Fundraising Strategies

Fundraising Strategy #1: Lapel Pin Dress-Down Day - A twist on the traditional dress down day, the purchase of a lapel pin allows the buyer to enjoy a designated dress down day, provided the lapel pin is part of their attire.

Fundraising Strategy #2: Support Our Troops Day - Selling lapel pins that show support for our troops are not only a good fundraiser, but allow the buyer a chance to display their patriotism. An extension on this idea is to have the buyers sign a pre-written letter that will be sent to a military unit after your fundraising event.

Fundraising Strategy # 3: Balloon Pop- A twist on the carnival balloon game, have a wall of balloons set up with coupons or gift certificates hidden inside a small number of balloons. With the purchase of a lapel pin, the buyer gets to pop one balloon using the lapel pin to see if they won a prize. No matter what the outcome, the supporter still has their lapel pin as a keepsake to commemorate the fundraising event.

Fundraising Strategy #4: Charity Dance- Hold a dance as a fundraiser for your organization, but instead of using a rubberstamp as proof of paid entry, issue a lapel pin that signifies the fundraising event and serves as a fun keepsake.

Fundraising Strategy # 5: Pin Count – Fill a large jar with custom made lapel pins and charge people to guess how many pins are in the jar. The person that comes closest to the actual count without going over wins a grand prize and all participants get one of the lapel pins as a keepsake when the fundraising event is over. Fundraising Strategy Outline Three things you should remember when preparing for a fundraiser, plan, plan, and plan. A wise man once said, “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail.” Following is a simple out line you can use to develop your fundraising program.

1. Develop a budget.
   Don’t forget to add marketing expenses, postage, printing, office, telephone, etc.
2. Set Goals
   How much money are you trying to raise? How much time will you devote to the project?
3. Evaluate your options for fundraising
   What fundraising option will make the most sense in your market, community, or group? What will be the best way to realize your goals? Assess different companies/products. Make sure to ask for samples.
4. Operations
   Who will be responsible for selling, administrating, supporting, and managing the project?
5. Marketing Plan
   How are you going to market your fundraising strategy? Who is your target market? Will you market by Tradeshow, Publicity, Advertising, direct mail, or via the internet?