Fundraising can instill principles of leadership and responsibility in children, and effective fundraising strategies for kids share a number of qualities. They serve a good purpose, such as helping an individual or organization in need. They challenge kids' creativity, requiring them to come up with effective ways to bring in money. Finally, an effective fundraiser should put the kids to work -- their fundraising success will be more satisfying if the kids had to work to earn it.
Sales
Even young children can help bring in donations by using their skills and creativity to make items to sell. With some parental supervision, kids have the resources to help a fundraiser succeed. Help your kids set up a bake sale or lemonade stand in your driveway. Because you're offering an item in exchange for a donation, people will be more likely to give money. This fundraiser is simple enough that kids can help make the items to sell and serve as the sales people.
Performance
A group of kids -- such as a church group, school class or sports team -- can raise funds by putting on a community performance or event. Encourage the kids to select a theme that's related to the group. A Little League team, for example, might host a charity father-son baseball tournament, while a church group might put on a play about the birth of Jesus at Christmastime. Kids can sell tickets to family members, friends and neighbors, and the community can come together to raise money for a worthy cause.
Art Gallery
If the kids involved in the fundraiser have a knack for creativity and a penchant to write, draw or paint, encourage them to use those skills to bring in funds. Host an art gallery to showcase their work, which could include poems, charcoal sketches or watercolor paintings. Guests can bid on the kids' work, with the proceeds benefiting the cause. Even if each piece brings in only a few dollars, money can add up quickly if you have plenty of kids involved. Plus, this fundraiser shows students that their creative work is valuable.
Pet Show
Kids who have dogs or cats can raise money and show off their pets at the same time. Organize a pet show in a neighborhood cul-de-sac, school parking lot or front yard. Set up a "runway" that kids can walk down with their pets. Sell tickets to community members and animal lovers who can watch local kids and their pets parade around for a good cause.
Tags: kids work, their pets, church group, items sell, kids involved