Students at the average school in the United States will spend eight to nine months out of the year going to school. During that time, the chances of them doing some sort of fundraiser are extremely high with many schools hosting two or three major fund raising events each year. And that doesn't include the smaller student fundraisers that are done for clubs or individual classes.
So with such a large time commitment being made to raising money for students, one would hope to make that process as educational and worthwhile as possible. All of which leads parents, teachers, and students to the question - "How can I make the most of my student fundraising efforts?"
The answer is that if you feel like there could be more accomplished while you raise money, you should probably begin with searching for new fundraising ideas that are different from what you've done in the past. This will help alleviate the old 'if you always do what you've always done' routine.
The great thing about getting more out of raising money is that it's really not very hard to do. In fact, there is a whole category of student fund raisers that can elevate your programs to a whole new level. In fact, these so called earth friendly fundraisers seem tailor made for making school fundraising a much more educational experience.
By focusing on offering green products, you get the terrific opportunity to tie your money raising efforts in with the lesson plans from the classroom about reducing our impact on the planet. Some of these ideas even include selling items made from recycled materials which is a fantastic way to integrate your student fundraiser with the push to start a recycling club.
Other ways to put an educational twist on raising money include selling flower bulbs or trees to pay for a school garden and selling reusable shopping bags to teach about reducing plastic waste.
Author Bio:
For a number of eco friendly student fundraising programs be sure and check out Go Green Fundraising. They are the leaders in offering fun, easy, and high profit green school fundraisers.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Make-the-Most-of-Your-Student-Fundraising-Efforts&id=3940337
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, March 16, 2010
Tips When Raising Money Using Charity Auctions
The needs in any charitable organization tend to outgrow resources, even though they may receive some type of funding from state/federal taxes. There are many different ways to raise money, called fundraisers, for charity and non profit organizations. One way to do this is to have a charity auction, as this serves two purposes. Donations are collected for people in need and people get a chance to bid on an item or service that they want or need. This additional funding can make the difference in being able to continue to give support and having to turn people away.
Obviously, the fundraiser needs to be well planned and well executed in order to get people interested enough to spend money. When considering ways to raise money keep in mind that it does not have to be one that is on par with huge celebrity charity events, as local community events work just as well and may garner more interest because they are local.
When putting together any type of fundraiser you will need a little creativity and patience. If you are unsure of what will be needed to set up a charity auction, then you can always consult with a professional and perhaps they will decide to donate their time for this charitable event. Or, you can do it yourself. Either way you will need lots of volunteers to make sure things go smoothly and moves along quickly.
You may feel that with the current economy this type of a fundraiser or even any type of charitable event would not produce the desired results. Actually, the opposite may be closer to reality, as people are looking for ways to indulge themselves affordably. Bidding on donated items or services is one way that they can do this and the money goes to a great cause as well.
Coming up with ideas and getting things rolling can be a little frustrating, so a few things you may want to consider would include having a charity auction where the people bid for a date with eligible bachelors and bachelorettes; this is always a hit. Consider getting local businesses and merchants to donate items that would relate to a specific theme, such as a getaway weekend or vacation. One merchant can donate airline tickets, another a rental car or a hotel stay. Most often people are very willing to help when they learn that it is a charitable event and will go out of their way to make it better.
Author Bio:
Visit us for free tips and training to help you make quick easy money and have the financial freedom you deserve.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-When-Raising-Money-Using-Charity-Auctions&id=1918261
Obviously, the fundraiser needs to be well planned and well executed in order to get people interested enough to spend money. When considering ways to raise money keep in mind that it does not have to be one that is on par with huge celebrity charity events, as local community events work just as well and may garner more interest because they are local.
When putting together any type of fundraiser you will need a little creativity and patience. If you are unsure of what will be needed to set up a charity auction, then you can always consult with a professional and perhaps they will decide to donate their time for this charitable event. Or, you can do it yourself. Either way you will need lots of volunteers to make sure things go smoothly and moves along quickly.
You may feel that with the current economy this type of a fundraiser or even any type of charitable event would not produce the desired results. Actually, the opposite may be closer to reality, as people are looking for ways to indulge themselves affordably. Bidding on donated items or services is one way that they can do this and the money goes to a great cause as well.
Coming up with ideas and getting things rolling can be a little frustrating, so a few things you may want to consider would include having a charity auction where the people bid for a date with eligible bachelors and bachelorettes; this is always a hit. Consider getting local businesses and merchants to donate items that would relate to a specific theme, such as a getaway weekend or vacation. One merchant can donate airline tickets, another a rental car or a hotel stay. Most often people are very willing to help when they learn that it is a charitable event and will go out of their way to make it better.
Author Bio:
Visit us for free tips and training to help you make quick easy money and have the financial freedom you deserve.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Tips-When-Raising-Money-Using-Charity-Auctions&id=1918261
Sunday, March 14, 2010
Planning Fundraisers - Develop a Game Plan
After the fundraising goal has been set, you need to develop an effective method by which to reach your objective. This is your Project Game Plan.
The game plan may be simple or complex, depending upon the nature of the fundraiser. The important thing about the game plan is that it helps your team members maintain their focus on activities calculated to ensure reaching the fundraising goal. A good plan keeps your team on track.
Tip: Successful fundraisers plan several backup game plans, which provides the option of "switching gears" in the event your initial game plan is not producing the anticipated results.
There are several steps to developing a successful plan:
1. Brainstorming
A brainstorming session should be one of the first items on your agenda. Make this a social event, keep it loose and let the ideas flow. You will be surprised at what ideas are discovered and your creativity will be rewarded.
2. Mirror a Successful Model
Every so often a "new idea" fundraiser comes along. By and large, however, most fundraisers you undertake have been around for awhile and have been used by other groups.
While it is certainly no guarantee, tapping into the previous experience of a successful fundraiser can save you much trial and error, help you avoid mistakes and put you on the path to success.
3. Build Your Strategy
Strategizing your best game plan ideas is the next step. Organize and prioritize the very best of your ideas, creating several plans if possible. Knowing what else is going on in your community is also important to avoid duplication of another group's efforts and prevent bad timing.
4. Putting Plans into Action
Develop an action plan, using an organizational calendar to timetable the various activities involved in the campaign. One of the best ways to do this is to work backwards from the completion date of your event.
If you enjoyed this article and want ALL the articles in this series delivered to your email, click here.
Author Bio:
Raise hundreds or even thousands of dollars for your group. Visit http://www.HypnoticFundraisers.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planning-Fundraisers---Develop-a-Game-Plan&id=4174733
The game plan may be simple or complex, depending upon the nature of the fundraiser. The important thing about the game plan is that it helps your team members maintain their focus on activities calculated to ensure reaching the fundraising goal. A good plan keeps your team on track.
Tip: Successful fundraisers plan several backup game plans, which provides the option of "switching gears" in the event your initial game plan is not producing the anticipated results.
There are several steps to developing a successful plan:
1. Brainstorming
A brainstorming session should be one of the first items on your agenda. Make this a social event, keep it loose and let the ideas flow. You will be surprised at what ideas are discovered and your creativity will be rewarded.
2. Mirror a Successful Model
Every so often a "new idea" fundraiser comes along. By and large, however, most fundraisers you undertake have been around for awhile and have been used by other groups.
While it is certainly no guarantee, tapping into the previous experience of a successful fundraiser can save you much trial and error, help you avoid mistakes and put you on the path to success.
3. Build Your Strategy
Strategizing your best game plan ideas is the next step. Organize and prioritize the very best of your ideas, creating several plans if possible. Knowing what else is going on in your community is also important to avoid duplication of another group's efforts and prevent bad timing.
4. Putting Plans into Action
Develop an action plan, using an organizational calendar to timetable the various activities involved in the campaign. One of the best ways to do this is to work backwards from the completion date of your event.
If you enjoyed this article and want ALL the articles in this series delivered to your email, click here.
Author Bio:
Raise hundreds or even thousands of dollars for your group. Visit http://www.HypnoticFundraisers.com
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planning-Fundraisers---Develop-a-Game-Plan&id=4174733
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Planned Giving - Four Reasons Why Small Nonprofits Should Seek Bequests
During a fundraising committee meeting, a new member asked the question "How much money did we receive last year from bequests or other forms of planned giving?" This question generated a lively discussion because this small nonprofit had never received money from any form of planned giving.
Board members had talked about it but the general thinking was that planned giving was too complicated and costly for a small nonprofit to manage and so they never pursued it. If this is the stance of your nonprofit, share with them the following reasons why all nonprofits should do some sort of planned giving program beginning with simple bequests.
Nonprofits receive enormous sums of money from bequests.
In the United States in 2008, more than $22 billion was given to charity through bequests. This fact looks even more impressive when you compare it with the fact that only $14.5 billion that was given to charities from the corporate sector.
The opportunity to get bequests is nearly unlimited.
About 80% of people in the United States give annually to charities while less than 3% leave a bequest. Your nonprofit has an untapped potential in the form of your current annual or major donors from which to solicit bequests.
Recessions can be a good time to seek bequests.
In difficult economic times, many donors feel that they cannot give as much as they have in the past. A bequest offers them the opportunity to feel that they are still helping your nonprofit without hurting themselves in financially challenging times.
Creating a bequest program is simple.
Once your board approves the establishment of a bequest program, you can begin advertising this in your newsletter, on your web site, and in every promotional piece you produce. That is all you need to do until some one dies and you actually receive the money. Then, it is up to your nonprofit to ensure that the bequest is used according to the wishes of the donor. It may take years before your nonprofit actually receives its first bequest. However, since it takes so little time and effort to establish and support a bequest program, is there any reason why your board wouldn't establish one?
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planned-Giving---Four-Reasons-Why-Small-Nonprofits-Should-Seek-Bequests&id=3525714
Board members had talked about it but the general thinking was that planned giving was too complicated and costly for a small nonprofit to manage and so they never pursued it. If this is the stance of your nonprofit, share with them the following reasons why all nonprofits should do some sort of planned giving program beginning with simple bequests.
Nonprofits receive enormous sums of money from bequests.
In the United States in 2008, more than $22 billion was given to charity through bequests. This fact looks even more impressive when you compare it with the fact that only $14.5 billion that was given to charities from the corporate sector.
The opportunity to get bequests is nearly unlimited.
About 80% of people in the United States give annually to charities while less than 3% leave a bequest. Your nonprofit has an untapped potential in the form of your current annual or major donors from which to solicit bequests.
Recessions can be a good time to seek bequests.
In difficult economic times, many donors feel that they cannot give as much as they have in the past. A bequest offers them the opportunity to feel that they are still helping your nonprofit without hurting themselves in financially challenging times.
Creating a bequest program is simple.
Once your board approves the establishment of a bequest program, you can begin advertising this in your newsletter, on your web site, and in every promotional piece you produce. That is all you need to do until some one dies and you actually receive the money. Then, it is up to your nonprofit to ensure that the bequest is used according to the wishes of the donor. It may take years before your nonprofit actually receives its first bequest. However, since it takes so little time and effort to establish and support a bequest program, is there any reason why your board wouldn't establish one?
Author Bio:
Jane B. Ford, M.Ed. is a speaker, author, teacher, coach and consultant who guides individuals and nonprofits on the road to prosperity. She has worked with small to mid-sized nonprofits for three decades in the roles of executive director, trainer, fundraiser and management consultant. You can learn more about Jane at http://TheJoyPath.com and http://GetGrantsNow.net.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Planned-Giving---Four-Reasons-Why-Small-Nonprofits-Should-Seek-Bequests&id=3525714
Thursday, January 14, 2010
How to Raise Money For Your Local Schools That Are Experiencing Financial Troubles
With constant budget cutbacks occurring in our schools across the nation, school districts are constantly trying to figure out ways they can raise money to continue certain programs or to even keep the existing staff there without losing them. School fundraising has always existed but seems to be even more important now with so many districts having large budget cuts according to a school photographer and event photographer. This article will offer some suggestions on how to raise money for your child's elementary school in some unique ways other than going door to door and selling gift wrapping or elementary school pictures. Thinking outside the box and being creative can help to raise a great amount for your child's school.
One great way to raise money for your elementary school is to host a big event surrounding a fun holiday such as Halloween and Fall for kids and their families. This event can use the school as the location and have all sorts of different areas for entertainment. In the gym, you can have a variety of games for kids to play that are done by volunteers or older high school kids from the town. Another area, can be where you can buy a meal that is donated by a local restaurant. Auction items that are made by or put together by each class in the school are great things to have at the event as well so an area for silent or live auctioning is good too.
Another great way to raise money for a school is to have a pre-paid event or party. Get some of your friends to come up with a fun party and then charge people to attend the party or event and all of that money goes to the school. For example you could host a canoe party going down the river that ends with a barbeque lunch with drinks and snacks provided in the canoes as well. People pay for a fun experience and the hosts take on the entire cost of the event. This tends to do very well in smaller towns.
Another creative idea is using the good old dollar as an incentive to raise money. A lot of people like to take a chance on their luck every once in awhile and what better way than in a school fundraiser. This is a simple one to do too. You just get a large amount of people to buy a chance for $100 to win a large sum of money. The size of the school community and town are obviously going to determine how big the pot can be. Half of the $100 ticket goes to the winner and the other half goes to the school.
The final idea is to put on a 5K run to raise money for the school. The trick is making it more unique than the other local races to bring people in. Getting sponsors along with a great theme will ensure a successful event that usually will continue on a yearly basis.
Author Bio:
Connor R. Sullivan really enjoys the photos that an event photographer took of his children at a local school carnival. He really enjoys the childhood pictures he has of his kids that were taken by all school photographer in the area.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Raise-Money-For-Your-Local-Schools-That-Are-Experiencing-Financial-Troubles&id=3851617
One great way to raise money for your elementary school is to host a big event surrounding a fun holiday such as Halloween and Fall for kids and their families. This event can use the school as the location and have all sorts of different areas for entertainment. In the gym, you can have a variety of games for kids to play that are done by volunteers or older high school kids from the town. Another area, can be where you can buy a meal that is donated by a local restaurant. Auction items that are made by or put together by each class in the school are great things to have at the event as well so an area for silent or live auctioning is good too.
Another great way to raise money for a school is to have a pre-paid event or party. Get some of your friends to come up with a fun party and then charge people to attend the party or event and all of that money goes to the school. For example you could host a canoe party going down the river that ends with a barbeque lunch with drinks and snacks provided in the canoes as well. People pay for a fun experience and the hosts take on the entire cost of the event. This tends to do very well in smaller towns.
Another creative idea is using the good old dollar as an incentive to raise money. A lot of people like to take a chance on their luck every once in awhile and what better way than in a school fundraiser. This is a simple one to do too. You just get a large amount of people to buy a chance for $100 to win a large sum of money. The size of the school community and town are obviously going to determine how big the pot can be. Half of the $100 ticket goes to the winner and the other half goes to the school.
The final idea is to put on a 5K run to raise money for the school. The trick is making it more unique than the other local races to bring people in. Getting sponsors along with a great theme will ensure a successful event that usually will continue on a yearly basis.
Author Bio:
Connor R. Sullivan really enjoys the photos that an event photographer took of his children at a local school carnival. He really enjoys the childhood pictures he has of his kids that were taken by all school photographer in the area.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Raise-Money-For-Your-Local-Schools-That-Are-Experiencing-Financial-Troubles&id=3851617
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