Author: Editor

Fundraising is an important aspect of any nonprofit organization, but sometimes it can be hard to come up with creative fundraising ideas. Too often, nonprofits use the same fundraising ideas over and over again, without injecting any new ideas or excitement into their search for donations. Creative fundraising can rejuvenate donors and bring new ones into the fold with new and innovative fundraising ideas.

Keep in mind both your organization and the group that you are targeting for your fundraising. In some cases, these groups will be similar in demographics, making fundraising easier. In others, you’ll be working with diverse groups. For example, you may be fundraising for a children’s sports team that wants to sell something to adults. In this case, you want something adults will be interested in but that children (or their parents) can provide. Small towns will also require different tactics than large, urban areas.

Assess the talents and resources that exist in your group. Many times organizations fall back on existing ideas rather than coming up with creative fundraising that draws on what their members are good at. For example, you may have a number of business owners in your organization. Consider hosting an auction or have a themed event with prizes from these companies.

Ask around to see what other organizations have done. Online resources are a great place to search as well and you may find similar organizations to yours that have events that worked for them. Don’t be afraid to modify an idea to make it fit with your group or area. Something that sold well in another area may not have the same appeal in yours. Brainstorm with group members, kids, and friends about ideas.

Think about what people need or want in your area or group. More people will participate if they find something useful for them about the event, service, or item. For example, if you have a lot of young families in your town, think about events like fairs, festivals, and carnivals that have many activities for kids. Parents will show up because it offers them something fun to do with their families and because it’ll keep the kids entertained for a few hours.

Look for trends in entertainment, fashion, and other areas to find creative fundraisers. If an activity is catching on, host an event that is centered on it. Make and sell items that people want. Creative fundraisers that are trendy and fun will get you more support and donations.

Creative fundraising doesn’t have to be hard, but you will need to put some thought into it. Creative fundraisers are those that offer something different or new to participants. They don’t have to be costly or detailed. Creative fundraisers should be fun and unique.

You can get great donations and publicity without a lot of work by using simple fundraising ideas. Sometimes, you want a fast, easy fundraiser that’s not going to take months to plan, a lot of money to pull off, or tons of people to make it work. When that’s the case, simple fundraising ideas are a godsend, giving you quick, easy, cost effective fundraising ideas for your organization.

Here are some fundraising ideas that won’t break the bank or take months to pull together:

• Donation Can or Box: this is one of the simplest fundraisers out there. You just place the donation can in a popular area and make sure that it’s marked. You can also partner with local businesses by placing a donation can at their location. Then, every so often, you collect what’s in the can for your organization.
• Change Drive: this is similar to the donation can idea, but individuals collect their spare change and bring it to you on a certain date. Many churches have used this idea to help fund missions. Children collect coins in small containers that you can give out and then bring them back at the appointed time.
• Potluck Dinner: if you have your own location, this is a great way to bring your organization together and fundraise at the same time. Everyone who attends is asked to bring something to eat that will be shared with everyone. You can either put out donation baskets or you can require that each person pay a certain amount for the dinner. This simple fundraising idea works on a small scale with a few friends and on a large scale with entire organizations.
• Car Wash: put together a car wash at a parking lot. Team up with a local car wash, grocery store, church, or other business that was access to water and a big area to wash cars in. Kids and teens will have fun playing in the water as they wash cars. This is also a great way to publicize your organization through signs at the event.
• Bake Sale: have club members bake goodies and desserts that you can sell to members of the community. If you can piggy back this event onto another community event, like a parade, ballgame, or festival, you’ll get more people to your booth or bake sale.
• Business Donation: many businesses want to help out the community, but they may not have the time to volunteer. Call on local businesses and ask them for a donation to your organization. You can even put together a sponsor list for your website or club newsletter.

Simple fundraising ideas are everywhere; you just have to have a little imagination to find them. The good thing about these fundraisers is that they are easy and don’t cost a lot to do. Even small organizations can use a simple fundraising idea to get donations and support.