Fund Raising Ideas

If you are holding a food stall, or sending food to a cause then ask for food or an unused kitchen item. We've all got an unused gift in our kitchen and would gladly donate it to a good cause.

Ask for recipe books, mugs and plates. If you explained that the items are for victims of a disaster who no longer have basic kitchenware and food; this paints a picture in the donor's mind's eye and makes it easy to donate specific items that they are happy to part with. If you plan to sell the items, you must make that point clear. Often it is better to convert bulky items to cash than pay expensive shipping fees and travel expenses.

Hold a local toy sale; these are great if your organization relates to supporting children as this provides great publicity and people can learn more about your group and even volunteer to help.

It is essential that you ask for new and unwanted gifts; not old toys otherwise you will end up with useless and broken toys of no value.

It is important to check games to ensure all parts are included and thoroughly confirm that nothing is damaged or can cause harm.

If someone donates a vintage toy in the original box, search for the same on eBay to ascertain its true market value. Why sell for a fraction of the price that you could get at auction.

Gardening sales are always popular and easy to gain donations of all things green.

The trick is to get the ball rolling by asking for volunteers with green fingers and thumbs to grow some plant cuttings, sow some seeds or plant bulbs so that they are sufficiently established for a plant sale in spring or early summer.

Mixed herbs for kitchen use are great sellers!

Book sales are always well attended, book readers are always happy to give their finished books to other readers and more than happy to browse through book stalls to buy other books.

Start your collection by giving the donor a free entry leaflet invitation and collect your donated books at the same time, thus converting a donor into a prospective customer to double the chances of success.

Check local directories for publishes, often they trade from anonymous premises and you never really know they exist. They are likely to have surplus books that they could donate to support your cause.

These could be gift baskets but it is more economical to bundle then neatly in clear cellophane packaging. Ask for raffle donations relating to bathroom, wash room and dressing table items.

Some donations may be worthy of being a raffle price in their own right whereas others might need bundling together to create a presentation pack containing soap, flannels, face towels and bath salts.

Some people are happier to volunteer their own time instead of donating items or money.

Look towards local tradesmen; here's a good example where an electrician may donate a half day of his time testing the wiring of a vulnerable person's new home rather than donating some money.

It is important to write and thank all professional organisations that have donated items and let them know how they contributed to the success of your fund-raising event. They are more likely to support you in the future and genuinely appreciate your gratitude.