THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 19, 2007
In the Midst

Now you know how to get your fundraiser started right and how to keep it organized. This week I'll give you tips for managing your fundraiser.

MANAGING YOUR FUNDRAISER

• Participants should collect the money at the time the order is placed. Have all checks made out to your organization. If they wish to pay with credit card, direct them to our online store at DolphinBayFundraising.com and instruct them to put the name of your organization on their order. You'll still make money from the order!

• Request volunteers to help tally orders. With larger fundraisers you may want to appoint a chairperson to lead the group. Always be sure to double-check your tally sheets and totals.

• Your orders will be shipped 10-14 business days after funds are received.

POSTED BY B. BEESON

• Always set an objective. Your objective should include a dollar amount as well as the reason for the fundraiser. For example, a group must raise $3,000 for new uniforms. Set a goal for each participant based on the amount your organization needs to raise. Making sure that all participants understand the reasons for holding your fundraiser will boost enthusiasm and participation.

• Always set a deadline. Most fundraisers run a maximum length of two weeks. Some fundraisers may run a little longer based on the needs of your organization. Limiting the length of your fundraiser will keep your group motivated and on task.

• Call a meeting before your fundraiser. State your objective and deadline. Go over the sales brochure so all participants are familiar with the products and prices. Get everyone enthused about meeting your goals! Make the deadline clear to all participants and stress the importance of handing in all sales on time. Late orders will delay delivery of your customers' products. Your customers will expect their purchases as soon as possible. Prompt delivery will ensure customer satisfaction and repeat business!

• Have good communication. Keep in touch with your group and update them on how the fundraiser is progressing. An enthusiastic positive leader will maintain a focused and successful fundraiser. Keep everyone enthused and involved.

• Advertise your fundraiser. Mention your fundraiser in your organization's bulletin or online newsletter, post information on bulletin boards, remind participants during meetings, games or practice. Talk about your fundraiser wherever you go. Always have your sales brochure with you. You never know when an opportunity to sell will arise.

POSTED BY B. BEESON
 

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 2007
Reaching the Stars

One of the questions I hear quite often is, 'How do I make my fundraiser it's best?' In this post and my next few posts, I'll detail how to start off your fundraiser on the right foot, ways to organize your fundraiser, steps to manage your fundraiser, and I'll give you additional tips for your fundraising participants.

BEFORE YOU BEGIN YOUR FUNDRAISER

• Set a Goal. How much money does your group need or want to raise? Be sure you keep this number realistic for the size of your group.

• Divide and Conquer. Divide your goal by the number of people involved to give each member an individual goal. Include a timetable for each member to reach his/her individual goals. Again, be sure to keep it reasonable, taking into consideration the size of the group and their ages.

• Make a Fundraising Schedule. Purchase a calendar or planner and decide specific dates for your key events. Those are: Pre-Launch; Launch; Drive; and Conclusion.

• Choose Well. Choose a fundraiser that everyone likes. Getting more people involved in the selection process will result in a fundraiser that your group can and will participate in and support.

• One at a Time. Sometimes more does not mean merrier. Doing many fundraisers at once may seem like a way of raising more money, but can instead result in confusion. Focusing on just a few fundraisers and doing them well often produces better results.

• SEE. Service. Excitement. Enthusiasm. These are the foundations of your fundraiser. Make ordering easy for the customer, be excited about your product line, and enthusiastic about meeting your goals!

• Promotion. Promote your fundraiser every minute of every day during your fundraising drive. Use press releases, posters, prizes, marquees, parent reminder letters, etc. Keep the information coming. If you're offering prizes as incentives, keep them in a highly visible place.

• It's a Business. Think of your fundraiser as a business. Make good business decisions and use good accounting practices. Keep track of your expenses as well as your orders and keep receipts! Remember, you are doing your fundraiser to MAKE A PROFIT.

• Think Success. A little positive thinking goes a long way. Focus on the success of your drive and don't worry if it seems like you're coming short of your goal. It's not over 'til it's over.

POSTED BY B. BEESON

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 2007
Getting 'em Involved

Sometimes the biggest obstacle to your group's fundraiser is involvement. It's difficult to get people to agree to spend their time and money collecting for your cause. Here are a few suggestions to increase morale and get the support you need to have the most successful fundraiser possible.

• Encourage Friendly Competition -  This can be achieved by setting goals and awarding prizes, parties, or money to the winners. If you are a smaller group, divide yourselves into two teams. The team with that brings in the most gets served lunch, or gets their cars washed, etc.

• Reverse Competition - If you have tried offering great prizes and your group still isn't enthused, try the opposite approach. The team that brings in the least has to serve all the other groups lunch. For larger groups, you may say the last two or three groups have to serve the others lunch, or clean the school, or wash cars, etc.

• Try Something New - If your group has been doing the same type of fundraiser with the same items every year, it may be difficult to get them excited. Bring in something they've never seen before. At Dolphin Bay Fundraising, we have several items designed for our program alone. If you're looking for a new, fun fundraiser to revive your group's interest, check out our products and monthly packages here in our online store.

POSTED BY B. BEESON