Fundraising for a youth group can be a very rewarding experience in more ways than one. Conferences, field trips and group projects often rely on fundraising efforts for funding. Fundraisers vary in degree of planning and initial investment required. Choose fundraisers that fit your youth group's budget, skills and interests. Community involvement is key to a successful fundraiser, so consider their interests as well.
Organize a Sale
A garage sale or bake sale utilizes the youth group's resources to raise money. Youth group families can donate items they no longer need for a garage sale. Baking items for a bake sale can become a youth group project. The garage sale and bake sale can be combined for greater fundraising potential.
Carnivals or Festivals
Carnivals or family festivals involve the entire community in a fun environment. This fundraising opportunity requires significant planning and an initial investment. Ask for donations from local businesses to offset the cost of organizing the event. Advertise the carnival or family festival to ensure a large crowd. For a larger turn out, schedule the event on a day when no other community events are being held.
Errand Service
Busy families often welcome a helping hand with errands. Organize an errand service to fill the need and raise money for your youth group. Set prices for various errands. This could include picking up dry cleaning, cleaning up yard waste, mowing lawns or grocery shopping. The errand service has the potential to be a long-term fundraising option for the youth group.
Live Entertainment
Live entertainment draws crowds and holds the potential for good fundraising. Ask a local band or other entertainment act if they will perform for free or for a reduced fee. Set up a game-show type challenge. Hold a talent show. Assess the needs and interests of the community to decide the best form of live entertainment for a fundraiser.
Community Fundraising Opportunities
Local businesses have a vested interest in the community. Some may be willing to assist in fundraising activities for a local youth group. A sports arena may allow youth group members to staff the concession stand and keep a portion of the profits. A local restaurant may designate a certain night for the youth group and share the profits from that night's business. Ask the local car wash if the youth group can take over for an afternoon. Local businesses often make good partners for fundraising efforts. Always recognize your business partners to maintain a positive relationship.
Parents' Night Out
Parents often need babysitters for a night out. Organize a babysitting service for parents. Your investment for this fundraising activity is minimal. The youth group can organize a few simple crafts or games for the children and provide the supervision. Set a price per child or ask for donations. Hold regular parents' night out babysitting services for a long-term income stream for the youth group.
Community Coupon Books
Local businesses may be willing to offer special discounts for a coupon book fundraiser. Create a local coupon book based on businesses that are willing to participate. Set the price for each coupon book, and sell them to community members. The people who purchase the books are helping the youth group and saving money themselves.
Tags: youth group, bake sale, coupon book, garage sale, Local businesses, fundraising efforts