School has been in session for weeks now. Even if you don't have any children in school, you have seen the various fundraisers. Candy bars, doughnuts, etc. Many are competing for prizes and vacations in school. Unfortunately, these fundraisers don't always pay huge dividends in adult arenas. At some point, adults have to understand that selling candy isn't going to send your child to New York or Washington, DC.
Being experienced in fundraisers as treasurer of many organizations, here are some more effective ways to raise the green.
1. Working pro and college sporting events
These events take more legwork, but offer more of a payday. Contact your local pro and college teams near you, they are often helpful and could use the help.
2. Theme parks
Carowinds and other parks such as Six Flags and Busch Gardens offers similar deals. You could work in the park for a day and receive a free ticket and money towards your organization.
3. Dinners/fish frys
Having these events all day long in a remote indoor location can be profitable. Promote effectively in the weeks leading up to the event and the public will come. You can't wait to the last minute and you must be efficient. Have side sales, such as desserts and consignments. I've seen the local high school bands and fire departments do this and they always make money.
4. Small formal party/dance
People get to dress up, dance, and have fun, and you can make money from admission, food, beverages, and photos.
5. Pageants
I saw this idea in the 90s and thought it was brilliant. Getting advertisers and sponsors is key here. Participants can be those who are actually using the money, and it can be child friendly. Even the men get involved in either all male or woman less pageants.
6. Small carnival/festival
These are a staple in the South, big and small. You could do a Fall Festival, Christmas, or even Spring. Have games, food, and prizes. Again lots of legwork but greater profits.
7. Race (bike, road race, derby).
People will definitely come out to see and participate in these. Now setting courses, getting sponsors, and even contacting organizations such as Strictly Running can be a challenge. However, it can be well worth the effort. I've seen it firsthand.
Other methods: gift baskets/bags for holidays, birthdays, and yard sales.
Basically, to execute any successful fundraiser that doesn't involve just direct sales, you need a good crew, organization of your monies spent and made (assets and liabilities in accounting terms) and the willingness to work. So think outside of the box and start raising some real cash for your cause. The money that jingles is nice, but we all love more of the kind that folds.
Basically, to execute any successful fundraiser that doesn't involve just direct sales, you need a good crew, organization of your monies spent and made (assets and liabilities in accounting terms) and the willingness to work. So think outside of the box and start raising some real cash for your cause. The money that jingles is nice, but we all love more of the kind that folds.
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