Top 5 Fundraisers

In my introductory guide, The 5 Keys to Successful Fundraising I describe how fundraisers fall into three general categories: Events, Sales and Direct Donations. I’ve created a “top 5″ list for each of these types, to help you find some of the best fundraisers.

1. Fundraising Events

There are hundreds of different events that could raise money for your organization. From auctions, to parties, to dinners and much more. Fundraising events don’t have to be large to make a big profit - events vary in size from a small home party with a dozen people to outdoor festivals with thousands of people. There’s events for every size and type of non profit organization.

Top 5 Fundraising Events

2. Product Sales

Product sales are good fundraisers for many groups such as schools and sports teams. A good sales fundraiser will offer 40-90% net profit.

Top 5 Product Fundraisers

3. Direct Donation Requests

There are many causes and organizations that benefit most from direct donations from strong supporters. Requesting donations is often a most cost effective way to raise money. The cost of producing the fundraiser are often less than other strategies, so more of your donors dollars go directly to help your mission.

Top 5 Donation Requests

Remember, there are many ways to raise funds. I encourage you to find the one that’s right for your particular organization.

Sandra Sims
Fundraising Coach,
StepByStepFundraising.com

Causes

Breast Cancer Fundraiser Items - Think Pink!

Posted on 19 August 2008

Recently I posted about how awareness bracelets are still going strong as a fundraising and cause awareness item.  You can find bracelets in every color of the rainbow and in various styles.
Over the past few years the color pink has become well known as the symbol for breast cancer advocacy.  Many non profits use this [...]

Expert Advice

Resource Roundup: Fundraising Tips

Posted on 29 August 2008

Here’s a list of some fundraising tips inspired by some of my favorite websites.
1. Build your email list so you can follow up with supporters and potential donors.
2. Strive to be the best, stay true to your mission while fundraising.
3. Use online video to educate about your cause and raise money.
4. Make sure your online [...]

Fundraising Events

Interview with Director Of Golf at Treetops Resort, Gaylord, Michigan

Posted on 30 July 2008

I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Kevin McKinley, who is the director of golf and skiing at Treetops Resort in Gaylord, Michigan, which was voted one of the top 25 golf resorts in America according to Golf Digest. Kevin has been working in the golf industry since 1996 and has been at the [...]

Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising for Cancer Related Non Profits

Posted on 12 June 2008

Dinners, auctions, and golf tournaments are just a few of the fundraising events that groups use to raise funds to provide patient services, research and advocacy for cancer issues.
It’s Relay for Life season… thousands of people across the US and across the world gather to walk, stay overnight and celebrate the lives of those touched [...]

Letters

Role of Corporate Sponsors at Special Events

Posted on 16 July 2008

There are many fundraising events where business and/or individual sponsors play an important role.  Here is a great question that we recently received on this topic:
What is the role of sponsors? Is the money raised through sponsors only used to help reach the goal or can some funds be used to help with running the [...]

Strategies

Major Donors on the Rise in a Down Economy

Posted on 02 September 2008

An additional 600,000 people became millionaires last year according to the World Wealth Report issued by Merrill Lynch and Capgemini U.S. The number of rich folks isn’t shrinking even with all the talk of doomed credit markets and rising oil prices.  What does this trend mean for your fundraising?
There are at least three new ways [...]