Make donating accessible for better results.
You don't have to have a huge event or expensive glossy advertising to bring in donations. All you really need is a worthy cause and the right idea. Service- and community-based fundraisers can bring funding and exposure to your group at little or no cost. Consider the needs and interests of potential donors, and ask area businesses to pitch in when possible to ensure fundraising success.
Bagging Groceries
This idea from "Fundraiser Insight" magazine will get your organization excellent exposure in addition to donations. It recommends contacting a local grocery store and volunteering members of your group to work as "bagger for a day." Distribute fliers explaining your cause, and make sure volunteers wear name tags including your group's name. Help shoppers with bagging and carrying their purchases. Be ready to answer questions and, of course, accept donations.
Donation Buckets
You can get a few donations at no cost and with little effort by setting up donation buckets. Decorate jars or coffee cans with your group's name and a little information about your cause, and ask local businesses to place them near cash registers.
Recycling Drive
Get donations for your organization while helping the environment. This fundraiser is simple---ask for donations of refundable recyclable items from the community. The website FundRaisers.com suggests asking a local business to work with your cause by acting as a drop-off point for donations of glass bottles, aluminum cans or other items.
Scavenger Hunt
You'll want to offer prizes for this fundraiser, so contact local businesses and ask them to donate items or gift certificates in exchange for sponsorship recognition. For your scavenger hunt, create a list of items that can be found in your area. Ask participants to work in teams and to supply their own digital camera as well as an entrance fee. Gather the groups in the morning, and give them a list and deadline to return with photos of the items. The groups with the most photos at the deadline win prizes. Giving your hunt an educational theme will encourage school group participation and might boost your media coverage.
Service Auction
Ask your group's supporters to donate their skills for a service auction. This can include accounting, yard work, babysitting, or any other useful ability. Auction these services for donations.
Yard Sale
Ask supporters to check their attics and basements for items they no longer need that are in good condition, and have a yard sale. This option does involve a small cost for advertising. "Fundraiser Insight" suggests placing an ad in the local newspaper, and you will want to place signs and fliers in the area, but with the right items, your earning will more than cover this expense.
Tags: your group, your cause, Fundraiser Insight, group name, local businesses