One Wisconsin school reported this week that they are seeing a drop in their normal fundraising income. They will be watching to see if more fundraisers will be needed later in the year. Schools have depended on fundraisers for years to help fill the financial gap left by government funding cutbacks. Schools use fundraisers to provide for playground equipment, computer labs, busing for field trips, sports equipment, etc.Many schools have begun to take a step back from so many vendor- based projects, like fruit, cookies, cookie dough, chocolates, candles, wrapping paper, etc. Family and friends are becoming increasingly tired of paying $20 for an item they don't really need and watching only $10 actually going to the school.
I am continually encouraging groups to get creative in designing their fundraisers. Instead of looking for another unnecessary item to sell, come up with a fundraiser that is not based on a vendor product.
Fundraising letters are becoming more and more popular with schools. Usually one fundraiser letter a year is sent out at either the beginning or end of the school year. Families and school supporters are asked to make a financial donation in lieu of multiple fundraisers throughout the year. This way, whatever amount is donated is profit!
I have been a fan of this concept for some time now. As you can tell from one of my previous posts, Fundraiser Ripoff , I'd much rather give a school the $20 straight out. That way I know 100% of it is going to the cause.
If your group is not currently utilizing a fundraiser letter, I encourage you to consider it. I think you can honestly expect 100% support from family and friends. After all, most of us are still trying to use up wrapping papers we purchased a few years ago.
Wishing you and your group Ultimate Fundraising Success,
Sherie Smith
The Fundraising Designer
email: fundraisingdesigner@gmail.com
Twitter: Twitter.com/fundraisingdsnr
About Sherie Smith:
Sherie Smith shows people how to achieve the Ultimate Fundraising Success in her free multi-part minicourse which can be found at: http://www.3hourstofundraisingsuccess.com. Her newest book, '3 Hours to Fundraising Success', a step-by-step copycat manual to the $4,500 in 3 Hours project, will be released Mid-August 2009.
Copyright c Sherie Smith All Rights Reserved
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