For more than two centuries, Americans have generously contributed to organizations. According to the "Giving and Volunteering Signature Series," 89 percent of United States households give to charity as of 2001. In addition, donors contribute an average annual contribution of $1,620. The Council for Advancement and Support of Education forecast a small decline in university and college fundraising for 2009. However, charitable people are still donating to education. Students and faculty may host a variety of fundraiser to generate money.
Dance-A-Thon Fundraiser
Host a 24-hour college dance-a-thon. Participants can dance solo, in groups or as couples. Dancers pay a small participation fee to enter the competition. When planning the event provide the participants enough time to contact family, friends, colleagues and neighbors to sponsor them in the dance-a-thon. Host the event in an auditorium, community center or gymnasium. Hire a local DJ, borrow a CD player from the music department or load a couple of iPods with an assortment of music to play during the dance-a-thon. Offer a small prize for the last participants dancing. Advertise on the campus radio, social networking sites, local businesses and place flyers around campus.
Eating-Contest Fundraiser
Conduct an eating contest. Select a variety of food, such as hot dogs, pies, cakes, ice cream or pasta. Ask a local grocery store or restaurant to donate the food towards the event. Divide the contest into different class, such as freshman, junior, sophomore or senior. Or, have an eating contest where students are competing against faculty members. In addition, divide the contest by age. Hold the eating contest in the cafeteria. Contestants pay an entrance fee to participate in the festivities and winners receive a gift card. Have different eating categories for instance "who can eat the most cookies in two minutes" or "who can eat an entire cake the fastest." Raise addition money by providing a concession area selling beverages and food to viewers. Develop contest rules concerning use of hands and blindfolding contestants. In case of emergency, have a doctor nearby.
Breakfast Fundraiser
Host a breakfast fundraiser serving pancakes, sausages and eggs. Ask a local grocery store to donate the food for the fundraiser. Offer a variety of syrups for example, strawberry, maple, walnut, blueberry or French vanilla. Members of the organization sponsoring the fundraiser may cook the food. Purchase or borrow a huge electric griddle or waffle maker. Conduct the breakfast fundraiser in a cafeteria or community center with tables. Charge the patrons by plate with an allocated number of pancakes, eggs and sausages served. Breakfast fundraisers are great for weekends.
Car Wash Fundraiser
Have your college club, group or class organization host a car wash. Determine the location, such as a gas station, parking lot or an active main street. Decide whether to charge a set amount or accept a generous donation per patron. Make sure to select a specified date and time to conduct the car wash. Gather supplies such as buckets, sponges, towel, garden hose and soap. Participants work together to create signs for the location and for members to hold by the street. In addition, advertise in your local newspaper, college paper and nearby community businesses.
Make college fundraising simple, quick and enjoyable for all. By carefully and creatively planning, the organizations can achieve its goal.
Tags: eating contest, college fundraising, community center, donate food, Fundraiser Host, grocery store, local grocery