Putting the "Fun" Back in Fundraising

Submitted by ddyck on Fri, 12/11/2009 - 12:37
Here’s how to find joy while financing your trip
by John Throop

What's the quickest way to send church members or church school parents scurrying in every direction? Say: “We need to do a fundraiser!” Immediately, images of day-long car washes and never-ending bake sales come to mind—events that require hard work but bring in little cash.

 

The good news is that the “fun” is back in fundraising! An exciting array of programs and products and excellent support from firms specializing in fundraisers makes it easier than ever for church groups to raise lots of money.

 

Getting Started

Fundraisers have a proven ability to bring significant external support to church initiatives. But where do you begin? Start by asking a few key questions; the answers help identify the products and programs that make sense:

 

  • How much money is needed?
  • When is the money needed?
  • How many people will help with the fundraiser?

Be Sold on It!

Fundraising success requires that people doing the fundraising be sold on the project they're supporting and love the product they're selling. Think about what your church group would like, and get several options. Fundraising companies will often ship product samples, especially of new or unfamiliar food products, so that the "salespeople" can taste and enjoy the product. If the products are tote bags, pens, safety kits, or other tangibles, people can say truthfully that they've used the products.

 

Recruit and Train

From our store

Fundraising for Short-Term Missions: Building a base of support for short-term missions requires time and energy. Participants need to sharpen their vision for missions and invite others to support the work they plan to pursue. These assessments will help you communicate with donors and ask them to support the opportunities for service that God has given us.

author

John Throop is a management consultant.

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