Fundraising is about raising money and raising awareness. Many organisations, schools and charities are asking for money, which results in individuals becoming complacent. If you want your fundraising to be successful you need to think of ways to encourage people to give their money to you, a difficult task, especially when money is tight for most people. To help you with your next fundraiser we’ve come up with some of the best ways to grab the attention and the goodwill of the public.
Keep Things Simple
Before we begin looking at ideas we think it’s important to remind you to keep things as simple as possible. You need to keep your costs as low as possible and ensure the work involved is achievable with the help you have available. Don’t over complicate things and place your most talented organiser on the planning committee to help the events run smoothly.
Jump on a Fashion Trend
Creating unique apparel that fits in with a current trend is a great, especially if you’re raising money for your school. Kids love fads and crazes and you can raise a great deal of money by jumping on the band wagon. Some ideas include:
- Slogan t-shirts – printed by the students
- Bracelets or wrist bands
- Collectable cards
- Water bottles
- Cupcakes
Popcorn and Movie Nights
Sell tickets to a popcorn and movie night at the school. Pick a popular movie or two and include one tub of small popcorn and a drink included in the ticket. Plan the event to take place directly after school or on a weekend, when many parents will appreciate some extra time not having to worry where the kids are. You could even sell adult tickets but keep an eye on the numbers. If it’s successful you could make the movie night a monthly event.
Hold a Ball or a Dance
Sell tickets to a ball in the school hall, gym or a local hall. Think of a theme for the ball such as Oscar night or pick a decade such as the 1980’s. Sell tickets and think of other ways to make money on the night such as selling drinks and accessories (eye masks, wigs, glow sticks, or bubbles). You could also have photographer and sell photos for a small profit.
Fashion Shows
Ask a local designer or store to sponsor a fashion show. They donate the clothing (which could be available to buy and some of the profits could be donated to your cause). Get the children in the school, or the teachers and parents, to model the clothing and sell tickets to the event. Make it as glamorous as possible, think about the seating, the runway, the lighting and the music.
School Equipment
If you’re raising money for the school consider selling essential stationary and equipment directly to the parents. The profits raised can be donated to the cause. Keep the prices competitive with the high street but add some extra interest by branding it with the school motto or logo. Click here to learn more.
The author is a fundraiser for a local school and a freelance blogger. She has written hundreds of articles and blog posts sharing her ideas and successes with others. Raising money isn’t easy but it can be effective and worthwhile when you think outside the box. Read more of her articles online.