For more fundraising resources and ideas, see... Fundraisers.com.

Great Christmas Fundraiser!

2005-10-26T14:42:00.000-07:00

With this unique progam you can earn substantial profits by selling The Nutcracker Sweet cookbooks at specially discounted rates- each book sold can earn your organization up to $13.00! With more profit per item than most other fund-raising drives, you can maximize your fund-raising efforts by selling a product that people will use again and again AND support the arts.
For more information, visit the dancing gourmet page... www.fundraisers.com/ideas/gourmet.html.

Introducting Blogging To Social Entrepreneurs and Non-Profits

2005-10-26T11:50:00.000-07:00

This article is a fantastic resource for non profits who want to learn more about blogging and social networks. -Annie

Steve Shu writes, "I get a real charge out of educating folks and touching people's lives. I also get a charge out of thinking about non-profits, especially having served in the past on the board as a financial offcer for a non-profit in the child care space. I'm at a point in my career where I'm focused on helping people and leaving the next-level of a legacy."

Read more at... Steve Shu's 21Publish Blog

FREE Scratchcard Fundraiser To Aid Katrina Survivors

2005-09-14T13:12:00.000-07:00

What usually comes to mind when you think of a local community fundraiser? A bake sale, walk-a-thon, benefit dinner, a show or party... There's no question that these are great ways to raise funds for a cause, but they can involve a considerable amount of planning, and are usually best suited for organizations with a lot of volunteers. Smaller charitable organizations and local community groups have typically resorted to the old tradition of soliciting donations. Some will go door to door, others set up in a local mall or circulate a collection box at work.

But many charitable fundraisers are discovering another way to raise funds for local charitable causes as well as for local chapters of large non profits. For many years, schools and sports teams have been raising funds through the sales of a wide variety of items. If this works for schools, teams or scouting groups; why shouldn't it work to raise funds for a local chapter of a non profit or a national charity? Donors respond more with their wallet when they know that the money is going to support a cause. Of course, just helping out is a reward in itself, but getting something in return can fuel even more generosity. After all, we are all consumers at heart. It's only natural that fundraisers will have an easier time reaching more of us by selling products.

Looking For A Way To Help The Hurricane Katrina Victims?

JustFundraising.com is helping any interested group, to raise funds quickly and communicate inspirational messages, at a time when both are needed most with Hurricane Katrina Donation Cards. Whether you already have a group, or you're planning on creating one, JustFundraising.com wants to help and will provide these cards to approved groups, absolutely free of charge.

JustFundraising.com is giving away a total of $45,000 worth of fundraising products to groups who are committed to helping raise funds for the Hurricane Katrina victims. Some groups that may be interested include sports teams, church groups, youth groups, schools, even companies.

How Does It Work?

Step 1: They will provide your group with up to 20 Hurricane Katrina Donation Cards (depending on the number of fundraising participants). Distribute 1 donation card to each of your fundraisers. Each donation card has 56 scratch dots.

Step 2: You will simply ask friends, neighbors, co-workers to scratch 1 or more dots, and to pay the total of the amounts they revealed ($0.50 to $3.00 per dot). Underneath each dot, there is also a positive inspirational message. *See examples below

Step 3: Accumulate all collected funds and write a check out to Unicef, Red Cross or any other preferred non-profit organization dedicated to the Hurricane Katrina relief efforts.

These cards regularly sell for $15 each, but JustFundraising.com is providing them to committed groups, absolutely free of charge. With every 20 donation cards, groups can raise $2,300 for Hurricane Katrina relief efforts. JustFundraising.com is hoping to distribute up to 3,000 Hurricane Katrina Donation Cards, which could raise a total of $345,000.

Now's your chance to help! Click here to see how you can receive your FREE KATRINA DONATION CARDS.

Examples Of A Few Inspirational Messages Uncovered:

Ideas are nothing without action
Give in and you will never win
Fortune and love favor the brave
Be a friend when people most need one

-- Annie Van Bebber

Fundraising with a Cherry on Top!

2005-08-30T13:08:00.000-07:00

Fundraising resources come in many forms. Recent articles at Fundraisers.Com have focused on beneficial technological and information resources. This month we offer a slightly more homespun flavor in our resource area.or should we say 101 different flavors. Yes, it's time to get savvy about the finer points of adding an ice cream social to your local fundraising event.

Dandy Don is a connoisseur of hot fudge, caramel sauce, crushed nuts, sliced strawberries, rainbow sprinkles and maraschino cherries - delicately dancing atop dazzling ice cream sundaes. Scooping, serving, and sprinkling may not be aerobic activities, but Dandy Don's Homemade Ice Cream & Sundae Bar Catering maintains a frenetic pace while working with small and large charitable organizations alike.

Make-A-Wish-Foundation, Special Olympics, Red Cross, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, Starlight Children's Foundation and Boys and Girls Clubs are some of the larger groups Dandy Don has dished with. He's also helped smaller groups in Southern California scoop up extra fundraising funds with ice cream sundae bars at charitable events. They include the Friends of Robinson Garden, LA Shanti, and the Club Culinaire Francais.

Charity auctions, tasting events, and fundraising dinners are examples of venues where ice cream adds that extra sprinkling of fun. After all, they didn't coin the phrase "Ice Cream Socials" for no reason. Sundae bars bring out the inner child in attendees at black tie suppers and more casual charity events. Scoops of ice cream drizzled with toppings, whipped cream and a cherry makes everyone a little more..social.

Dandy Don offers tips from years of experience in his for-profit business and a winning record of partnerships with charitable organizations. Don says, "You can easily sell a two ounce ice cream sundae - half the size of four ounce sundaes from ice cream parlors - for $2.00 or more at fundraising events." Supporters of charities don't mind the price because proceeds are going to a worthy cause.

Don adds, "I always recommend collecting the money in advance. It helps project what you really need on hand for attendees. You can lose money by buying more than you can sell." He repeats his advice again for added emphasis, "Never do it on 'spec.' Always pre-sell the event."

Partnering with a local ice cream shop is a great way to go according to Dandy Don. "You can usually get the ice cream shop to promote the event along with your organization so you're getting double coverage." Ice cream retailers may offer their products at cost or if you're really lucky they'll donate some or all of the ingredients for an ice cream sundae bar.

Adding an "ala mode" option to bake sales can also increase sales by fifty cents an item. Don says, "Charging fifty cents for a scoop of vanilla ice cream on a slice of pie or a piece of cake can increase profits at bake sales which are always great money makers."

Don does have some basic advice for those wishing to get supporters screaming for ice cream. He advises, "Don't buy the big three gallon containers at food warehouses. By the time you get to the bottom the ice cream will be melted and messy." It's that old penny-wise and pound-foolish caution. "Most large retailers carry ice cream in five quart containers. This size is your best bet for profitability and ease of service," he says.

"You also need to have plenty of volunteers on hand to scoop. The fewer hands scooping the greater your chance of melting ice cream," according to Dandy Don. He adds, "When it's possible, I try to pre-scoop ice cream into individual bowls. Teams of two per tub work well. The bowls can be stacked in large ice chests and brought out as needed." Pre-scooped bowls of ice cream need to be refrozen for two - three hours before serving. Don says to plan your time accordingly.

Dandy Don urges EXTREME caution when handling dry ice. "Only adults who are thoroughly skilled with handling dry ice should go near it. NEVER let children come in contact with dry ice." Curiosity can tempt even adults to touch or taste dry ice. "Second and third degree burns can happen quickly. Handling dry ice is like handling fire," Don says. When in doubt, don't use it. Ice and dry ice should be placed on top of ice cream in coolers. "Remember, cold air falls and hot air rises," he adds.

You can expect to get approximately 30 scoops out of a five quart container. Plexiglass containers or large ice chests can usually be found at party rental agencies. "Keep in mind the sun will always be an issue for outdoor summer events using ice cream. If possible, toppings are best served under a cover of shade, as most toppings melt at 80 degrees F. During the summer, always hold ice cream events indoors," Dandy Don advises.

Hot fudge isn't always practical for ice cream sundae bars. Don says squeeze bottles of chocolate sauce usually cure the chocolate craving. He also says buying packages of cookies and candy bars and crushing them yourself is a money saver. "Rainbow sprinkles are more popular than the chocolate ones and you can find them in most candy aisles," according to Don, "Whipped cream in cans is a also good bet."

For that gourmet touch, fresh fruit can be sliced on site. In Don's experience, "People love to see the food being prepared. Any kind of fresh fruit can be sliced right at the ice cream bar." Strawberries, kiwis and bananas are popular choices.

If there's a large ice cream distributor in your area, they may offer a mobile freezing unit for serving ice cream novelties at local fundraising events. If not, dry ice can be used to keep novelties frozen prior to being purchased by attendees as fundraisers.

Rewards for meeting your group's fundraising goals are an important gesture when teaching younger people about the value of giving and serving your community. Most of the groups Dandy Don's serves for achieving their goals are advised, early on, that their reward will be a Hot Fudge Sundae Bar with all the trimmings.

Don says he always serves his 'Top Ten Toppings' at thank you parties for hardworking fundraisers. Young people recognize the generosity of this reward because they eat sundaes regularly and know the cost of extra special toppings.

Hard workers who made or exceeded their goals know that their ultimate sundae vision will be a reality when the community's goal is met. Don says, "Next time, give your best winning effort more than just another pizza. Always let the kids put lots of toppings on their sundae!" He adds, "They earned their reward. If they do over indulge, they might learn that too much of a good thing (especially sweet treats) requires moderation."

A few succinct testimonials prove the power of ice cream as a valuable resource for fundraisers. Here are a few words from organizations that have benefited from Dandy Don's generosity and delectable sundaes.

From the AIDS Project LA: Dandy Don, thank you so much for your time and your delectable contributions to our event. Summer Party was a huge success and you helped us raise thousands of dollars to benefit AIDS Project Los Angeles.

From Temple Knesset Israel: On behalf of the Board of Governors of Knesset Israel, please accept our sincere thank you for donating the ice cream for our 75th Anniversary Celebration. Everyone loved the ice cream and was pleasantly surprised to know it was kosher.

From Make-A-Wish-Foundation: Thank you so much for participating in our 8th Annual Wine Tasting & Auction. Your stand was one of the most successful. It certainly made for a fun evening.

Go to Dandy Don's website for more ideas in the "catering" section. You can also read many more thank-you notes from organizations that discovered the nostalgic draw of ice cream sundae bars at fundraising events. You'll scream, they'll scream, we'll all scream with delight over funds raised with ice cream.