Timing is Everything

When planning your fundraiser, the first question to ask is "when?" Timing is very important and depending on the kind of fundraiser you want to hold, certain times of the year of the year are better than others.

When planning the timing of your fundraiser, take the following into consideration:

· Make sure you do not plan your event on a big social or religious holiday or compete with an existing local event. Don't forget that final exam week is not an ideal time either.

· Take a close look at product delivery times, especially if you are having your fundraiser around the holiday season. Add some cushion just in case shipping is delayed due to weather and other causes beyond the fundraising company’s control.

· Avoid timing your fundraiser right after the winter holidays, when everyone is strapped for cash.

· Plan your fundraiser when you can reach the most potential consumers, so winter, spring or summer breaks are usually out. You also want to be sure that you'll have plenty of volunteers on hand to help.

· Your product may determine when you will have the fundraiser. For example, you don’t want to sell chocolate in the summer months.

Don't forget that your fundraising start/end dates affecs other areas:

· Announcement Date: Be courteous to everyone involved by giving an advance notice. The earlier, the better, so that they can mark their calendars.

· Marketing/Promotion: Your marketing needs will vary depending upon the fundraising type. Do you need the school’s approval to announce the fundraiser in the school marquee, perhaps need time for flyers to be created and printed, or need some time to create a website?

· Recruitment: Remember that the early bird gets the volunteer hours.

Your fundraiser will be successful if it is well-planned and well-attended: timing is key!

Reduce Your Fundraising Noise

One of the biggest challenges that organizations face today is raising money in a weak economy. Unfortunately, multiple activities all generate fundraising noise. In today’s economic climate, it’s vital that your group reduce its fundraising noise. Supporters are already apprehensive about spending or contributing more money. Once your supporters develop apathy, it becomes even tougher to meet your fundraising goals.

According to the Association of Fund-Raising Distributors and Suppliers, “We learned that school groups that limit the number of fundraising projects conducted throughout the year tend to earn more money with a single fundraising drive. That’s probably because their supporters know they’re only going to be tapped a couple of times and, therefore, they’re more willing to reach into their pockets when it counts.”

Focus on programs that are most efficient and yield the most funds- while limiting the time-commitment from volunteers. If you are considering school wide programs, you should think twice about adding too many fundraisers to the calendar. By putting a greater effort into a fewer number of fundraisers with very specific goals, it is easier to successfully raise the money needed and get greater participation from school families and the community.

Moderation is key!

Fundraising 101: Finding the Right Company

Coordinating a fundraising is a very generous commitment that demands time and energy. To get the most out of the experience and to maximize your success, choose a company that best matches your organization’s needs and goals.

There are many wonderful fundraising programs available to organizations, and the key is determining what type of product your group wishes to sell and how you will approach selling those products. You might want to begin by taking inventory so you can determine your group’s objectives and how much money you would like to raise. The number of participants in your organization and the number of helpers may influence the type of fundraiser you wish to pursue. Also important is whether your group has the funds to use a program that requires money up front or would rather pursue a program with no up-front costs.

A great place to start your research is the internet, which is an easy way to search for fundraising ideas and programs. When you find some that interest you and seem to be good matches for your group, you can contact the companies directly for more information regarding their specific programs. Many companies will even send samples or information kits that you can present to other member’s of your group.

Here are some questions to consider while you are researching fundraising programs and contacting companies:

1. What is the profit margin?
2. Is this program a direct sales, order form or online sales opportunity?
3. Are there ordering minimums?
4. Are there any up-front costs?
5. Does the company provide incentive programs?
6. Will the company charge for order forms or samples?
7. Are there any discounts based upon group or order size?
8. Does the product require refrigeration?
9. How does the product ship and are there shipping costs?
10. How is the company’s customer service? Did you have a good experience with the initial conversation?
11. Does the fundraising company provide attractive and useful marketing materials?
12. Does this product appeal to a specific type of customer or is there a broad range of possible clients?

Once you have collected information about possible fundraising options, consider your experience with the companies you contacted. This initial contact could be a clue as to what working with this company will be like later on. In the end, select the program that best suits your organization and its goals, which will make for a profitable and enjoyable experience.