Archive for August, 2009

Looking for ideas for fundraisers? You’re not the only one. Every group is searching for easy fundraisers that produce big results. Well, selling fundraising discount cards is one of the best fundraisers around.

Discount cards deliver considerable revenue for your group at $10 each. They usually produce average sales of 10 units per seller. Coupled with their 80%-90% profit margins, they also generate considerably more profit than most other fundraising products.
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If you wish to genuinely benefit from your fundraising activities then there are certain aspects of fundraising that you need to be very clear about. These are the things that you absolutely must do and certain things that you just cannot afford to do. Being aware of this will help you build your charity through fundraising in a steady constructive manner.

Important fundraising do’s

• It is imperative that you know the reasons for your fundraising effort and how it will benefit your charity. You should, in fact, write down your fundraising goals and refer these from time to time. Only when you are clear about your fundraising objectives will you be able to explain it to your potential sponsors.
• Don’t be afraid to ask. Remember that if you do not ask you will not receive. The cause that you are supporting is competing for a patron’s time and money. There are many charities out there and these depend on fundraising to stay afloat. Strike a balance between retaining old patrons and adding to your database of donors. Keep in mind the golden adage that is easier to retain a patron rather than seek out new ones. So do all that you can to maintain a relationship with your existing donors.
• Know what to write in your communication. This will differ depending upon the donor group that you are targeting. However, there are certain general rules to follow. Keep your communication short and simple. Be precise about your organization’s activities and achievements. And finally make a pitch for the kind of support that you expect from the recipient of your email or letter. If it’s an email do not forget to add a link to your website.

Important fundraising don’ts

• Never neglect your donors; remember that those who donate do not do so for material gains. They donate to contribute to society and to feel good about their good deed. So, appreciate their effort. Maybe you can have a quarterly or six-monthly magazine in which you can make special mention of those who have contributed outstandingly to your charity. By failing to recognize the work of your patrons you will definitely drive them away from your charity.
• Do not let your communication lapse. Do not forget to mention a specific amount and a last date for sending over donations. Also, follow-up via email, telephone, letters to remind prospective donors. The important thing is to get a commitment out of them, the donation will then follow. However to get them to commit your communication has to be targeted.
• Do not forget to keep a tab on operational expenses. Remember that you are running a charity; so in times when funds are flush do not be too extravagant. Do not neglect to build a workforce of volunteers; this will help you in a big way to keep costs down.

For many organizations, discount card fundraising solutions can be a highly profitable and relatively simple way to find answers to tight budgets and growing economic needs. These cards will entitle the bearer to a list of deals and discounts that are provided by businesses in the local area. Groups that sell these cards will approach local these businesses to see if they are willing to participate in the fundraising campaign by making special offers to anyone who purchases a card from one of the group’s volunteers. This approach to raising money can be very popular and profitable. As fundraisers go, selling these cards is comparatively simple. With no advance orders to take and inventory that is small, lightweight and very easy to deal with, these campaigns offer some very significant advantages to other types of fundraising efforts. Businesses can be easily persuaded to participate since they will receive free advertising from the campaign. New customers and increased sales may also result. For those who support the volunteer organizations, purchasing this kind of product is seen as a positive thing. The buying customer can save money by using the card until it expires. Many fundraisers involve products that are purchased out of a sense of obligation, but have little practical use for the buyer. That is not the case with discount card fundraising solutions. These cards represent a real and practical benefit to the buyer.

Placing an order for discount card fundraising solutions can usually be accomplished through the supplier’s web site. Most of these suppliers will work with organizations to make sure that everything that is printed on the cards are correct. An organization may wish to have a their logo or name printed on the cards and most suppliers will be able to make this happen. Participating merchants may also wish to have a company logo printed on the cards. Companies that supply these cards will frequently have access to well known logos and can easily incorporate them into the overall design. An example of the final card will also be made available to the organization for proofing before the final cards are printed. Once proofed, these cards can often be delivered to the group that is conducting the discount card fundraising solutions campaign in about a week. Larger orders may take a little longer. The final order will be shipped to the client through the United States Postal Service or via a private delivery company. The Bible tells believers that they can cast their concerns and worries on God and trust Him to get them through difficult situation. “Cast thy burden upon the Lord, and he shall sustain thee: he shall never suffer the righteous to be moved.” (Psalm 55:22)
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Needing a good fundraiser? Tired of the low profit fundraisers that require a lot of work? Have you ever considered Discount Card fundraising?

Yes, this is the fundraiser that many high schools throughout the nation do, but NO, it is not just for them. In fact this fundraiser is one that no matter the organization or the size of the group, you will be able to raise money with very little hassle.
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We raise funds to provide uniforms and other equipment for all the high school and middle school teams in our area. There are many different fundraisers during the year, but we wanted something to actually get the athletes themselves involved. We came up with the idea of developing a discount program card for popular local merchants. Two of our trustees solicited local merchants to provide cardholders with some discount at their establishment. Most of the restaurant type gave 2 for 1 deals while other merchants gave discount percentages.
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