It’s high time for a fundraiser. You have an idea of what the process is going to be like – decide on a fundraiser, organize it, then profit. But before the profit is the ??? in between: you’re confused about fundraiser planning. You could use some help, so here are some tips to guide you through the mire.
1. Brainstorm with your group.
Tried and true fundraisers are great for all groups – and that’s because they always work. Offering your supporters treats in exchange for donations is one of the most popular kinds of fundraisers; people love the great products, from candy to cookie dough to candles. You can make a lot of profit – anywhere from 50% to up to 70% – and these simple fundraisers are easy to plan. We recommend offering cookie dough and candy bars to your supporters; you can make up to 55% and up to 65% profit, respectively. Our cookie dough comes in a wide range of familiar flavors—like scrumptious Chunky Chocolate Chip—and your supporters will love getting Hershey’s favorites—like Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups and Kit Kats—from your group members. That said, you shouldn’t limit your group to familiar fundraisers. Brainstorm with your group members: what kind of fundraiser do they want to do? Their insight is extremely valuable.
2. Separate your campaign into tasks, then assign them to your group members.
Getting group members involved is a vital part of any fundraiser. It lets them have fun working together on a shared project, and they’ll befriend each other while they work hard. (It also gives you much less work!) This way, your fundraiser will truly be a group effort.
3. Prepare a plan of action.
Now that you know what each of your group members is going to do, you can start planning your fundraiser. Set a date for each step of your plan, and make sure you stick to it. It might seem like a lot of work—even with your group members involved—so be on the ball: always keep what you have to do in mind, and do it all on time. Encourage your group members to do their tasks on time; the fundraiser is the responsibility of the whole group, not just you.
4. If applicable, budget your campaign.
Decide much you think you should spend, then add a bit to the total, just in case. This is the maximum amount you should to spend on your fundraiser – but obviously you’ll want to spend less. To do that, talk to your connections: maybe your friend who owns the skating rink can let you guys use the arena for a discount, for example. Also try renting equipment rather than buying it, and, if possible, consider shopping for used goods rather than buying them new.
5. Spread the word.
If group involvement is the heart of your fundraiser, advertising is its lifeblood. Give your group members memos to pass on to their friends and family, and spread the message by word of mouth. Maybe you could even broadcast an ad on a local radio or TV station. Whatever you do, make sure people know about your fundraiser!
Now that you guys have worked hard on your fundraiser planning, you’re ready for the next step: when the campaign begins. Happy fundraising!