- 1). Search for companies who offer fund-raising programs or create your own campaign by utilizing products of local merchants.
If you choose to search for companies who partner with individuals or groups, be sure that you order a packet of campaign materials that includes: brochure, prize brochure and pricing information. However, if you are interested in creating a program from the start, you will need to contact local merchants, take photos of items they are willing to split profits, and create a brochure illustrating these items. Be sure that you have your agreement with the merchant in writing and that the products will be available by delivery time to your customers. - 2). Prepare or order your fund-raising packet.
You should have a brochure, prize brochure, order sheet, pricing information, money envelope and a fund-raising start and end date noted somewhere on the packet. If you are creating these materials, you will need a few sets of eyes to ensure that everything is edited and arranged neatly. - 3). Meet with assistants who will be working with you.
Get feedback on what fund-raising programs have worked in the past and what might work in the future. If you plan to start a brand new fund-raising program, explain the details and ask for ideas. Share your findings and have the team take a vote. - 4). Meet with local businesses to provide free advertising in exchange for a free product to giveaway.
Make your fund-raising program exciting by including prizes that will keep your workers busy raising money. The person who brings in the most profit receives the prize. - 5). Call local schools, churches, athletic organizations and other civic groups' leaders.
You may be able to create more exposure for your cause while helping others with their endeavors. If the organization has a need include it in your packet only if they are willing to partner with your group. Offer partial proceeds. But if you choose not to split funds, simply ask for donations. Those willing to help pay for supplies, advertising and prizes would be called, sponsors. The more sponsors involved in your fund-raising campaign the more money! - 6). Send out letters to all individuals and groups.
Explain the need, how you intend to help or solve the issue, how much it will cost, and why you are requesting financial help, partnership or sponsorship. Mention a deadline you must hear from those who are interested. Include your packet in the mailing. - 7). Make follow-up phone calls and set up in-person meetings with those who are interested in partnering before the start of the fund-raising campaign.
At the meeting you will want to show the individuals your brochure, a sample of your products, and discuss how much money will be distributed to their group if they should consider partnering with your team. Provide a chart or graph outlining revenue and cost. Also, include an agreement both parties can sign verifying the details of the meeting and what the individual or group will be providing. - 8). Notify the community once all agreements have been finalized and marketing materials are complete.
From word of mouth to social marketing, let all participants know about the fund-raiser and promote the prizes offered for those who bring in the most monies. - 9). Distribute brochures, fliers and any other marketing material to participants.
Be sure your team has all necessary tools to promote products taking care that the packets and the people representing them are professional. You may also want to be sure that your material illustrates any agreement you may have arranged with a business. For instance, maybe you agreed to advertise a business on customer receipts, include a business flier or business card in your packets or hand-out free gifts. - 10
Go over materials with your participants.
You will be training your team on things like: the content of the brochure, how to fill out the order forms, and what to say to customers who might have questions. Provide envelopes for storing monies collected. - 11
Keep track of orders and monies.
Once the fund-raising campaign kicks off, be sure that orders are reviewed and processed in a timely fashion. Each week, check in with participants. - 12
Address customers' concerns.
Designate someone to handle returns, refunds and lost or stolen merchandise.
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