Fundraising Ideas
What’s blooming in the fundraising world this spring? Check out these 5 ideas that are on trend and boosting profits for schools and nonprofits alike:
1. Chocolate: Sure, sure, when is chocolate not on trend? Valid point. But new 2015 studies reveal strong associations between chocolate consumption and lower risk for heart disease and stroke, making it a more mouth-watering must-have treat than ever. See’s Candies is the go-to chocolate and candies fundraising program for schools and nonprofits looking to increase involvement and power big profits. Their easy-to-use fundraising platform and plethora of fundraising materials make it super simple for schools and nonprofits to get the word out, place orders and receive their delicious chocolate eggs and bunny boxes, just in time for Easter and spring holidays. Learn more
2. Creative incentives: Growing your fundraising reach and incentivizing your supporters goes hand in hand this spring. Get creative with fun ideas like:
- Encouraging spring carnival attendees to Instagram, tweet or facebook a pic of themselves with the school mascot in exchange for a raffle ticket to win something. In doing so, they can share the event hashtag and location to help spread the word.
- Asking volunteers to bring one or two friends with them to pitch in at the spring community event. Offer them free swag like t-shirts, pens and water bottles; the bonus volunteer support is helpful and you get extra eyes and ears on learning about your cause.
- Using the warm weather to your advantage is a must for FUN outdoor fundraising incentives. Promises like dunking a popular teacher at Field Day or pie-ing the principle in the face if fundraising goals are met are great ways to energize school families to raise more money.
Related: Boosting Fundraiser Turnout & Profits with Social Media
3. Online, volunteer sign-ups: Going green and helping the environment is totally on trend for spring. Free, online sign-ups from VolunteerSpot help schools and nonprofits save paper (and time) organizing volunteers for fundraisers and community events like festivals, fairs and concerts. With quick, intuitive scheduling tools for organizers, and 24/7 mobile access (plus automated reminders) for volunteers, VolunteerSpot is the must-have eco-alternative to paper sign-up sheets and lost notes home.
4. Adding product sales to community events: Boosting profits is easy in the spring when you take advantage of the spring events already in play – spring concerts, carnivals, tournaments, movie nights, etc. are great opportunities to sell fundraising product like See’s Candies. Set up a table, booth, tent, you name it and take orders on the spot, or sell candy at the event thought the fast cash program.
Related: 6 Ways to Add Product Sales to Community Events
5. Gifts for others: Fundraisers work exceptionally well when product marketing focuses on how participants can give to others. Use the spring season to focus on events and celebrations participants will want to put money behind, i.e. buying See’s Candies chocolate eggs to give to family for Easter, to favorite teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week or to beloved moms for Mother’s Day.
6. “Fresh” community input: Nothing says spring like flowers, gardens and plenty of green! Trending for schools and nonprofits this season, shared “farmer’s markets” where proceeds go towards a common fundraising goal for a school or organization. Local farmers, garden centers and plant nurseries donate their own fresh flowers, vegetables and herbs for schools/nonprofits to sell and raise money.
