|
|
- Establish a
clear financial goal before evaluating products, programs,
etc.
- Don’t
let your organization’s profits be eaten away by “hidden”
costs (e.g. for freight, prizes, overruns) – ask questions
ahead of time and make the necessary adjustments.
- Select
your fundraising program early to assure ample time for
planning. If the school or community has a planning calendar,
be sure your event is included. Stagger fundraising activities
to avoid competing with other groups.
- Set a specific
beginning and ending date for your fundraiser and stick
to it –
without a clear target date the campaign will drag on, often
without direction.
- Avoid “fundraising
fatigue” among parents and volunteers by conducting
fewer programs that are more effective individually.
- Rely on your
product fundraising company professional for suggestions
and
advice.
- Don’t
let your program fizzle – some organizers will lose
interest once a program begins; stay motivated until the
end to assure success. Put a time limit on order-taking.
Usually 10-14 days is more than enough.
- Keep energy
levels high by communicating before, during and after the
program – remind parents, teachers and other volunteers
of the fundraiser’s goals and deadlines, provide frequent
status reports and updates.
- Avoid shipping
and ordering problems by working closely with volunteers
to
assure that all order forms are legible and filled out completely.
- Keep copies
of all forms turned in by volunteers before sending them
to the fundraising company.
- Assure efficient
handling of products by recruiting adult volunteers ahead
of
time to help distribute the products to volunteers.
- Don’t
forget to communicate with absentees who miss the program’s
kick-off or other important messages.
- Have fun!
|
|
|
|
 |
