FUNDRAISER
"HELPFUL HINTS"
Plan and Organize your Fundraiser
- Always
set Goals, Clearly Communicate Them to all Participants,
and Choose an Appropriate Time of Year for conducting
your fundraiser. For example; you set the goal of
raising $2,000 prior to the upcoming season to assist in
the purchase of team uniforms and equipment. Ensuring
that all participants understand the value your
fundraiser will bring to them and your organization will
boost their enthusiasm and generate greater sales.
- Always
set Timeframes for fundraising efforts and Stick to
Them! Most fundraisers run a maximum length of two
weeks. Some fundraisers may run a little longer based on
the needs of your organization but be extremely careful
in determining the length allowed. Limiting the length
of your fundraiser will keep your group focused and on
task.
- Schedule
a meeting with all of your participants prior to the
launch of your fundraiser. It is important that all
participants understand the purpose, goals, and
timeframe for your fundraiser so this is the perfect
time to get them on board and enthused. This meeting is
the right time to distribute all fundraising materials,
present product information and facts, and to ensure
that your participants understand the importance of
abiding by all guidelines and timeframes. Your customers
will expect their purchases as soon as possible. Prompt
delivery will ensure customer satisfaction and repeat
business! This is RAH, RAH time so make it FUN!
-
Regularly communicate with your participants and update
them on how the fundraiser is tracking to its
pre-defined goals. If sales are lagging behind this
provides an opportunity to rejuvenate the enthusiasm. If
sales are tracking ahead of your goals take the
opportunity to congratulate them and push them to pursue
newly defined goals. An enthusiastic, positive, and
communicative leader will maintain a focused and
successful fundraiser. Maintain the excitement!
-
Advertise your fundraiser! Prominently post your
Fundraiser information on bulletin boards, in your
organization's bulletin or online newsletter, in the
local newspaper, or on local radio and T.V. stations
where it makes sense to do so. Be certain to have your
brochure and order forms with you at all times and to
talk about your fundraiser wherever you go and remind
your participants to do the same. Remember, every person
you and your participants come in contact with is a
potential customer.
Managing Your Fundraiser
-
Communicate with participants regularly to ensure that
they are on course to meet your goals and are abiding by
all guidelines set forth in your planning and organizing
meeting.
- Remind
participants to collect payment when taking their
orders. Have all checks and money orders made out to
your organization.
- You
should highly consider appointing a fundraiser
Chairperson who will be the point of contact for all
questions and/or concerns from participants, will
distribute materials, and collect orders and payments.
Having a single responsible person will ensure that
there is coordination and will go a long way in
eliminating any confusion or lost orders and funds.
- Line up
potential volunteers from your participant group or
within your organization to assist the Chairperson in
compiling the Master Order form once all participants
orders have been received, and auditing the order and
payment totals to be certain there are no errors prior
to submitting your order(s).
Tips for Participants
- Before
you begin selling your candles prepare for your efforts
by creating a list of everyone you know. Your list
should include family and friends, neighbors, business
acquaintances; co-workers, and anyone else you can think
of that you can approach.
- Prepare
a calendar of all of the events that you will be
attending such as children's games or practices,
parties, meetings, etc. and make sure that you go to
each event prepared to promote your fundraiser.
- Create a
"Script" and practice it prior to promoting your
fundraiser to your targeted customers. Be sure that it
is clear and concise, strongly introduces your
organization, focuses on the purpose of the fundraiser,
who the proceeds will benefit, and how. A strongly
stated message will grab your potential customers'
attention.
- Take
your sales brochure and order forms wherever you go.
Remember that every person you come in contact with is a
potential customer so be prepared at all times to talk
about and promote your fundraiser.
- Be
aggressive but courteous and not overly forceful, and
always say thank you. Most importantly, remember to have
fun! Your enthusiasm and a smile will naturally attract
and excite others.
- Finally,
the safety of all participants is of the utmost
importance. Be sure you are familiar with and well aware
of your surroundings. When involving children in the
promotion of your fundraiser do so with caution.
NEVER
allow children to sell door-to-door in unfamiliar
neighborhoods. Younger children should
ALWAYS
be accompanied by an adult. Older children and teens
should
NEVER
fundraise alone (use the buddy system), and should
ALWAYS
tell their parents where they are going, with whom, and
when to be expected home.
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