Do-it-Yourself Fundraising | Fundraising Resources for Nonprofit Organizations | How to Raise Money for your Organization

Article Courtesy FastTrack Fundraising
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Aluminum can drive: Did you know that most states still collect aluminum cans for cash? It's true; even though your weekly recycling truck hauls away your cans and bottles, you can still get money for cashing them in. Now you can use this to fundraise by partnering with local businesses and neighborhoods in a can/bottle drive. Simply contact the HR department of your local businesses and explain what your organization does and that you'd like their employees to drop off their cans and bottles in designated collecting bins and boxes that you provide throughout the company. It's that simple - employees recycle their cans and bottles and you can cash it in for a great fundraiser. Want an even easier version? Just go door to door and start collecting!

Trash clean-a-thon: Here's a simple thing to do: get sponsors to pledge an amount per bag of trash you pick up. A clean-a-thon such as this can be done anywhere - neighborhoods, parks, shopping centers, schools, or anywhere else. In fact, you can even enlist the help of the local parks and recreation department in seeing if there are any areas they'd recommend cleaning; not only will they appreciate the help, they'll probably publicize your event too!

Compact fluorescent light bulbs: Energy saving is on everyone's mind these days, and changing traditional light bulbs to compact fluorescents is a simple way to do this. Now, you can tap into this popular trend by offering compact fluorescent light bulbs in a door-to-door fundraiser that's as good for the earth as it is for your organization. First off, you'll need an inventory of bulbs, and chances are if you talk with the manager at your local hardware store, they'd be willing to offer a bulk discount or even a sponsorship in your drive. Second, arm your volunteers with CF bulbs and a list of benefits they can tout to each person they speak to. Third, send them out and about to celebrate Earth Day while raising funds for your organization.

When I wrote the article below on July 9th, 2008 there were 1,700 members of YourCause.com who had raised over $65,000.00 for their causes or charities.

Now there are 14,000 members and $184,00 has been raised for causes and charities!

Are you passionate about a cause or charity? Many people on Squidoo are, and raise money for charities with their Squidoo lenses.

You can also raise awareness and money for your cause online with a new social networking website called YourCause.com.

YourCause.com was launched in April 2008 and already has over 1,700 members who have raised over $65,000.00 for their causes or charities.

The stated goal of the site is to "Empower Millions to Raise Billions" while building "the largest community of caring people on the planet."

The charity or nonprofit organization you support must be an IRS qualified and registered 501(c)3 entity. Visit the YourCause.com website to get started raising money and awareness for your favorite cause.

Want to see what my cause is? Find out at www.yourcause.com/diyfundraising

When your fundraiser is over is necessary to thank everyone who helped you. Afterall, you are thankful that they spent either their time or money, or both, to help your organization further its cause. Depending on your budget there are many ways to thank supporters and donors.

Some of the ways to thank your donors are:

Send a postcard or letter thanking them and letting them know how your organization benefited.

Present a certificate of appreciation. Some people like to frame certificates and display them in their home or office.

Put an ad in your local newspaper and list the names of donors and publicly thank them. This is usually done by larger organizations after annual events that raise a substantial amount of money.

Present them with a small gift, such as a gift certificate to a restaurant or movie theater, or an item personalized with your organization's logo

"Thank you" is a word you need to say often while fundraising. You need to remind others that their efforts are a valuable gift and one that is well appreciated by your group.

This will help your organization build up goodwill and will make your donors more likely to help you in the future.

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