As a group leader, you know how important hosting a successful fundraiser is. You know the benefits of fundraising go beyond supplementing a budget for items like field trips, equipment upgrades, or essential supplies. When a fundraiser is done right, it strengthens the bonds between a group and their community while also bringing in those necessary funds. Plus, they are a lot of fun!
Coordinating a fundraiser also comes with its challenges. Successful fundraisers take a lot of planning, resources, communication, and volunteers. Thankfully, you’re not alone. We here at the Butter Braid® brand, with the help of our dealer network, have been helping groups reach their fundraising goals for over 30 years. So, we used our 30 years of expertise to compile 10 tips to help you plan your next fundraiser.
Tips for Your Next Fundraiser
1. Have a written project plan
Think of your fundraiser as a small business. Write out a plan that states all the roles and responsibilities needed for your fundraiser. Fill the roles with the right individuals and provide them with everything they need to do a great job.
2. Create a value proposition
In 2 sentences or less, summarize what you’re doing and why. Let people know what this fundraiser is all about and share it with your group, board, and volunteers. Make sure to include a call-to-action in all your communication efforts.
3. Maximize value to maximize results
Make this tip your mantra:
More value = more prospects
More value = more buyers
More value = more money for your group
What do we mean by value? We mean finding a fundraising product that meets all the needs of your group and the people in your area. For instance, groups love to sell Butter Braid Pastries because they offer high per-item profits, short turnaround times, and simple sales. Supporters love them because they’re braided by hand with love and made with high-quality ingredients.
Offering products like Butter Braid Pastries guarantee you are maximizing the value of your fundraiser.
4. Focus on quality
Quality work = more sales
Quality rewards = more motivation
Quality program = more confidence
5. Set a public goal
As a fundraising group, make a goal, commit to it, and state it publicly; this causes your mind to read it as a verbal commitment. Be sure to aim high but keep your goals realistic. Structure sales efforts to emphasize and reward achieving your goals.
6. Set individual goals
Everyone on your fundraising team should be committed to doing what it takes to reach your group’s goal. Make sure everyone takes ownership of your fundraiser’s success by setting goals at the individual level as well as on the group level. That way everyone is responsible for contributing to the success of your event.
7. Provide alternative options
Keep in mind that some people may not be able to financially contribute to your fundraiser, but they may be able to contribute in other ways. This could be anything from volunteering to help during kick-off and delivery days to sharing information about your event with their family and friends. Explore all the different ways people in your community could use their talents to get involved and help your group.
8. Emphasize safety
Seller safety must be your highest priority. All neighborhood sales should include an accompanying adult. Remind your group to never sell alone, to not go into anyone’s house, and to never sell after dark.
9. Keep it fun
Plan fun things to do during each stage of the process that rewards involvement. Remember that fun is an essential part of fundraising.
10. Help others
The most important of our “tips for your next fundraiser” is for you to share your success and help others. Once you’ve reached your goal, make an effort to go out and help another group reach theirs. For example, your group could volunteer to help with local charities, write letters to the military, or anything else that may have special meaning to your group.
After all, fundraisers are about more than raising funds; it’s about strengthening the bond with your community. Your community came together to support you. Seeing you do the same will inspire them to continue their support of your group for years to come.
