The Fundraising Factory - Archive for the ‘Fundraising Tips’ Category

Using the Ole Noggin’

Thursday, April 29th, 2010

Creative thinking affects effective fundraising.
 

Fundraisers are just like products.  They can be tracked on the bell curve.  Slowly rising, peeking and then tiring on the downhill.

When a fundraising event takes off and grows revenue for a few years in a row we pat ourselves on the back, include it as a line item in the annual budget, and hope it lasts forever. 

Since we are aware of the bell curve phenomenon it’s necessary to take our head out of the sand, put our thinking caps on and come up with the next best fundraiser before the downhill slide begins. 

It is the development committee’s responsibility to raise the funds for the budget and to come up with the fundraising ideas.

The chance of a fundraising committee coming up with a successful new fundraiser that is meaningful and unique improves when IME elements exist.

Inspiration, Motivation, and Execution elements are achieved through creative thinking.

Creative thinking is enhanced and maximized by social stimulation, (small group brainstorming), in other words you can’t do it alone.  Creativity drives the problem solving process when unexpected dynamics are introduced to the group.  Asking a question with constraints, such as what if the fundraiser is all about blue?  Or, no one can come to the event that is under 30.  Stimulation jump starts the grey matter into looking at things from a different perspective and firing off the synapses that can lead to new concepts, new ways of thinking and new fundraisers.  

Small group participation creates inclusion.  Shared ideas can lead to “buy in” and greater motivation to bring the idea to fruition.  Execution is easy when the person with the most enthusiasm for the idea is given the leadership role to oversee or chair the fundraiser. 

 As always Happy Fundraising,

Lucinda

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Finding the Right Fundraising Product is…..

Wednesday, December 16th, 2009
Like a good pair of shoes…I am talking about selecting the right product that “fits” your organization when it comes to fundraising with merchandise.  The primary goal in selling products is to raise money for the campaign/fundraiser. Although that may be the first thing that comes to mind, it is also important to think beyond the immediate sale.  Sure, you can make a few dollars with the sale of consumables such as candy or popcorn but consider whether the impression and the payoff has longevity.  That is one of many questions for contemplation when deciding on merchandise.  Here are a few more:

Is the fundraising product compatible with your organization’s mission?  By selecting a product that compliments your non profit and its mission you create a clear and direct brand through association.  Marketing and promoting the product becomes seamless and transparent.

Are your volunteers, supporters and board members behind the product that you have chosen to use as a fundraiser?  It is critical to have complete “buy in” and belief from those that you rely on to make the fundraiser a success.  The more agreement and excitement you have from your organization, the more successful your fundraiser will be.

What about competition?  Are other non profits in your area using product to raise money for their organization?  Take the time to research what others are using for fundraising and differentiate yourself from them.  Customers don’t want the same old same old.  Sure they want to help a good cause but remember, there are many good causes and only so much money to go around ,so give them something that excites them and makes your non profit stand out.

Do you have access to your audience?  Visibility, easy access, and awareness of your fundraising efforts are critical in executing a successful fundraiser.  Use the 3 P’s.  Plan, prepare, promote.  Market your events and product so people know what you are selling, where you are selling it, and how they can buy it.  Finally, create a powerful marketing message that explains the services your non profit can provide from the proceeds of their purchase.

Have you chosen a quality product that will leave a lasting impression in addition to generating a solid return on investment?  Keep in mind that selling products is an investment; a monetary investment to acquire the product and an investment in volunteers and staff to sell it.  Be sure you are generating solid profits from your investments.  Look for products that have a %100 markup.

Have you identified the selling points of the fundraising product?  Is it made in the US?  Is it green?  What makes it distinguishable?  Is there anything special about the fundraising company or product that can be shared with the customers that will enhance the shopping experience?  Products that are merely consumables are “out” these day.  Customers expect more for their money.

Have you looked at Lucinda Pins?  Couldn’t help but throw that in.  Of course you have.

Cheers folks!  As always Happy Fundraising!

Lucinda


PS…Next week on the agenda…How to choose the right fundraising company for merchandise fundraising.

 

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Fundraising 20 Years and counting

Thursday, December 10th, 2009

It’s the end of a tumultuous year and I once again find myself reflecting on my start up days back in ’89; the good ole’ years that I seem to store in the back of my mind.  I’m pleasantly surprised that I am still in the business of offering a unique product that has helped so many non profits raise money and awareness for their organizations. Given that I am a “hands on” owner of a manufacturing company in Maine, I can speak from experience how merchandise fundraising to the impact of the internet have changed the fundraising arena.

20 years ago, I believe I was cutting edge, hip, even a pioneer because I was one of the very first businesses to offer a fundraising product that was handmade. Every Lucinda pin carried a message that was as important as the money that these pins raised for the non profit. Designs by Lucinda stood out from companies that were pushing candy bars, magazines and popcorn.  Now, I’m certainly not knocking the latter but I must say I was proud to present a product that stood out from the crowd. 

I could digress, or show my bias on why one should find a niche, create an original product that is memorable, sustainable and timeless, but I want to focus on how to fundraise with a product.  It very well may be the candles or candy.  But I want to leave you with some food for thought as you determine which product(s) you should use to raise awareness, generate commitment and to fund your cause or interest.  So here are my “2 cents”:
Fundraising through product sales is pretty simple on the surface. Your organization sells a product such as candles, candy, magazines, gift wrap, or Lucinda pins and keeps the proceeds from the sale.  This type of fundraising can be successful, profitable and generate enough money to become a line item in your budget; or it can leave the organization and its volunteers weary and rethinking if it was worth their time. Excess money and energy can be expended if certain considerations and planning are not explored ahead of time. In order to maximize your investment in fundraising products to generate revenue and recognition consider the following:

■Select a quality product that will help you achieve a solid return on investment. I personally believe that you should generate a 100% profit. There are companies that can give you both.

■Locate unique products that are desirable to the customer and reasonably priced.  People love original fundraising products and affordability broadens your market. 

■Train and support your volunteer network.  Your success often is tied to the enthusiasm of your volunteers. Customers feed off positive energy and enjoy working with a knowledgeable staff person.  A solid product coupled with an informative volunteer increases product sales.

■Develop a plan that will allow you to execute a successful fundraiser. It is critical to have the details addressed from taking orders to answering questions and fulfilling each order.  Remember, donors have endless non profits to choose from! Make their experience with your organization personal and unique – each contact should be smooth, enjoyable and memorable from start to finish.  This will result in repeat giving and priceless word of mouth.

In next week’s blog I will talk about how to select the right products for your organization.  If you have any questions or comments, please leave them and I promise to respond as soon as the next batch of pins comes out of the oven!

Happy Fundraising!
Lucinda

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Ask and You Shall Receive

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009

This time of year mailboxes are flooded with fundraising “ASK” letters.  Although the causes may be worthy of a donation most of us have limited resources that only allow us to give to a few.

Here’s my two cents worth on the ASK…

1. Build trust.  Start off honestly, sincerely and from your heart.  Tell us why you personally are writing the letter.

2. Be a storyteller and share circumstances about peoples lives that have changed because of the money you have raised for your non profit.  When you share a great success story you immediately establish credibility.  Compelling stories move people to support a cause.

3. Ask BIG!  Don’t hold back on what you ask for.  People will give what they can but you need to share the need for giving EVEN if it seems like a lot to ask.

4.  Spell it out. Let them know how their gift can be used.Correlate dollar amounts to services needed by your clients.  They see how donations of different levels can help pay for heat, rent, food for a family any service your non profit provides. They connect on a deeper level and the donation becomes more meaningful.

5. Be humble.  Recognize the current economy and how it effects donations.  The donor can understand a real human need and are more likley to empathize with these difficult times.

I hope my two cents makes sense to you and helps your non profit stand out from all those envelopes.

Cheers and Happy Fundaraising!

 Lucinda

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