Fundraising Tips

Fundraising Tips

By: Malia Phillips of Peace of Mind Productions

Overwhelmed by the fundraising requirement of a cancer walk? Want to help a cause close to your heart but don’t know how? Need to raise money for a mission trip? I can help. I have been holding fundraisers benefitting a charity for the past five years; we have raised tens of thousands of dollars. I have some tips and suggestions to share.

I have been involved in raising money for charity for the past nine years. In the beginning, it was easy, my mother had just passed away, people were willing to give money to the cause. As time went on and the economy got worse, people were less willing to give up their money. People work hard for their money and they don’t want to give it away for just anything. Fundraising is difficult, but I have learned some things along the way. They are: make it personal, give them something, keep your costs low and have fun! Fundraising is rewarding; the key is to make the people donating money to you feel rewarded too.

The fundraiser I have been holding benefits the Avon Breast Cancer Foundation. It is a cause close to my heart, but it may not be as important to the people attending my fundraiser. Something I have tried to do is to make the cause personal to them. I explain how their donation makes a difference by giving facts and figures about where their money goes. This helps them realize how they are making a difference.

Nobody wants to let go of their money and get nothing in return, make sure you always give them something. At my fundraiser, I give them dinner, a favor and the opportunity to win items. We play bingo with amazing prizes and hold a silent auction. Silent Auctions are great because you can get the items donated so anything you make is profit.

Giving people stuff? That costs money, isn’t the point to raise money? Well, yes, it will cost you a little money, but the income will outweigh the costs. You can shop around and purchase items at low costs. Do not be afraid to ask businesses for donations. Make sure you explain what you are raising money for, what your goal is and what you need from them. Also, be creative. Look through magazines and the internet for things you can make. In the beginning phases of our fundraiser we went to a local restaurant and spoke to them about what we were planning. Turns out the owner knew my mom and decided to give us a discount on the food.

Lastly, make your fundraiser fun! Do not be afraid to be a little silly. Your cause may be a heavy issue and you do not want your guests to be depressed. There is a fine line to walk between sharing facts and having fun. If your fundraiser is fun, people will want to attend again the next time you hold one.

So, when you are thinking about holding a fundraiser keep these tips in mind: give them something, make it personal, keep your costs low, and have fun! Remember how rewarding fundraising can be for you and your guests. Search out what other people are doing. Do not be afraid to ask for help. You are amazing but you cannot do everything on your own! Good Luck!

Malia Phillips is the President of Peace of Mind Productions. She has been holding a fundraiser for the last five years that averages $5000 in donations every year. Most of the guests are returning guests. It averages fifty people a year, bringing in about one hundred dollars per person. For more information check out www.peaceomind.com or email Malia at malia@peaceomind.com