Many non-profit groups are feeling upset that they are allowed to do car wash fundraisers in some California Cities. It is not that the government officials are against your groups raising money, it is that they worry where are the soapy dirty water is going. It is a problem and it might be good for you to understand some of the history behind the rules rather than get upset over it.
HISTORY
Well it all started many years ago when Congress passed the Federal Clean Water Act in 1972 during the Nixon Administration. This was in response to major pollution issues involving polluting the nation's waterways from factories, strip mining and sewage treatment plants or lack thereof. It was actually quite a problem. It was an ecosystem disaster causing disease and death to wildlife and some people. When it was discovered just how bad the problem really was, the federal government empowered the states to take care of the issues within their state. The states enacted state laws to help fix the problem. Meanwhile, the federal government tightened standards forcing states to tighten their standards or be in violation. With the threat of withholding federal monies to the states, the states continued to make more and more laws. Industry obviously wasn't happy and even government agencies were unable to comply with the laws they made. So, target dates were enacted to give time for everyone to comply. Overnight environmental consulting firms sprung up along with a whole new industry of environmental equipment and product manufactures, many of whom weren't even in compliance themselves. Of course, all good things take time and cleaning up our water is obviously a good thing.
The State of California divided the state into nine different regions realizing that each region had different pollution problems based on industry types, demography and population in the areas. These regions were called 'Regional Water Quality Control Districts' (RWQCD). These were all controlled by the State Board that was defined by the Federal Clean Water Act as the State Water Resources Control Board (SWRCB). Once the problem was broken down into smaller pieces things started to change for the better.
The SWRCB was formed in California and is commonly called 'The State Board'. The State Board regulates Water Quality Control, which is any activity or factor that might affect the quality of waters of the state and includes the prevention and correction of water pollution and nuisance. This sounds very encompassing and the State Board has a lot of power. Luckily, with the combined efforts of industry, government and the people, they now understand the issues enough to make intelligent decisions and they fully understand that your organization needs to earn money. Thus, rather than prevent and outlaw activities, everyone is working on solutions and procedures to allow responsible discharges creating a win-win situation for everyone.
Recently, the State Water Quality Control Boards asked the counties to submit for approval and receive permits to discharge the same waters they've been discharging for years. These permits were called NPDES permits. This stands for National Pollution Discharge Elimination System. Most counties assigned an existing department to work on this permit. More likely than not, it is the county's Flood Control Department. Unfortunately, this part of the county deals with permits for land development, bridges, infrastructures, etc. Until now, they knew very little about pollution. Some counties turned this responsibility over to the Environmental Health Services Department who in turn worked with the Flood Control Department which controls storm drains. The NPDES permits are approved by the state for local county urban runoff discharges. Each city in each county through municipal codes is supposed to pass ordinances and come up with a plan for controlling their local runoff/pollution. The county remains responsible to the state and the states to the Federal Government. The NPDES requirements are an offspring of the EPA, Environmental Protection Agency even though they are enforced, permitted and regulated locally by cities, counties and states.
The actual law that is used to enforce these statutes can be found in 13.260 - 13.265 of the California Water Code. At one point it actually reads:
"No person, or persons may discharge water to any waterways without permission or a permit from a state regional water quality control board."
This sounds pretty absolute doesn't it. It is against the law for you to take a glass of water from your sink, walk over to a storm drain and pour the water in the drain. This in itself would obviously not hurt the environment, but by granting absolute power the Regional Water Quality Control Boards can look at everything on a case-by-case basis. So do be serious about your water after you wash those cars.
STORM WATER DISCHARGE
City, county and state governments know that car washing has always been a favorite fundraiser for sports teams, scout troops, schools and other non-profit groups. Due to the low capital investment costs, car wash fundraisers can generate significant amounts of profit. For the last ten years government agencies especially in California have been working with industry to come up with solutions to clean up our water. Today the waterways of America are significantly cleaner than they were in the past even though many regions are more heavily populated. It's been working great. Now we are going one step further. No pollution from any source, even mobile dog groomers. Only in the last few years have government agencies decided that the adverse environmental impact is too great to allow car wash fundraisers. Along with strong lobbying from fixed site car wash owners, some cities and counties have actually outlawed these fundraisers unless certain procedures are followed to insure that no waste wash water enters storm drains, ditches or waterways.
Their reasoning is this: Dirty water containing soaps and detergents, residues from exhaust fumes, gasoline and motor oils is washed off of the cars and flows into nearby storm drains. Unlike the water we use in our homes and businesses that goes down the drain and is treated at sewer treatment plants, water that goes into storm drains flows directly into rivers, bays, oceans and lakes without any kind of treatment. Obviously one car wash fundraiser by itself will create little if any adverse environmental impact. But government agencies know that collectively car wash fundraisers contribute significant pollution.
They also realize that biodegradable soaps do not lessen the impact. This is because biodegradable only means that the soap will degrade over time. So does plutonium, it just takes longer. Soaps and car wash products are still toxic to aquatic life even if they are biodegradable. Think on this a bit. If you really want to have the city allow you to do a car wash fundraiser you are going to have to figure out how to keep the dirty soapy water out of the storm drain.
Author Bio:
"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?California-Car-Wash-Fundraisers-and-Environmental-Law&id=41523
Wednesday, March 30, 2011
Monday, March 28, 2011
Annual Appeal Letter Asks - Four Secrets Of Requesting Donations
In the fundraising profession, the act of requesting funds from a donor is called "the ask." When you are writing a fundraising letter and you arrive at the place where you must actually, ahem, request a donation, you have arrived at the ask. And the ask, as you probably know, is one of the toughest things to get right in fundraising.
Where in the letter should you mention money?
Early on in your letter you should let your reader know why you are writing. Somewhere "above the fold," usually in the second or third paragraph, describe the reason for your letter. Here is an example:
"The people of Afghanistan have already suffered 20 years of conflict and three years without rain. One and a half million are dead. Two million are disabled. And now this: the UN is predicting that "the number of Afghans facing hunger and deprivation will soon reach 7.5 million."
"Something has to give. Or someone has to give. That's why I'm writing to you during this crisis. Will you give? You can save lives and avert disaster by sending a donation to Doctors Without Borders right now."
How much should you ask for?
Ah, the perennial question. As fundraising letter expert Mal Warwick would say, "that depends." How much money you request of each donor depends on many variables, including:
• size of the donor's last gift
• size of the donor's average gift
• amount that most organizations like yours ask for
• specific need that you are presenting to the donor
• size of your donor base
• donor's capacity to give (assuming you know it)
• donor's affiliation with your organization (is the donor a brand new supporter or one of your board of directors?)
• length of time the donor has supported you (is it one year or ten?)
As you can see, the amount of money that you request in your direct mail fundraising letters depends on too many variables for me to give you an average figure to aim for in every appeal.
How many times should you request a donation?
Ask for a gift more than once in your letter. At a minimum, bring up the topic early on, and ask again for a donation in your conclusion. Another good place to request funds is in your postscript (your P.S.). Some of your asks can be hard asks ("Give today") and others can be soft asks ("Your gift will make a difference.").
What's the best way to actually ask for the gift?
Here we come to the topic of this Handbook. As you will discover, there are at least one-hundred and one ways to make your ask on paper. Some are forceful, others are subtle. Some are for capital campaigns, others for endowment campaigns and still others for year-end appeals. I recommend that you read all of the asks, putting a checkmark in the margin next to the ones that will work for your unique organization, your unique donors, your unique case for support and your unique writing style.
Author Bio:
Alan Sharpe publishes Direct Mail Fundraising Today, the free, weekly email newsletter that helps non-profit organizations raise funds, build relationships and retain loyal donors. Alan is the author of Breakthrough Fundraising Letters and 25 handbooks on direct mail fundraising. Alan is also a speaker and workshop leader who delivers public seminars and teleseminars on direct mail fundraising. Sign up for Alan's newsletter at www.RaiserSharpe.com.
© 2007 Alan Sharpe. You may reprint this article online and in print provided the links remain live and the content remains unaltered (including the "About the author" message).
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Annual-Appeal-Letter-Asks---Four-Secrets-Of-Requesting-Donations&id=98655
Where in the letter should you mention money?
Early on in your letter you should let your reader know why you are writing. Somewhere "above the fold," usually in the second or third paragraph, describe the reason for your letter. Here is an example:
"The people of Afghanistan have already suffered 20 years of conflict and three years without rain. One and a half million are dead. Two million are disabled. And now this: the UN is predicting that "the number of Afghans facing hunger and deprivation will soon reach 7.5 million."
"Something has to give. Or someone has to give. That's why I'm writing to you during this crisis. Will you give? You can save lives and avert disaster by sending a donation to Doctors Without Borders right now."
How much should you ask for?
Ah, the perennial question. As fundraising letter expert Mal Warwick would say, "that depends." How much money you request of each donor depends on many variables, including:
• size of the donor's last gift
• size of the donor's average gift
• amount that most organizations like yours ask for
• specific need that you are presenting to the donor
• size of your donor base
• donor's capacity to give (assuming you know it)
• donor's affiliation with your organization (is the donor a brand new supporter or one of your board of directors?)
• length of time the donor has supported you (is it one year or ten?)
As you can see, the amount of money that you request in your direct mail fundraising letters depends on too many variables for me to give you an average figure to aim for in every appeal.
How many times should you request a donation?
Ask for a gift more than once in your letter. At a minimum, bring up the topic early on, and ask again for a donation in your conclusion. Another good place to request funds is in your postscript (your P.S.). Some of your asks can be hard asks ("Give today") and others can be soft asks ("Your gift will make a difference.").
What's the best way to actually ask for the gift?
Here we come to the topic of this Handbook. As you will discover, there are at least one-hundred and one ways to make your ask on paper. Some are forceful, others are subtle. Some are for capital campaigns, others for endowment campaigns and still others for year-end appeals. I recommend that you read all of the asks, putting a checkmark in the margin next to the ones that will work for your unique organization, your unique donors, your unique case for support and your unique writing style.
Author Bio:
Alan Sharpe publishes Direct Mail Fundraising Today, the free, weekly email newsletter that helps non-profit organizations raise funds, build relationships and retain loyal donors. Alan is the author of Breakthrough Fundraising Letters and 25 handbooks on direct mail fundraising. Alan is also a speaker and workshop leader who delivers public seminars and teleseminars on direct mail fundraising. Sign up for Alan's newsletter at www.RaiserSharpe.com.
© 2007 Alan Sharpe. You may reprint this article online and in print provided the links remain live and the content remains unaltered (including the "About the author" message).
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Annual-Appeal-Letter-Asks---Four-Secrets-Of-Requesting-Donations&id=98655
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Attract New Donors with "Friend Get a Friend" Donation Request Fundraising Letters
New donors are closer than you think. Often they are friends of your donors, or family members.
If you know someone who has undergone successful treatment for cancer or another serious illness, you know first-hand how the experience involved immediate family, extended family, friends,
co-workers and neighbours. Many of these concerned people will have shared in the sadness of
the initial diagnosis, the uncertainty of the treatments and the joy of the successful outcome.
They will also likely have respect and admiration for the hospital staff who saved the life of your family
member or friend. And they will likely feel passionately about finding a cure for any disease that takes the life of a loved one or colleague.
I, for example, have a father dying of Alzheimer's Disease. I haven't seen the worst of the disease yet, but I expect to. So I have a tender spot in my heart for the families and friends of others who know someone who is suffering from this memory thief. I would likely give a donation to an organization that is seeking a cure for Alzheimer's, if asked in the right way by the right person at the right time.
So consider the friends and family of your donors and clients as a good source of donations. Find a way to get the names and addresses of these folks, then mail them a sensitive, upbeat appeal letter, one that touches their hearts and encourages them to save the lives of other patients who are suffering from the same disease.
If you cannot get their names on your own, invite your donors to pass along a letter from you, inviting
them to sign up for your newsletter or other useful information. Then follow up with a request for a
gift.
This method works equally well for other types of organizations. My wife and I, for example, adopted
two boys through Jewels for Jesus (www.jewelsforjesus.org), an adoption agency in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. We participated in a fundraiser for them in which we solicited donations from our families and friends, all of whom knew our wonderful and exciting adoption story. We raised
around $1,520, and attracted 32 new donors, whom the agency could follow up with using their donor
newsletter (the agency got the permission of the new donors before adding them to the mailing list).
The secret to friend-get-a-friend campaigns is to make the job of your solicitor as easy as possible.
Give your donors or members all the literature they need (including reply devices and reply envelopes if needed) to recruit new donors or members. The less work you require of them, the better.
Learn more . . .
Learn more by reading 18 Places to Find New Donors Using Fundraising Letters, the seventh
Handbook in the Hands-On Fundraising Series, published by Andrew Spencer Publishing. It's the
professional fundraiser's guide to creative and cost-effective donor acquisition. Read about it at www.RaiserSharpe.com/handbooks.
Author Bio:
Alan Sharpe is president of Raiser Sharpe, a full-service direct mail fundraising agency that helps non-profit organizations raise funds, build relationships and retain loyal donors. Sign up for free weekly tips like this, and discover other helpful resources, at http://www.RaiserSharpe.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Attract-New-Donors-with-Friend-Get-a-Friend-Donation-Request-Fundraising-Letters&id=333884
If you know someone who has undergone successful treatment for cancer or another serious illness, you know first-hand how the experience involved immediate family, extended family, friends,
co-workers and neighbours. Many of these concerned people will have shared in the sadness of
the initial diagnosis, the uncertainty of the treatments and the joy of the successful outcome.
They will also likely have respect and admiration for the hospital staff who saved the life of your family
member or friend. And they will likely feel passionately about finding a cure for any disease that takes the life of a loved one or colleague.
I, for example, have a father dying of Alzheimer's Disease. I haven't seen the worst of the disease yet, but I expect to. So I have a tender spot in my heart for the families and friends of others who know someone who is suffering from this memory thief. I would likely give a donation to an organization that is seeking a cure for Alzheimer's, if asked in the right way by the right person at the right time.
So consider the friends and family of your donors and clients as a good source of donations. Find a way to get the names and addresses of these folks, then mail them a sensitive, upbeat appeal letter, one that touches their hearts and encourages them to save the lives of other patients who are suffering from the same disease.
If you cannot get their names on your own, invite your donors to pass along a letter from you, inviting
them to sign up for your newsletter or other useful information. Then follow up with a request for a
gift.
This method works equally well for other types of organizations. My wife and I, for example, adopted
two boys through Jewels for Jesus (www.jewelsforjesus.org), an adoption agency in Mississauga, Ontario, Canada. We participated in a fundraiser for them in which we solicited donations from our families and friends, all of whom knew our wonderful and exciting adoption story. We raised
around $1,520, and attracted 32 new donors, whom the agency could follow up with using their donor
newsletter (the agency got the permission of the new donors before adding them to the mailing list).
The secret to friend-get-a-friend campaigns is to make the job of your solicitor as easy as possible.
Give your donors or members all the literature they need (including reply devices and reply envelopes if needed) to recruit new donors or members. The less work you require of them, the better.
Learn more . . .
Learn more by reading 18 Places to Find New Donors Using Fundraising Letters, the seventh
Handbook in the Hands-On Fundraising Series, published by Andrew Spencer Publishing. It's the
professional fundraiser's guide to creative and cost-effective donor acquisition. Read about it at www.RaiserSharpe.com/handbooks.
Author Bio:
Alan Sharpe is president of Raiser Sharpe, a full-service direct mail fundraising agency that helps non-profit organizations raise funds, build relationships and retain loyal donors. Sign up for free weekly tips like this, and discover other helpful resources, at http://www.RaiserSharpe.com.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Attract-New-Donors-with-Friend-Get-a-Friend-Donation-Request-Fundraising-Letters&id=333884
Thursday, March 24, 2011
A Bad Economy is the Best Time For Nonprofit Fundraising
Getting the funds that you need for a nonprofit fundraising activity has never been easier. If you're looking to raise money for a charitable organization, church or school - This article will outline some tips that you might use to gain more funding.
Tough times are the best times
I overheard a lady recently telling her friend that it was going to be so difficult to raise money any tough economy. Nothing could be further from the truth. And actually, you will find that more people are generous during tough times then they are in good times.
Keep your mission statement clear
Much of your success is going to depend up on your mission statement and your ability to sell your cause to your donors. If you truly believe in the mission that you're out to raise money for then people are going to feel your sincerity and be willing to give in greater amounts.
Think outside the box
One of the keys to having a successful nonprofit fund raising event is to make sure that you're always thinking outside of the box. Try to stay away from the traditional fund-raising activities that only will gain you so much in donations. Events to stay away from are car washes, bake sales, and garage sales.
Although the traditional nonprofit fundraising ideas are still fun and can raise some money. There are so many better ways that you can benefit your community and your organization. Take the time to do some good brainstorming and planning before you set out to do your next fundraiser and you should have some tremendous success during a down economy.
Author Bio:
For more information on fundraising events and projects for your organization try visiting http://good-fundraising-ideas.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and fundraising resources to include Nonprofit Fundraising and more.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Bad-Economy-is-the-Best-Time-For-Nonprofit-Fundraising&id=2494132
Tough times are the best times
I overheard a lady recently telling her friend that it was going to be so difficult to raise money any tough economy. Nothing could be further from the truth. And actually, you will find that more people are generous during tough times then they are in good times.
Keep your mission statement clear
Much of your success is going to depend up on your mission statement and your ability to sell your cause to your donors. If you truly believe in the mission that you're out to raise money for then people are going to feel your sincerity and be willing to give in greater amounts.
Think outside the box
One of the keys to having a successful nonprofit fund raising event is to make sure that you're always thinking outside of the box. Try to stay away from the traditional fund-raising activities that only will gain you so much in donations. Events to stay away from are car washes, bake sales, and garage sales.
Although the traditional nonprofit fundraising ideas are still fun and can raise some money. There are so many better ways that you can benefit your community and your organization. Take the time to do some good brainstorming and planning before you set out to do your next fundraiser and you should have some tremendous success during a down economy.
Author Bio:
For more information on fundraising events and projects for your organization try visiting http://good-fundraising-ideas.com, a website that specializes in providing helpful tips, advice and fundraising resources to include Nonprofit Fundraising and more.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?A-Bad-Economy-is-the-Best-Time-For-Nonprofit-Fundraising&id=2494132
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Fundraising a Different, New and Unique Way - The INTERNET Way
The internet has changed, and continues to change our lives. Many things we used to do one way, we now do another. Banking. Shopping. Contacting friends. This has positive aspects as well as maybe some downside.
Fundraising the internet way is an idea whose time is ripe. Here is how it can work (with participating or cooperative companies): You promote a service or product that has an on-line website. Something potential contributors may be interested in. Set things up with the company. Then send emails to your friends, family, post it on your Facebook, Twitter, blogs. Get the word out anyway you can. Also hard copy printed flyers (simple one page black and white is easiest). Then when people buy the product/service YOUR CAUSE gets a certain amount of credit per sale. No need to collect any monies, deliver anything.
Now, some companies are very supportive of this idea, and help you out tremendously. You will get your very own web page to direct potential contributors to. They will help you write (or take your idea/goal and write it basically all for you) "copy" to cut and paste into a simple Word document for you to print flyers from. And subject lines for emails. They will sometimes help you do just about everything, making it super-easy for you.
Percentage of sale varies according to company. Most have a time limit such as: This fundraiser will run 3 weeks starting from a given date. But it is really a risk free option for the organization. It is usually FREE (except for any printing you may want to do of hard copy flyers, which can be done easily on any printer).
The more your organization promotes the service/product, the more you make. And promotion is easy and quick. Send out an email to your friends and family. They can also forward it. You can post a link on blogs, Facebook, chat rooms, bulletin boards, most social media places. Probably about 5 minutes per member to promote. EASY. Fast. Not limited geographically (that is REALLY nice)!
Many fundraisers require lots of organization by a committee. Setting a date for it, getting space for it, supplies, scheduling members to work it, collecting orders, delivering merchandise. Lots of time and energy. So this new internet method of fundraising is a gem. Folks can put their efforts into activities that support the cause rather than the fundraiser (okay, so they need to do a little bit of work on the fundraising, maybe 5-10 minutes per person doing the emails and posting on the blogs, etc.).
One more point. If a company has a product or service you like, that you think would work with this idea, but they have never done this kind of thing, you could choose to try to work with them. Explain in detail your needs, how it might work for them, how THEY will benefit as well as you. Work with them to set up a cooperative venture. Sometimes this is effective, sometimes companies will resists the idea, or not understand how to implement it. (Implementation is not hard at all if they have savvy web design fellows, but sometimes companies are resistant to change.)
Give internet fundraising a try! You will be happy you did!
Author Bio:
One company that has devoted a fair amount of time and energy to this idea is http://www.MomsGreatDeals.com/fundraiser.htm They are a subscription newsletter/website devoted to helping consumers save money by smart shopping and finding good and great deals. They are set up for internet fundraisers and have a product (the newsletter and site) which appeals to all.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fundraising-a-Different,-New-and-Unique-Way---The-INTERNET-Way&id=4055902&opt=print
Fundraising the internet way is an idea whose time is ripe. Here is how it can work (with participating or cooperative companies): You promote a service or product that has an on-line website. Something potential contributors may be interested in. Set things up with the company. Then send emails to your friends, family, post it on your Facebook, Twitter, blogs. Get the word out anyway you can. Also hard copy printed flyers (simple one page black and white is easiest). Then when people buy the product/service YOUR CAUSE gets a certain amount of credit per sale. No need to collect any monies, deliver anything.
Now, some companies are very supportive of this idea, and help you out tremendously. You will get your very own web page to direct potential contributors to. They will help you write (or take your idea/goal and write it basically all for you) "copy" to cut and paste into a simple Word document for you to print flyers from. And subject lines for emails. They will sometimes help you do just about everything, making it super-easy for you.
Percentage of sale varies according to company. Most have a time limit such as: This fundraiser will run 3 weeks starting from a given date. But it is really a risk free option for the organization. It is usually FREE (except for any printing you may want to do of hard copy flyers, which can be done easily on any printer).
The more your organization promotes the service/product, the more you make. And promotion is easy and quick. Send out an email to your friends and family. They can also forward it. You can post a link on blogs, Facebook, chat rooms, bulletin boards, most social media places. Probably about 5 minutes per member to promote. EASY. Fast. Not limited geographically (that is REALLY nice)!
Many fundraisers require lots of organization by a committee. Setting a date for it, getting space for it, supplies, scheduling members to work it, collecting orders, delivering merchandise. Lots of time and energy. So this new internet method of fundraising is a gem. Folks can put their efforts into activities that support the cause rather than the fundraiser (okay, so they need to do a little bit of work on the fundraising, maybe 5-10 minutes per person doing the emails and posting on the blogs, etc.).
One more point. If a company has a product or service you like, that you think would work with this idea, but they have never done this kind of thing, you could choose to try to work with them. Explain in detail your needs, how it might work for them, how THEY will benefit as well as you. Work with them to set up a cooperative venture. Sometimes this is effective, sometimes companies will resists the idea, or not understand how to implement it. (Implementation is not hard at all if they have savvy web design fellows, but sometimes companies are resistant to change.)
Give internet fundraising a try! You will be happy you did!
Author Bio:
One company that has devoted a fair amount of time and energy to this idea is http://www.MomsGreatDeals.com/fundraiser.htm They are a subscription newsletter/website devoted to helping consumers save money by smart shopping and finding good and great deals. They are set up for internet fundraisers and have a product (the newsletter and site) which appeals to all.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fundraising-a-Different,-New-and-Unique-Way---The-INTERNET-Way&id=4055902&opt=print
Sunday, March 20, 2011
How to Raise Money For a Local Political Campaign
Without a doubt, one of the most unfortunate parts of being a candidate in a local political campaign is the necessity of raising money from donors. Asking contributors to give money to your campaign can be a very uncomfortable thing to do for a new candidate, but winning your local election is much easier if you have enough money in the bank. While it might be difficult for you to get used to asking for donations, there are some simple tips you can use to make the process easier.
First, kickoff your campaign and raise some initial seed money by putting on your first fundraiser in your home and limiting it to close friends and family. You might not have a huge number of people attend, but it should help you get a few dollars in your campaign account to pay for your initial expenses. Let your attendees know that they can donate whatever amount they want, no matter how small, and make it an informal, fun event. In addition to the money you raise, you'll get some great support and encouragement that will help you as you get ready to hit the campaign trail.
Following your initial home fundraiser, your next local political campaign fundraising effort should be contribution request letter to local voters who you think might be willing to donate to your campaign. People in the same political party, voters who signed your nominating petitions, and people you know personally are all good prospects for raising money. Send them a form letter requesting that they send what they can afford, and include a self-addressed envelope that they can send their donation back to you in. While postage for these types of bulk mailers can be expensive, you should be able to make up the mailing costs with just a few donations, and even if people don't donate, this is another good way to get your name out in the community.
Your last formal fundraising event should be held later in the campaign season, preferably in the last month before the election, and should be at a local venue. You can plan to have it open to the public, and be sure to invite all of the dozens and dozens of people who you have met over the course of the long campaign. It's best to put a dollar amount on tickets for this even, say fifteen to twenty-five dollars, and let attendees know what they will be getting for their money: food, drinks, whatever it is. Start selling your tickets weeks in advance of the event, and you will probably be surprised at the large number of people who end up attending.
Remember: fundraising might not be fun to do in a local political campaign, but it's a necessity that will get easier to do with time. If you do go on to win your local election, make sure that you hold at least one annual fundraiser every year to keep your campaign bank account flush with money and to stay in touch with your contributors and supporters.
Author Bio:
Visit Killer Campaigning to learn more about how to win a local political campaign, and basement waterproofing.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Raise-Money-For-a-Local-Political-Campaign&id=3927705
First, kickoff your campaign and raise some initial seed money by putting on your first fundraiser in your home and limiting it to close friends and family. You might not have a huge number of people attend, but it should help you get a few dollars in your campaign account to pay for your initial expenses. Let your attendees know that they can donate whatever amount they want, no matter how small, and make it an informal, fun event. In addition to the money you raise, you'll get some great support and encouragement that will help you as you get ready to hit the campaign trail.
Following your initial home fundraiser, your next local political campaign fundraising effort should be contribution request letter to local voters who you think might be willing to donate to your campaign. People in the same political party, voters who signed your nominating petitions, and people you know personally are all good prospects for raising money. Send them a form letter requesting that they send what they can afford, and include a self-addressed envelope that they can send their donation back to you in. While postage for these types of bulk mailers can be expensive, you should be able to make up the mailing costs with just a few donations, and even if people don't donate, this is another good way to get your name out in the community.
Your last formal fundraising event should be held later in the campaign season, preferably in the last month before the election, and should be at a local venue. You can plan to have it open to the public, and be sure to invite all of the dozens and dozens of people who you have met over the course of the long campaign. It's best to put a dollar amount on tickets for this even, say fifteen to twenty-five dollars, and let attendees know what they will be getting for their money: food, drinks, whatever it is. Start selling your tickets weeks in advance of the event, and you will probably be surprised at the large number of people who end up attending.
Remember: fundraising might not be fun to do in a local political campaign, but it's a necessity that will get easier to do with time. If you do go on to win your local election, make sure that you hold at least one annual fundraiser every year to keep your campaign bank account flush with money and to stay in touch with your contributors and supporters.
Author Bio:
Visit Killer Campaigning to learn more about how to win a local political campaign, and basement waterproofing.
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?How-to-Raise-Money-For-a-Local-Political-Campaign&id=3927705
Friday, March 18, 2011
Fundraising Ideas Using Twilight As Your Theme
Twilight is the perfect theme to base your fundraising ideas on. It's very popular with teens and if you invite a Vampire...they will come. Fundraising for your group is very important today and sometimes it's difficult to find just the right theme to draw a crowd. Middle School and High School kids are sure to pack the auditorium if it's a Twilight Fundraising Event!
What to do?
Raffle off some Twilight memorabilia...Book Marks with Bella and Edward, or the cast of the movie, a CD of the movie or the soundtrack and the big one...a DVD of the Twilight Movie or the books. Other ideas include the director's book, the entire saga, some Cullen Family jewelry and posters.
Set up gift tables and hold some raffles for the bigger prizes and a tricky tray for the smaller items. Sell tickets and let your guests drop their tickets into containers. When the drawings begin each person in your hall will be sitting on the edge of their seats anticipating winning their favorite prize.One High School in Connecticut is holding such a fundraiser in March to support the school's literary magazine. What group needs financial support at your local school? Is your child in band or the cheerleader squad? These groups can always use extra fundraising efforts.
Invite a Vampire...or hold a costume contest...ask people to come in costumes so they look like the movie characters, or just in Vampire attire. Give everyone dressed up in a costume 1.00 off the entry fee. If people are coming in costumes, other people will come just to see them. Make sure your staff, or some of it, is dressed up too. Why shouldn't they have fun while they are working to raise money for the kids.Make sure you have refreshments available that the Vampire crowd will enjoy...lots of red drinks and there are some cute Vampire cupcake ideas you can use. Red Velvet cakes are another favorite around this crowd.Fund Raising is a part of life today. Kids have been selling cookies, candies and candles for years. You know your going to see some wrapping paper catalogs passed around the office in the fall too. It's time for a unique idea that will draw people to your events and make your group some money! Make sure to contact me with your good fundraising ideas...I would love to hear all about them!
Author Bio:
Ms. Party Ideas is Jill Gallo and she writes about fun party stuff! Find more party ideas at http://www.partyideasparade.com Jill loves to write about all kinds of unique party ideas and enjoys swapping good party ideas with you. You can find some great tips for a Fundraising Effort based on the Twilight theme that is so popular today at http://www.partyideasparade.com/twilight-party-ideas.html
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fundraising-Ideas-Using-Twilight-As-Your-Theme&id=2049706
What to do?
Raffle off some Twilight memorabilia...Book Marks with Bella and Edward, or the cast of the movie, a CD of the movie or the soundtrack and the big one...a DVD of the Twilight Movie or the books. Other ideas include the director's book, the entire saga, some Cullen Family jewelry and posters.
Set up gift tables and hold some raffles for the bigger prizes and a tricky tray for the smaller items. Sell tickets and let your guests drop their tickets into containers. When the drawings begin each person in your hall will be sitting on the edge of their seats anticipating winning their favorite prize.One High School in Connecticut is holding such a fundraiser in March to support the school's literary magazine. What group needs financial support at your local school? Is your child in band or the cheerleader squad? These groups can always use extra fundraising efforts.
Invite a Vampire...or hold a costume contest...ask people to come in costumes so they look like the movie characters, or just in Vampire attire. Give everyone dressed up in a costume 1.00 off the entry fee. If people are coming in costumes, other people will come just to see them. Make sure your staff, or some of it, is dressed up too. Why shouldn't they have fun while they are working to raise money for the kids.Make sure you have refreshments available that the Vampire crowd will enjoy...lots of red drinks and there are some cute Vampire cupcake ideas you can use. Red Velvet cakes are another favorite around this crowd.Fund Raising is a part of life today. Kids have been selling cookies, candies and candles for years. You know your going to see some wrapping paper catalogs passed around the office in the fall too. It's time for a unique idea that will draw people to your events and make your group some money! Make sure to contact me with your good fundraising ideas...I would love to hear all about them!
Author Bio:
Ms. Party Ideas is Jill Gallo and she writes about fun party stuff! Find more party ideas at http://www.partyideasparade.com Jill loves to write about all kinds of unique party ideas and enjoys swapping good party ideas with you. You can find some great tips for a Fundraising Effort based on the Twilight theme that is so popular today at http://www.partyideasparade.com/twilight-party-ideas.html
Article Source: http://ezinearticles.com/?Fundraising-Ideas-Using-Twilight-As-Your-Theme&id=2049706
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