This post proudly sponsored by Pride Fundraising
Everything you need to easily organize Fun Runs, Walk-a-Thons and Bike-a-Thons. Use Promo Code "VOLUNTEER" and save $100 when you license your event.
Stress Free (Budget Mindful) Fundraising Strategies for Families
Fall feels like a never-ending cycle of fundraising catalogs and calls for help with the various activities our kids are involved in -- schools, Scouts, and sports leagues all rely on this time of year for their major fundraisers. We all know why these fundraisers are important – our schools and groups are cash-strapped and need our support to give our kids the best possible experiences. Most of us genuinely want to help, but recognize that it can quickly become overwhelming. Here are some simple strategies for avoiding fundraising fatigue, supporting your groups, and having more fun with your family in the process!
5 Tips to Avoid Seasonal Fundraising Fatigue
Pick and Choose
Call a family meeting and make a list of all your upcoming fundraisers and volunteering demands. Set a budget for your family (or per child) then pick and choose the activities you want to support. For groups like schools that have several fundraisers coming up, think more in terms of your family’s overall giving goals than participating in every single activity. Let your kids know ahead of time that you’re sitting out the cookie dough sale this time, but will be participating in the school carnival and walk-a-thon.
Gifts beyond Money
If supporting your school or group with a check isn’t in the cards this year, consider sharing your time, talents and connections. Can you staff a booth at the school carnival, work an extra shift at the concession stand, design flyers for the talent show, process popcorn order forms, donate items for the rummage sale or whip up treats for the bake sale? Involving your kids makes it even more fun and meaningful.
Carnival, sporting events and auction planning teams are always looking for creative donations. Do any of your friends or family have extra sports, concert or theatre tickets that can be auctioned or raffled off? Are you familiar with artists or craftsman who might donate a unique piece? Do you have connections at local restaurants, spas or merchants who may be able to offer in-kind donations?
Go Big on FUNdraisers
Participate generously in your school and team community-building activities like carnivals, walk-a-thons, and BINGO and movie nights. The more the merrier! Invite your neighbors and friends to join you and consider buying extra tickets for families who may not be able to afford it. Not only will your whole family have a ton-of-fun, you’ll be helping raise money for a worthy cause!
Be Bold – Organize!
Let’s face it, busy moms are great at getting things done! Offer to coordinate the event volunteers and use VolunteerSpot as your secret weapon to save time and sanity in the process. Our free and easy online coordination tool makes it a snap to schedule, sign up and remind volunteers. It can be used for almost anything -- school carnivals, walk-a-thons, concession stands, book fairs, holiday boutiques – and no one has to know how easy it was for you to set it up!
Share and Share Alike
As fall passes, fundraising obligations may slow down, but they won’t go away; as long as budgets stay tight there will be more needs in the spring and next year as well. Talk to friends and family at other schools and other communities about their most successful fundraisers and share ideas with your groups.
Whether you choose to buy 3 tubes of wrapping paper, attend the school carnival with your family, or organize the book fair, have fun this year and know your efforts are appreciated and make a difference to your school and community!
For clever approaches and fresh fundraising ideas, please check out these free eBooks.
Fabulous School Carnival Ideas
Kid-Friendly Fundraising Ideas from A-Z
Talent Shows for Fun and Fundraising
***
This article was originally published on Hybrid Mom, a community connecting moms on the things that matter most - family, lifetyle and workstyle
