In central Pennsylvania, a wide variety of groups and organizations use fundraising. From parent-teacher groups to youth sports teams to nonprofit organizations, central Pennsylvania groups that need to raise funds are always looking for new ideas to make money. Fundraising can be difficult, especially in a down economy or at certain times of the year like Christmas, so groups rely on finding good ideas to raise the money they need.
Selling Fundraising Products
Several companies based in central Pennsylvania specialize in fundraising products that groups can sell to raise money. Besides the typical cookie dough, wrapping paper and candy, groups in central Pennsylvania can sell different items like flower bulbs, local business discount cards and dog treats. Other companies offer services like ink cartridge refills and cell phone recycling that groups can use as fundraisers.
Restaurant Fundraising
Many people in central Pennsylvania go out to eat at least of a couple of times a year. With restaurant fundraisers, groups can combine a fundraiser with something people do anyway -- dine out. The group doing the fundraising chooses a restaurant and a date and time, and a portion of the profits from the designated date and time goes back to the group. Junior Achievement of Central Pennsylvania suggests several local and chain restaurants that sponsor restaurant fundraising nights, like Friendly's, Chili's and Qdoba.
Biggest Loser Contest
Better suited to adult organizations, a Biggest Loser contest can be an easy way for a group to raise money. Based on the TV show "The Biggest Loser," the contest can be as simple as having people pay to enter, with half the entry fee going to award the winners and half going to fundraising. Run the contest for six to eight weeks, and at the end, weigh in all the participants and award whoever loses the most weight.
Sports Tournaments
Even though central Pennsylvania does not have its own professional sports teams, plenty of people still participate in and cheer for college, high school and other amateur sports teams. Sponsoring a sports tournament can raise money for a group and also provide exposure for that group and its mission. Basketball, softball and golf are some of the more popular choices for sports tournament fundraisers, but depending on the group, tennis, hockey and soccer tournaments can also be good fundraisers. Because football is so popular in central Pennsylvania, groups may want to choose to sponsor a flag or touch football tournament. During the tournament, to raise even more money, sell concessions or other products to the crowd and participants, suggests Better Fundraising Ideas.
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