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Fundraiser Programs: Learn What to Look For

There are various types of fundraiser programs available for the average group, and most are very reasonably priced, including their upgrades. Three of them are: FundRaiser Basic, FundRaiser Select, and Fundraiser Professional, all available from fundraisersoftware.com. Now, these are by no means the only programs out there, but an overview of them will give a good indication of what all of them do.

These programs are basically known as donor management software. Some people like to use the phrase "donation management" instead as its purpose is to increase the effectiveness and efficiency at which a group is able to get donations. Still, to quote the Immortal Bard, Williams Shakespeare: "a rose by any other name." The programs are designed to allow nonprofit and philanthropic organizations to track their relationships with their donors. In many ways, the software is like CRM (Customer Relationship Management) programs that commercial businesses use to keep track of their customers.

In general, these programs manage, process and/or track various fundraising activities:

 

  • Information obtained by talking to people in person, from a phone-a-thon, via a newsletter or by sending out mailings.
  • All fundraising campaigns, seasonal, annual or other.
  • Special events, such as banquets, sports tournaments and specialty festivals.
  • Pledges obtained from phone-a-thons, and other methods.
  • Membership lists.
  • Grants obtained from individuals, government agencies and/or charitable foundations.
  • Tribute gifts given "In Memory of" or "To Honor" someone.
  • Catalogs of the products sold for fundraising.

 

With Fundraiser Basic, it currently lists for under a hundred dollars, easily affordable by just about any group. Yet, it can hold a list of 50,000 donors, including all data on them and contributions they have made. It has a word processor and mail merger that allows for mass mailings. Very useful for a group just getting started. The FundRaiser Select runs more, $1,200, and simply builds on the basic program, with a few more features. It isn’t until FundRaiser Professional, which costs upwards of $3,500, that some major upgrades come into play. It has more capabilities in terms of reports, merging functions and criteria for setting up groupings.

So, from just a brief overview of only three of the fundraiser programs available, it can be seen that they offer a powerful tool for groups needing help in managing their records.

An Easy Fundraising Idea You Can Use Now

A lot of groups, when they are first getting started, look for some type of easy fundraising idea. It makes sense. After all, a new group generally has few members, limited resources and virtually no money. So, they will look to their members to brainstorm and come up with some small-scale, simple ways of raising funds for their activities.

Step one: what constitutes an easy way to raise money? A group needs to look at ideas that involve a minimal outlay of cash. On the other hand, that does not mean that some hard work (the old "sweat equity"), a goodly amount of time, and some effort does not have to go into it. A group may discover that they have a rather talented artist among their ranks. Also, perhaps another member runs a print shop or does silk screening. So, put the two together and what do you get? A team that can create a knockout t-shirt. Offer those at a local state or county agricultural fair or school bazaar and the group can raise a considerable sum.

Another simple fundraising method is the gift card. There are a whole host of national firms that will give "two for one" cards: pizza, soda, sandwiches, movie tickets etc. Many have websites and/or 800 numbers set up to allow for ease of access, and PR departments that are skilled in just these sorts of things. For a new group that is trying to raise some funds quickly and easily, fundraising cards are an excellent choice.

For groups operating on the high school level, there are even more options. Bake sales, selling school badges, pizza and sodas at sporting events, and turkey shoots are just the tip of the iceberg. In the case of a high school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC), turkey shoots are a good idea. And, it is not as bloodthirsty as it may sound. Normally, a high school JROTC unit has a shooting range where the students (cadets) learn to fire a twenty-two caliber rifle. So, first, they need turkeys. Normally, a national grocery chain (e.g. Publix, Stop & Shop) will donate a quantity of frozen turkeys. Next, the unit prints up a standard sized piece of heavy-duty paper with a series of one inch diameter circles on it, and runs off as many as the number of turkeys they have to give away. They then take these around the neighborhoods and allow people to buy a circle for a dollar each. The people write their names in the circle(s) they buy. After all the sheets are filled, they are taken to the firing range and a cadet puts one shot in each. Whichever hole gets hit, or is closest to the bullet hole, that person gets a free Christmas turkey.

So, no matter the size of the group, not matter the makeup of its members, there is an easy fundraising idea out there that will help the group to get a start. It all comes down to the members, what are they willing to put into it?

Need Ideas for Fundraising Activities?

A typical group, looking for ideas for fundraising activities, has to ask themselves one question: what are the best ways of doing it? It sounds like a very simple question, but the answer is often complicated. The reason is straightforward enough: what works for one group does not necessarily work for another.

The first step in the process is easy enough; gather together a group of like-minded people, brainstorm, and come up with some ideas. It is a virtual guarantee that the list will run the gamut. Here is just a short list of possibilities:

 

  • Bake sales
  • Gift cards
  • T-shirts
  • Turkey shoots
  • Door-to-door sales
  • Letter writing campaigns
  • Holding a fair or bazaar
  • Rummage sales
  • Raffles

 

But, out of this plethora of ideas, how does the group select the best one for them? It all depends on the group itself, its members. They have to figure out what works best for them. If they are a large group with outgoing and gregarious members, then a door-to-door campaign or fair would work well for them. If they’re just starting and don’t have many members, a fundraising card would be the best way to go. Now, if the group is connected with a national organization (e.g. First Book, the Red Cross, UNICEF), then fund raising ideas are usually all worked out ahead of time. Those groups have a whole set of fundraising methods that are tried and true.

The most important aspect to be concerned about is to how the members work, and work together. Selecting a type of fundraiser that is not right for the group can be disastrous. The members will waste time, money, resources and effort, and get little (if any) financial return. If someone in the group is an artist, and they are teamed with someone else who runs a print shop or does silk screening; they can team up to create a great looking t-shirt.

When trying to find ideas for fundraising activities, there are some things to ponder. First, what will it cost? Make sure it is within your group’s budget. Next, does it make good use of the members and their talents? Will the idea appeal to the kinds of people you hope will donate to your group? Offering subscriptions to "Guns & Ammo" to the residents of an ACLF (Adult Congregate Living Facility) almost certainly won’t be a big seller. Also, donors like to feel as if they get something of value for their contribution.

Good Fundraising Ideas Are Easy to Find

Since the first group of people got together to raise money, they have asked themselves this question: what are the truly good fundraising ideas? It may sound like a very easy question, but the answer is often not so simple. The reason is straightforward enough, what works for one group may not work for another.

At first, it can sound so simple. Step one, get together with a group of like-minded co-workers and/or friends, brainstorm, and come up with some ideas. No doubt the list will run the gamut from bake sales to door-to-door selling to letter writing campaigns to holding a fair or bazaar. But, out of this cornucopia of ideas, how is the best selected?

What it really boils down to is the group itself, its members. They need to decide what works best for them. Are they an outgoing and gregarious group? Maybe door-to-door would work well for them. Is the group just starting and has few members and limited resources? In that situation, some kind of fundraising card would probably work best. If the group is part of some national organization (e.g. First Book, the Red Cross, UNICEF), they normally have a whole set of prepared fundraising methods that are tried and true.

The critical thing to keep in mind here is to pay attention to how the members work, and work together. Selecting the wrong kind of fundraiser can be disastrous. The group will end up wasting valuable time, money, resources and effort, and getting little (if any) financial return. This can result in ruination for the group before it has ever gotten off the group as morale and motivation will become non-existent.

So, when trying to separate the good fundraising idea from the bad, here are some points to consider: first, look at the bottom line. What is it going to cost? Make sure it is within your group’s budget. Does the idea make good use of the resources you have and the talents of your members? Do you have enough people to get it done? Is the idea appropriate for your group and is it likely to appeal to the sorts of people you are looking to get donations from? Trying to sell subscriptions to "Guns & Ammo" to the residents of an ACLF (Adult Congregate Living Facility) probably won’t go over too well. Will the donors feel that they are getting something of value for their efforts? That will greatly enhance your chances of raising money. And that brings up the final point: will the idea bring in the kind of money you need? A school class looking to raise money from a bake sale is a far cry from a community theatre trying to get enough for a down payment on a building.

Fundraising Cards: A Cheap Way to Raise Money

Various types of groups will use fundraising cards as a cheap and easy way to raise money. The initial outlay of money is generally quite minimal, sometimes print companies will even do them gratis as a means of contributing to the group. The most popular types of cards are those that are food related. After all, just about everyone loves a good, old "two for one" deal on a sandwich, pizza or drink.

So, step one: the group needs to contact a company about issuing the cards. With most of the major chain restaurants and food stores (e.g. Papa Johns, Domino’s Pizza, Subways, McDonald’s) they have departments specifically devoted to this enterprise. After all, giving away cards like these is an easy way to make a charitable contribution, and it is very good PR (public relations). These days, big business often gets a "black eye" for all manner of negative news stories: outsourcing, polluting, and layoffs. So, a small, simple gesture like sponsoring a fundraiser is quite positive. And, many of them can be contacted via the Internet. Once an agreement has been reached, the cards – with whatever offer has been negotiated – can be printed. After that, it is up to the members to get them sold.

One especially good way of getting fundraising cards out and sold quickly is by using the book method. If a group puts in a bit more time and effort, and gets several companies to agree to give cards, they can be put together in some sort of booklet. These are very popular! Lots of people will shell out ten, twenty, or even more if they get a several cards for different businesses. Not only do they feel like they are getting a good deal, it helps to generate business for the various companies. And, of course, local businesses should not be overlooked. While they can not (naturally) compete with the "big boys", many are more than happy to offer some sort of "lunch combo" or a "free popcorn with a soda" type deal. Sometimes local community theatres will contribute free tickets by giving one free with every purchase of one or more. Or, if not free, then some sort of half price deal. The point is, fundraising cards can be a cheap, yet effective means of making money for any group. It’s all a matter of finding the best way to go.

Fundraising Christmas Ideas Even Scrooge Would Love

Fundraising Christmas ideas are easy to come by. As Charles Dickens wrote in "A Christmas Carol", it is the time when want is most keenly felt, and abundance rejoiced. There is also, of course, the Christian observance of the birth of Christ, and the belief that it is more blessed to give than to receive.

So, next question, how to raise money for whatever type of charitable group you might be working with? The sheer number of possible methods is downright staggering when it comes to the Christmas season. There are the old standards: trees, wreaths, cookies, candies, Christmas cards, ornaments and the various small-scale presents for family members. To list all of them would truly take several pages.

For those people who want to be high-tech, a simple search of the Internet will yield page after page of possibilities. Then, there are the old-fashion ways. One very popular method that is used by high school Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) is the turkey shoot. Now, this is not as bloodthirsty as it may sound. Normally, a high school JROTC unit will have a shooting range where the students (cadets) learn to fire a twenty-two caliber rifle. So, what more natural way of raising money than making use of their firing range? The process is simple: first, they need turkeys. Usually, a national grocery chain (e.g. Publix, Stop & Shop) will donate a quantity of frozen turkeys. Next, the unit prints up a standard sized piece of heavy-duty paper with a series of one inch diameter circles on it, and runs off as many as the number of turkeys they have to give away. They then take these around the neighborhoods and allow people to buy a circle for a dollar each. The people write their names in the circle(s) they buy. After all the sheets are filled, they are taken to the firing range and a cadet puts one shot in each. Whichever hole gets hit, or is closest to the bullet hole, that person gets a free Christmas turkey. Not a bad deal for anyone involved.

So, from this brief article, it is easy to see that there is a regular cornucopia of fundraising Christmas ideas. A lot depends on the group involved. Making use of firearms may be fine for a high school JROTC unit, but not so for a group of grandmothers knitting afghans. It really all comes down to what the members feel is the best way to proceed, then doing a bit of research into what is available. As previously stated, the possibilities are only limited by a person’s imagination.

Find School Fundraising Ideas

School fundraising ideas offer a variety of money-making options for school activities, equipment, and team uniforms. Too often, schools need to raise extra money in addition to their regular budget for extracurricular activities and events. When they do, schools can choose between some of the following options:

 

  • Discount Cards: cards offering local merchant discounts are popular fundraisers. You can either arrange contracts with merchants yourself or have the discount card companies handle it. You can make up to 90 percent profits by using this fundraiser.

 

 

  • School Items: put your logo or mascot on items like t-shirts, hats, sweatshirts, coffee mugs, banners, and magnets. Customize gift items or things you use every day. School supporters will love showing off team colors.

 

 

  • Magazines: individuals from every walk of life subscribe to magazines. Your school can sell magazine subscriptions to family and friends to earn the school money. Generally, you’ll make more profit per magazine the more subscriptions you sell and most popular magazines will be available.

 

 

  • Food: many companies offer school fundraising ideas that revolve around selling food. You can choose to sell everything from frozen pizzas to cookie dough to gourmet coffee. Everyone needs to eat and you’ll be providing easy to prepare options.

 

 

  • Car Washes: sports teams often put together car washes in the school parking lot or at another popular location. Kids and teens will love playing around in the water and there’s not a lot of overhead cost to make this fundraising idea work.

 

 

  • Auctions: get local businesses and parents to donate items for an auction to benefit the school. You can do a regular auction or go the silent route. Either way, people will enjoy bidding on items that they want.

 

 

  • Bake Sales: parents or other family members bake deserts, breads, and other goodies for this event. You can combine this activity with others or have it alone. With little overhead, you can make a lot of money.

 

 

  • Rubber Duck Derby: individuals buy a duck and on the given day, ducks are released into a local pond, lake or river. The first duck to cross the finish line wins and the individual with the duck’s number gets a prize.

 

 

  • Other Events: other school fundraising ideas include dances, potlucks, carnivals, and other activities. These events generally require advance planning, but they can be fun for the whole family.

 

There are a host of school fundraising ideas out there. You just need to decide which ones will work best for your school. Consider how much money your school needs to earn, how many volunteers you’ll have, and what will work best in your community.

Make Money for Your Organization with Candy Fundraising

Candy fundraising is a popular way for schools and other organizations to raise money for their activities, equipment, and uniforms. Everyone likes candy and fundraising companies offer a variety of products. You’ll make money in no time at all for your group.

Some organizations sell candy at particular events, like sports games or school concerts. The advantage of this is that only a few volunteers are needed at each event to handle the selling. Events also offer an instant group of potential customers. Just place a booth or table near where people will be walking or sitting.

Other organizations have all members sell candy. Many school groups and athletic teams use this route and have kids sell the candy to family members and neighbors. This involves many more people selling and thus, has the potential to reach more customers. Organizations should take care, however, to encourage parents to oversee children when they are selling.

Companies that sell candy for fundraising often offer a variety of products. Hershey’s and M&M Mars dominate the industry for candy fundraising. In many cases, your organization can choose to sell one brand of candy or a variety of candy. With some companies, you’ll be selling name brand candy, generally for around a dollar. Candy includes chocolate bars, lollipops, fruit treats, or other bars. Potential profits often depend on the number of candy cases that your organization buys.

When you are buying for your organization, it is important to remember that companies often sell by the case and the organization then distributes the candy by the carrier. Confusing the two can result in buying much more candy than what you wanted. Most companies ship four carriers per case.

You also need to consider the weather when you are planning a sale. Chocolate bars can only be shipped in the temperature stays below 82 degrees. Some companies may have temperature controlled trucks, but most do not serve all areas. If you are planning a warm weather sale, you should contact the candy company for more information on how to handle this issue.

Candy fundraising is a great way for schools and athletic teams to earn money for their programs. Many organizations choose this fundraising idea because it works and its popularity tells you that it will more than likely work for your organization too. Be sure to find a reputable fundraising company to help you with your sale and do what planning you can ahead of time.

A Fundraising Discount Card Means Easy Money for Your Organization

A fundraising discount card can make your organization up to 90 percent of the profits from each sale. Many organizations choose to sell these discount cards because they are easy to sell and the profit margin is large. Businesses like them because the cards are an easy way to advertise and get customers.

Fundraising discount cards work in two ways. First, you can choose to contact local merchants and find those that are willing to participate. Then you negotiate a contract with them about the discount that they will offer to customers who show the card. Once you’ve agreed on everything, you submit the details to the discount card company and they make up cards showing your organization and a list of participating merchants.

The second way that discount cards can be produced is to have the fundraising discount card company do the merchant contacting and negotiating for you. You just provide the company with a list of potential merchants and they do all the work for you. You’ll earn less profit per card this way, but there is also a lot less work involved.

Cards have your organization logo or information printed on them and they are made of durable material similar to a library or rental card. You can sell the cards for whatever amount you like, but most of the time organizations sell them for between $10 and $25. They are good for discounts for a particular amount of time, usually a year.

Many reasons exist for using fundraising discount cards for your organization. One is that people like getting a discount. If you keep the cost of the card down, more people will buy them because they know that they’ll be getting their money’s worth. Not only will organization members want to buy a card, but other community members will as well. This increases the amount of potential customers and profit.

Fundraising discount cards provide an easy fundraiser. You don’t need to put hours and hours into planning an event or worry that you won’t have enough people to help. Discount cards almost sell themselves and with a little preparation, you’ll be done with all the necessary arrangements fast, leaving you time for other activities.

Consider using a fundraising discount card for your next fundraiser. You’ll earn up to 90 percent of the profits and the cards are easy to arrange. Both organization members, local businesses, and other community members will thank you.

How to Find a Unique Fundraiser

While other organizations rehash the same old fundraisers yet again, you can rake in money for your organization with a unique fundraiser. Innovative ideas are more likely to generate excitement and word of mouth publicity. You’ll bring more people to your fundraiser when you’re doing something different that meets the needs of the community.

Think about your organization and what resources are available to you. You’ll also want to keep in mind the target demographic that you are trying to reach. This may be the entire community, art lovers, or parents of school children depending on your organization and ideas. By considering what resources you have, you’ll determine how much money you have to spend, what talents people have, and the facilities that you have available. For example, if you have a church building, you could put on a talent show, have a murder mystery dinner, or sponsor a dance-a-thon.

Look around at what other groups have done for unique fundraisers. Online sites, such as message boards, can be great places to find what organizations are doing. Keep in mind that you can always tailor any idea to fit your needs. For example, a poker night may not work for your group, but a monopoly marathon might.

Keep in mind that new trends are often great things to build a unique fundraiser around. Consider new games or sports that could make a tournament or afternoon of fun. You might also choose to change the rules up on an existing sport to make it more challenging or fun. Don’t forget that old things can become popular again. Consider a sock hop or a disco party, for example.

Find unique products or food items to sell. If you have creative people in your organization, consider designing your own t-shirts, hats, or other items. You could auction off services or goods produced by members, including art, organization help, fishing trips, and so on. Have members consider what they are good at and design the fundraiser from there. You can also purchase unique items from commercial companies to sell as a fundraiser.

The examples of unique fundraisers are as wide open as you can imagine. Some individuals have done fundraisers by accepting donations for "dares." Other organizations have done unusual raffles and games. Still others have developed wacky game tournaments.

Step outside of the traditional to think of a unique fundraiser. You’ll need to have courage and patience to pull it off and have others see your vision. Trying something new and unique can often translate into more excitement, publicity, and donations.