Simple Fundraising Ideas

From LoveToKnow Charity

The most successful campaigns are often based on simple fundraising ideas. Instead of trying to come up with something that has never been done before the next time you are planning a fundraiser, think about what types of programs are likely to result in the greatest return for your efforts.

Fundraising Ideas

About Simple Fundraising Ideas

It's a fact that fundraisers don't have to be complicated in order to be successful. As a matter of fact, it's often the simplest ideas that have the best results. Think about the success that the Girl Scouts of America Organization has enjoyed as the result of selling cookies once a year and it becomes apparent that simple fundraising ideas can easily become major money makers for nonprofit organizations.

When brainstorming for new ideas to raise money for your agency, don't immediately dismiss concepts that don't seem sophisticated enough. Instead, consider who you can expect to support your fundraising efforts and focus on coming up with ideas that are likely to appeal to the individuals who will be working on your fundraising campaign. After all, to enjoy fundraising success, you are going to need people who are willing to sell products or services on your organization's behalf as well as people who are willing to purchase what you have to offer.

Choose an Easy to Sell Item

Consider who will be most willing to market your fundraising program and select a campaign that will be relatively easy for them to sell to their contacts. If you're going to rely on volunteers to sell products or tickets to an event, consider what they'll have the easiest time marketing on your behalf.

For example, most people will find it much easier to sell $5 raffle tickets to their co-workers and neighbors than to sell tickets for a drawdown even that are $100 each. If your primary volunteer base is teens, it may be better to ask them to donate an afternoon or two to working a car wash fundraiser event than to request that they sell items from a catalog.

Consider Overhead Costs

Most nonprofit organizations don't have a lot of money to spend to purchase items that they may or may not be able to sell. If you want to have a product-based fundraiser, look for companies that allow nonprofits to market their products without having to invest in an inventory up front. When you're looking for a simple fundraiser, avoid working companies that require you to order large quantities of product. If not, you may experience both unnecessary expense and storage problems.

Utilizing Volunteer Talents

When implementing a new fundraiser, consider the skills that your committee members have and are willing to share. If you have skilled cooks working with you, it may be a good idea to plan a bake sale or develop a cookbook. If your volunteers are excellent gardeners, a plant sale may be a good idea. If your committee has skilled event planners who have contacts with a lot of philanthropic individuals, a charity luncheon may be the best choice.

Look for Ongoing Fundraisers

Fundraisers that result in an ongoing revenue stream can be very beneficial, and they are also often quite simple. Consider implementing an ink cartridge or cell phone recycling program. Once you recruit participants to collect empty printer cartridges and used cell phones, your organization can enjoy a steady income stream without much effort.