Fundraising is essential to success for social-profit groups, and it takes a lot of work to achieve success. Use these 11 tips to increase your bottom line while avoiding frustration in your volunteers.
1) Handling the money
It’s like banking. Split responsibility for money handling between two people who are not related. Always employ check and balances in all financial matters. Avoid temptation by locking up all checks and cash until you take it to the bank.
2) Watch your costs
Scrutinize accounts and eliminate or reduce expenses wherever possible. Controlling your costs boosts your bottom line faster than increasing sales. But remember to budget for celebrating your success.
3) Build relationships with merchant donors
Always make clear the value you are providing in return for them partnering with your group. Give them a sheet that explains your goals and add them to the follow-up call list. If the benefit is clear, they may provide gift certificates, coupons, extra discounts to prizewinners or other creative awards.
4) Be flexible and understanding
Circumstances change for both donors and supporters. Coach your volunteers to flex: If someone won’t buy your fundraising product, ask if they can help with a gift. A struggling merchant may be willing to donate slow-moving merchandise in exchange for a nice program ad.
5) Report and track
Keep your team in the know. Report at regular milestones and be sure to allow enough time for a final push to the top. Summarize helpful benchmarks such as participation levels, average sale size, revenue per participant, etc.
6) Give the workplace a break
Don’t ask parents to pressure co-workers to buy something in their child’s fundraiser. Leave a catalog in a high traffic area so people can sign up. Coach volunteers on “reciprocal fundraising” so they always buy something from those who buy from them.
7) Build your team
Pay attention to your group dynamics to keep everybody pulling together. It’s win/win when all your leaders and volunteers feel like they are working for a common goal.
8) Put orders and checks in a lock box
Have it handy at the start of the drive, and have only two keys. See Item #1 above. This will help keep track of donations, notes and suggestions.
9) Provide sample order forms
Check that all information is complete before putting their payment in the bank bag. Example forms can make clear what info you need.
10) Check-check the checks
Make sure they are made out correctly and signed before you separate them from the order form.
11) Rubber checks
Bummer, but it happens. If you have made a note of the selling source on the back of each check before depositing, you’ll be able to quickly notify the seller and follow-up. Never deliver a large merchandise order before a check clears. And never involve a child in resolving these issues.
Adapted from https://www.fundraiserhelp.com/101-fundraising-tips.htm by Kimberly Reynolds