Article from Jacob Ackart

Any group that has ever had to generate funds knows that it is hard. What's a good starting point? What kind of event will be the highest earner?

The initial step in raising money is to set a monetary target. It's a good idea to work at earning more, but each person in the group may have a certain time frame in mind to stop. Establishing a monetary target helps everybody to see an end.

The amount required will determine the event requirements. A small amount of money can be earned daily with one type of event while a larger sum may require a more events or a more considerable and time consuming event.

Occasionally groups may delay a fundraising event because they lack volunteers or financing therefore making fundraising the last item on their agenda. You cannot delay fundraising until you are financially desperate. Choose a few events to turn into annual fundraising projects and then everyone will know the event is on the calendar and can plan accordingly. In particular, this helps members who have hectic schedules to plan ahead and it allows for donations or spread out budgeting.

Some ideas for annual fundraisers, many of which are (or can be) free or low cost:


Recycling ink cartridges
Bake sale
Book fair (or other kinds of fairs)
Penny drive
Silent auction
Fun run
Game show
Candy fundraisers

While fundraising, always be mindful to keep event time under control. Many event organizers make a mistake in judgment by extending the event thinking that will increase their returns, when the reverse is often true. For the best fundraising results, the organizers must keep the program moving at a rapid pace and generating energy. If you have more than a few activities arranged prepare them separately in order to keep the event moving and with a bigger turnout.

Planners should try and gather some incentives for the volunteers. The incentives can be as straightforward a "thank you" bag or t-shirt as a reminder of the occasion but they can even be as generous as a hard cash gift or paid vacation for the highest earning volunteer. Generally, non-cash prizes or gifts work better than cash. It's not clear why that is, but it may be that the gift or prize is something that a volunteer wouldn't normally buy for themselves.

Keep in mind that a volunteer and donor database should be maintained so that future fundraising events will be less work and easier. Plus, it's always easier to get repeat volunteers and donors than to try to recruit new ones - that is, as long as they feel appreciated. To show that appreciation, don't forget gifts and/or thank you notes for your volunteers too.

Jacob Ackart is an active volunteer who's been involved in many fundraisers for non-profits, from small to large. Please visit Fund-Raising-Ideas-Center.com to get more fundraising ideas and tips.