Guestbooks can be a source of fundraising inspiration.
Non-profits, arts groups and other organizations are often in need of new funding sources. Luckily, events like open houses and parties can be an excellent means of contacting new donors and running one-time money-raising events. Take advantage of your event's guestbook to get in touch with everyone in attendance.
Mailing List
When you have the pages of your guestbook printed, include a column next to the signature line labeled "email." Post a notice near your guestbook telling guests that if they list their email address, they'll be signing up for notices about fundraising opportunities. Use the resulting email list to keep people informed about donation drives, especially online fundraisers accepting electronic donations.
Commemorative Pens
Capitalize on some impulse purchasing by turning the pens for your guestbook into a fundraising product. Have pens printed with your organization's name and the name of the event. Invite guests to keep the pen they used to sign the book in exchange for a suggested donation. This works especially well if the pens are attractive and write well, though you'll want to make sure the donation amount is enough to make a profit over the price of the pens as well as pad against those who might not give.
Guestbook Pledging
Use your guestbook as a means of applying gentle peer pressure at a fundraising event. To the right of the names, include a column where guests can pledge a donation amount. Before the start of the event, have someone in your organization write a name and pledge to get things rolling; when people see what others are pledging, they may also be inclined to donate.
Guestbook Raffle Coupons
Hold a raffle at your event (make sure it's legal in your state) and give every guest who signs the guestbook a coupon for a raffle ticket at a discounted price. This works especially well if you have a raffle event with multiple prizes; guests who get a coupon for just one raffle ticket will likely want to buy more once they see the other prizes.
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