The Fundraising Factory - Posts Tagged ‘volunteer’

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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House Pins 1989 Nostalgia

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

As 2010 approaches, DBL marks 21 years of making Lucinda pins.  Gosh, time flies when you’re having fun.  Employees, non profits, technology, the marketplace and personal experiences have all influenced the design of Lucinda Pins. 

The hundreds of pin designs created, retired, and even designs never released are a reminder of the days, years and decades of process, decisions and changes that my company has encountered.  They represent the history of Designs by Lucinda, recalling memories of volunteers, pinladies, non profits and the hundreds of stories shared with me about how one small pin idea has changed the lives of so many. 

As different themes of pins have come to life, been retired, or never shown outside the doors of DBL I made sure to pack some away for the sake of good ole nostalgia.  Today I took a stroll down memory lane.  I thought it would be fun to share with you a tiny bit of what was found inside the Designs by Lucinda boxes from 1989.

An original 1989 House Pin

I found simplicity.  It defined the beginning of a great idea in concept and design.  House Pins with just a door.  Imagine that.  I saw a commitment to originality; the millions of hours required to make no two alike!  What was I thinking?  I remembered people and emotions. 

I stared at designs that raised money for so many different causes that impacted so many lives and evoked so many feelings.  I thought, these pins changed the lives of thousands, not excluding my pinladies, volunteers, past employees, some who were my immediate family. 

Mom did you ever think we’d have to make 5 million pins?  In reminiscing and pawing through some of my original work.  I found vintage house pins.  The very first pins that launched my company.  Now there’s a word I never thought would be used to describe Lucinda pins. 

Pins so large they could be seen from a mile away.  But after all, it was the big 80’s.  I have a saying that I often use because of its relevance in every day situations. 

Life is about stories and Lucinda pins bring stories to life.  They are a testimony that there is greatness in small ideas.  I have come to the conclusion that it is time to give some of these legendry pins a home.  If you want to give an old house pin a new home this is your chance. 

Take a peek at what was a part of my original work 20 years ago.  House Pins 1989.  This is only the beginning of my walk down memory lane.  Check back often as I will be sharing more of what’s in the pin boxes.  Except, I’ll try not to cry next time.

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The Heart of the Volunteer

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009

 

The Tri for a CURE was this past Sunday.  It’s a triathalon, swim, bike, run race to raise money for the Maine Cancer Foundation.  In the dead of winter on a February night registration opened at exactly midnight.  600 woman registered to race, each for her own reason.  It sold out in less than 30 minutes.  I didn’t get in.  Not necessarily a bad thing since I don’t swim well or even like to run.  So I volunteered instead to help at the first leg of the race, the swim.  I was asked to count the women coming out of the water.  A job I could handle… or so I thought.  I was even given a counter to make it easier.  It was a no brainer assignment and I was left at the shoreline to click my counter as each woman finished the swim and headed for her bike.  The goal was to be sure the same number of women who went in the water came out of the water.  Waves of women went into the Atlantic 30 to 40 a time until all 436 were swimming in the 60 degree ocean.   As they finished the swim and arrived safely back to shore, I cheered enthusiastically and loudly for each and every one of them…. and I clicked away.  That part of the race was done and the women had survived the swim. I checked my counter.  It read 587!  How is that possible?  436 went in right?  Perhaps it was my thumb clicking skills.  In all my emotional excitement had a clicked unknowingly?  Had I clicked for every woman who got out of the water and then clicked again as I realized that her breasts were gone!  Or double clicked  for those wearing pink caps designating a cancer survivor!  2 clicks for the survivors of cancer and the survivors of the Maine cold waters?  There were so many.  Did I count them twice because they deserved it?   I was a witness to woman of unbelievable stamina, commitment, dedication and most of all courage.  Whoever assigned me my first time volunteering job was brilliant.  Because they put me in a position where I could have an emotional connection to the cause the experience compelled me to want to help again next year. 

I know my numbers may not have been spot on but my heart sure was.  I know I shouldn’t give you the take away but I can’t help myself.  If you have a first time volunteer put them close to the heart of the cause and they’ll be a volunteer forever.

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Posted in Fundraisers, Personal, Volunteers, volunteer | No Comments »