Fund Raising Sales Ideas
What's the Difference?

There are countless fund raising sales ideas and products to sell to earn money for your group. Fundraising ideas must be carefully consider before you make your decision.

Here is a basic explanation of some of the most effective models:

Food and Candy Products: These types of fund raising sales are easy and very popular; especially if you can determine what your audience will buy. Remember, items with high value are your best bet. Candy, cookie dough, pretzels, desert, you name it. These types of fundraisers usually can earn up to 50% profit.

Brochure and Catalog Fundraising: Candles, calendars, seasonal items, gift wrap...just about anything can be sold through a catalog or brochure. Generally, these types of fund raising sales do not require any up front costs and sales materials should be free. In addition, many companies offer free shipping with larger orders. The benefits to this type of fund raising sales are that there is a large variety and lots of choices. Be mindful of having adequate resources for distribution of the product when it arrives (do you need a regular car or three minivans?). The profits of this type of fundraiser are generally about 50%.

Go Green Fundraising: OK, it's hip to be green. You bet, and lots of companies are jumping on this healthy and profitable fundraising trend. Items and ideas that are appearing include re-useable shopping bags, organic lotions and shampoos, flashlights that don't include batteries, healthy food products and dye free candles. These fundraisers will typically profit anywhere from 25-50% and should be very popular with your environmentally conscious prospects!

Online Magazine Fund raising Sales: Talk about easy! An online magazine fundraiser raises funds as your supporters purchase magazine subscriptions online. Your group should receive a free custom website and promotional tools that encourage people to support the fundraiser by purchasing one or more magazines.

How it works: your group collects email addresses of potential donors anywhere in the US. The easy online system automatically sends out personalized emails inviting them to order magazines through your own totally customized website. There is no money to collect, no door to door selling, no processing, no deliveries and it is fast. The great thing about this fund raising sales idea is that you can ask your family and friends anywhere in the US and it is something that they probably already use. The discounts are pretty substantial on the magazine (up to 85%) and your group profit is 40%.

Fundraising Cards There are a few different type of "card" fundraisers:

• Scratch cards or scratchers:
These cards are great for groups who want to raise a lot of money quickly.

How it works: the fundraising company provides you with different themed cards that come with concealed dots. Underneath the dots are amounts that range from $.50 to $3.00 (these donation amounts can vary). You ask a potential supporter to scratch off 2 or more dots and donate the amount of money revealed under the dot. Usually, the company provides a list of coupons for national vendors as a thank you and incentive for your supporters. This method can offer between 70-90% profit based on quantity sold.


• Spinners:
Spinners are similar to scratchers.

How it works: Each member of your fundraising group receives a customized Spinner with your group's name and logo printed on the cover. The Spinner is about the size of a standard DVD case and has a spinning arrow which when spun, will land on various donation amounts ranging from $1.00 to $4.00. You ask friends, family and neighbors to spin the arrow two or more times for their donation amount. In exchange for their donation, the donor receives a sheet of coupons worth over $100 from national corporate sponsors as a "thank you" for their contribution. There are costs (roughly $20-25 per "spinner" but they can be paid usually 30 days). The profits on this product are 90%. This idea is unique because your group can re-use the spinners and have the coupon sheets replenished at a cost of about $5 per spinner.


• Discount Cards:
Discount cards are one of the best fund raising sales ideas because any group can take advantage of this easy fundraiser.

How it works: A discount card is a custom printed plastic card that your group can sell to members of your community, typically for $10. The cards offer coupons (usually "buy one get one free" or a percentage discount) with unlimited use for a specific time period, usually one year. Discount card companies vary but most offer profits ranging from 50% to 90%.

• Custom discount cards:
also offers a unique fundraising opportunity because it highlights businesses in your community.

How it works: Your group recruits local businesses and not just national chain outlets which are offered on stock cards. The "local feel" is appreciated by the business as well as the community and this value will translate into higher profits for your group...a real "win/win".

Summary
There are no shortage of ideas. However, the old saying holds true..."buyer beware". There are many fundraising companies so be sure to do your research. Ask for references and check with your associates and friends in your community before you make any decisions. Remember there are many fundraising ideas out there so by selective! Best of luck in your fundraising!

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