Here are some basic fundraising tips:

1. Start with a List: Put togther a list of friends, family, neighbors and anyone else you might contact to raise money from. The more people the better. But don’t add people for the sake of adding them. The names on this list should be people you will actually contact.

2. Set a Goal: You would think this would be obvious but you’d be surprised at how few people set goals. Without a clear cut goal how will you know if you’ve been successful? Set a goal slightly higher than you think you can comfortably attain. Push yourself but don’t make it so high you get frustrated.

3. Clearly define what you’re raising money for: If you are raising money for something you believe in or need you will be more successful in your fundraising effort. Don’t waste your time trying to raise money for something you don’t care about. Use your network of contacts and your best efforts only when you believe in what you are doing.

4. Consider using online resources: These days we have large circles of online friends and you should make sure you are up to date with the best ways to reach those people. After all the first tip was to write down a list of people who might be willing to help. By using your online communities you expand those circles.

5.Make it personal. Make sure the people you contact know the fundraiser means a lot to you. Make your plea personal and from your heart and people will respond more generously. Everytime!

6. Form teams: Whether for accountability or for more coverage often times teams help people stay on track. You might not get something done for yourself but often you would not want to let a team mate down. Teams should brainstorm and combine talents to get the best results.

7. Send thank you notes. When you are done with your fundraising idea you should always send thank you notes. It might not affect the results of this fundraising campaign but it will help next time when you approach your contact list again. If people know you appreciate their help they will be more likely to help again in the future.

5 Sure-Fire Ways to Increase Revenue in Your Product Sale Fundraiser

1. Use a company that guarantees your organization gets to keep a higher percentage of the profits. There are many so-called fundraising companies out there that think it’s ok to rip the non-profits off and take 60% or more of your hard work. If this is what you have encountered, I suggest you check out FastTrack Fundraising, where you absolutely get the highest percentages on high-quality products.

2. Pick a product that is proven to be popular. Don’t just pick what you personally think would sell well. You need a broad sampling. For instance, your fundraising company will be able to tell you what their best sellers are. Again, FastTrack Fundraising has a website that is packed with a wide variety of products you can sell and make money on. Each product has reviews by actual customers that relate their experience. There is also a profit calculator which you can use to figure out how much you can make on each product. You just have to type in the number of people you expect to be selling and you’ll get a very good estimate of what you can make.

3. Give your supporters plenty of notice that the sale is coming and clearly state your goal. Communication with your customers is key. Don’t just expect them to buy whatever it is you are selling, when you are selling it. Do some homework, find out when there is a lull of fundraisers at local schools and other non-profits. Also, be up front with them about how much you’re hoping to make and what that means for every participant. If you need every person to buy $20 worth of product, tell them that.

4. Tell your group members what this money will be used for (Make sure it’s for a reason they will support!). In order to get people to part with their money for something they may not really want or need, you’ve got to make a compelling case. Work on developing a story about why you need the money and what exactly it will be used for. Don’t just say all the money goes toward the “general fund”. People want their donation to mean something important. Even if you have to move things around in your operating budget, find an expense that is directly related to the participant’s experience. If you can make it personal to each one of your members, you’ve got a much better chance of getting them to respond as you want them to.

5. Keep the participants enthused about the sale. Don’t just pass out the information about your fundraisers and then don’t mention it again until the day you’re supposed to collect the money. Keep people fired up each step of the way. Set benchmarks you’d like to meet. Offer fun incentives, but don’t spend any money on them. Save your money for the group. Something fun and free would be like you offering to shave your head bald if the group reaches the goal. Be creative.

Photo by: R/DV/RS

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 and offline marketing efforts work well together.

5. Remember that sometimes small changes can make a big impact, small meaning cheap or free…yes, fundraising can be done on a Shoestring.

6. Listen to donor’s pet peeves… check out some of the most common at Chronicle of Philanthropy and LinkedIn.

7. Go on a staff retreat, even if it’s just for 3 minutes.

8. Be different. i.e. instead of a bake sale how about a cupcake extravaganzza.

9. Think of easy ways to cut costs $1 at a time.

10. Improve your current fundraising and donor relations efforts before trying something new.