Need some new fundraising ideas? When
your organization or group needs to raise money for a trip or project,
there is nothing wrong with another bake sale. Do something a little
different, though, and you may get more volunteers for the event. You
might also get more media exposure, meaning more people will
participate, which means more money raised. Why not try one of the
following ideas.
Mobile rummage sale. Having a rummage
sale is a common fundraising idea, but how about a mobile rummage sale?
It requires collecting donations of things to sell, and the cooperation
of someone with a pick up truck. Sort the things as neatly as possible
in the back of the truck, then go door-to-door, explaining to the
residents that you are raising money for your cause, and asking them to
take a look at your sale. Maybe they'll also want to donate things to
sell. Take the sale to the beach or other busy places too.
Dog wash. A car wash is one of the most
common fundraising ideas out there, but a dog wash is less common. Find
a place where many people walk their dogs. A brush, dog shampoo, and a
source of water are all you need. You could also sell dog toys, dog
snacks and other pet-related things for even more profit.
Business clean-up. Many businesses need
to have the area around them cleaned up. Restaurants might have trash
around the edges of their parking lots, some businesses may need their
signs washed, and others could need their sidewalks and lots swept. A
crew of young people could clean up a property in an hour for a set fee,
and the business could write off the contribution on their taxes.
Online donor recognition. When you
collect donations for a project or regular event, you can promise donors
that they'll be recognized on your group's official website. They get a
bit of internet immortality as one of the people that made your event,
trip or project possible. It is common that donors get their names put
on a plaque, but the website is accessible to all their friends anywhere
in the world, so they can show them how they helped.
Treasure hunt. This could be a big event,
even an annual one if your organization needs a regular fundraising
event. The basic idea: Rope off an area of a beach, bury silver bars and
coins in the sand, and let people hunt for them for an entry fee. Let's
say you bury 4 quarter-ounce gold coins, 20 one-ounce silver bars, 1000
various foreign coins (some coin shops sell these for ten cents each),
500 dimes and 2000 pennies.
At today's prices it would cost you about
$1,000, which you might first raise through donations. With 3524 coins,
almost everyone would find something. 300 people paying $10 each would
net your group $2,000, plus you could sell hotdogs and drinks during the
event.
Except for the last one, these are all
relatively cheap events to plan. Tell the papers about your plans, of
course. The more unusual fundraising ideas are more likely to get some
free press coverage.
Steve Gillman has been exploring new
ideas for decades. Visit his site for invention ideas, business ideas,
story ideas, political and economic theories, deep thoughts, and more.
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