Category: General

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.

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.