Some organizations use a car wash as a fundraiser.
Some schools and organizations do fundraising to help supplement their income from other sources so they can continue to operate. However, using the typical, overused fundraisers, such as bake sales, candy sales and magazine sales, can begin to result in lower earned funds. Substituting new ideas can help you make the most of your fundraising.
A New Twist
Just because a fundraiser idea is one that has been done over and over does not mean that you have to completely get rid of the idea. Add a new twist to an old fundraiser idea to spark new interest. For instance, if your club typically hosts a car wash every year, expand on that and offer car detailing instead of, or in addition to, the car wash. Instead of holding a typical bake sale, have a baking contest, and then sell off the baked goods entered into the contest.
Products
Some fundraisers distribute catalogs and allow those who wish to contribute to the fundraiser to purchase items. The school or organization receives a portion of the money paid. Pizza, nuts, wrapping paper and candy are common fundraiser items. However, there are numerous ideas out there for different products you can sell, such as luggage tags, writing utensils, books, and pasta that comes in many different shapes, from sports team logos to holiday items. Choose something that fits the purpose of your fundraiser.
Dinner
In addition to serving as a fundraiser, sponsoring a dinner can provide a meal and socialization for your supporters. Choose food items that are inexpensive to maximize the amount of money your organization will earn from the dinner. Another option is to request that each of your supporters brings a dish to share with everyone else in addition to paying for tickets. This saves the amount of money your organization has to pay for the event, creates a wider variety of food and allows your organization to put more money toward your cause.
CD or DVD
If your cause is a choir, dance team or band, create a CD or DVD of some of your performances to sell to raise money. If you have a member or know someone who can produce these items for cost, you can save even more money. You may even be able to find a small production company that is willing to do the work in exchange for advertising on the packaging. Check around to find the best deals and make the most of your funds.
Rummage Sale
A rummage sale is a good way to make money if you have things around your home that you need to get rid of. Members of your organization can donate items that they no longer want or need. Advertise for a large group rummage sale and sell the items. All proceeds go to your organization's cause. This type of fundraiser does not require your organization to pay out any money unless you need to rent a place to hold the rummage sale.
Sponsorship
Many organizations utilize walks, runs and bike rides to support their cause. The people who take part in these events typically ask friends, family members and co-workers for pledges based on miles walked, run or ridden. Your organization can use these ideas with an additional twist. If your organization involves children, have them gather pledges for jump roping. Teenagers and adults can participate in a starve-a-thon where they gather pledges to fast for a certain period of time, such as overnight or for one day. Fit the event to your organization's cause.
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