Fundraising options for your group or event

Whether you’re in charge of the PTO, football team, or the chess club, the chances are you will need to fundraise some money. Good news! People in the community, and even local businesses, are always looking for ways to donate towards a good cause. What better reason to donate than to support our kids?

There are plenty of options to choose from when figuring out ways to fundraise. Remember, when you are determining the needs of your organization, think about the resources you already have available, the audience you are working with, and the time available to prepare and hold the fundraiser. Thinking through these things will help you figure out what kind of fundraiser can help you raise the funds to reach your goals.

Product Fundraisers

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Product fundraisers provide a product to sell to your community members. Your organization then receives a portion of the proceeds. Product fundraisers range from selling items in a catalog, school merchandise, food products like cookies or candy, etc. These fundraisers can be effective since the incentive is purchasing something the donor wants, but they also get the benefit of knowing that they are contributing to a good cause. 

A downside to product fundraisers is your organization will only receive a portion of the proceeds. It will take promoting to a large audience in order to reach the fundraising goal. These types of fundraisers also need to be held over a few weeks in order to give your members time to sell and customers time to buy. Also, you may need to allow for delivery time.

These fundraisers are great to help build up sustainable revenue that is needed for recurring costs such as supplies, refreshments, and so forth.

Business Fundraisers

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Businesses want to be recognized for being a caring company. There are many types of businesses that participate in fundraisers such as restaurants and fast-food establishments or even entertainment venues like roller skating rinks or bowling alleys.

Usually, a date is determined when patrons can visit their establishment, and the school organization then receives a portion of the proceeds collected that day. These types of fundraisers provide an opportunity for a night out for your donors. These types of fundraisers act sort of like a sponsorship where the business benefits from the advertisement opportunity, and the school benefits from the additional funds earned.

Because these types of fundraisers only gain a portion of the proceeds, the downsides are similar to those of product fundraisers. Your organization will do best when promoting to a large population to gain as many patrons as possible.

Some benefits of having these types of fundraisers are the quick return of funds, they don’t require a lot of planning on the part of the organization, and they can provide a fun opportunity for patrons to donate to the organization.

Donation Fundraisers

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Donation fundraisers act as a type of product fundraiser. The difference is that your products that you sell are donated to the organization. Donation fundraisers include auctions, bake sales, yard sales, bingo night and many more ideas. These types of fundraisers often get people outside of the school community involved. 

Donations can be provided by local businesses who can donate gift cards or items. Adults or parents can be asked to also provide items to be used for the event such as items for concession stands, baked goods, equipment needed for car washes and so forth. Even children can get involved by creating art or crafts that can be auctioned off. 

Donation fundraisers rely on the generosity of its members and patrons to help raise funds through their donations. Because all the supplies, or incentives are donated, organizations receive 100% of the profits from the event or sales.

Planning and execution of the event can take some time. Communication is key when planning this type of fundraiser. Make sure all involved understand what is needed and who to talk to when questions arise.

Program or Performance Fundraisers

Holding a program, lecture, dance, or performance is a great way to gain revenue for your organization. These types of fundraisers charge admission in exchange for entertainment. Often these events are produced or performed by members of the organization such as the choir, drama club, or sports teams, but they can also be performed by other community members which may help promote interest from diverse groups. 

The organization receives all of the funds collected but may need to use these funds to pay for venues, props or decorations, or special guests or workers. Sometimes these expenses will be donated but be sure to make plans for the extra expenses if not.  

Because it is a larger event, performance fundraisers also involve a lot of planning and organization. The greatest part of putting on a production is that it gives the organization a platform to promote themselves and gain more potential donations.

Other Types of Fundraising

Possibilities for fundraisers are only limited to the imagination. Ask other organizations or search the internet or more ideas. Creativity is key when coming up with fundraisers. A creative fundraiser not only will peak a lot of interest but can be a lot of fun too! Think about all the types of people and resources you have available to you. Utilizing these tools can help you figure out fundraisers that will give you a big return with very little or no expense.

Fundraising Helps Schools Provide Needs for Children

Schools provide many opportunities for children to explore their interests and give them opportunities to have a safe place for fun. Members of the community recognize the good schools do to help children and they want to get involved too. Fundraisers help pull communities together. Get excited about your fundraiser! It will provide opportunities of fun and enrichment for all involved.