How to Have a Successful Fundraiser

You've probably heard the phrase, "Location! Location! Location!" when it comes to the most important thing in Real Estate. When it comes to fund raisers, location is a factor which we will cover later. TIMING is probably the #1 most important thing to consider when planning a fundraiser.

Let's say you want to have a silent auction dinner as your fundraiser. This is a noble undertaking, to be sure. It's also one we will dig into later. As far as timing your event, you want to have it on a weekend when everyone is out of town. You want to plan it well enough in advance to allow your team (more about why you can do it by yourself later) to procure auction items.

If you are planning multiple fundraisers in a given calender year, it is best to space them out well enough to do each one WELL. Planning every fundraiser known to man on the same weekend does not equal good results. It simply dilutes your efforts and the giving of your supporters.

Finally, tax time may or may not be a good time for a fundraiser. You have to guage your supporters when it comes to this one. Consider the "stimulus checks" of 2008: how many advertisers did you see bidding for your stimulus check? Now do you see how using this technique can make or break you? Know your audience. If you know that you have a good percentage of supporters who would are financially stable, but would give more if they had more to give, then yes, using tax time is probably a wise idea.

Timing summary:
- Allow enough time to plan
- Allow enough time to procure prizes, if necessary
- Schedule fundraiser when people are likely to show up
- Space fundraisers out enough to do each one WELL.
- Stereotypical fundraising/sales seasons may or may not work to your advantage. Know who your supporters are.

How do you choose what product your organization is going to sell?

First, take a look around you. What are other organizations selling? The people of your community can only handle so many magazine subscriptions. Who wants a 50 year subscription to People or Oprah? Try something either fresh and different, or something highly consumable that people will not tire of.

Consider the timing. Selling wrapping paper in January would be like trying to sell mud-pies to women in white gloves: they just don't need it. Potential customers may not be very enthusiastic about candles in the summer. As you read this, it may seem obvious. However, in the heat of the decision-making-moment, all reason can go out the window.

Cookie dough can be a great fundraiser, given the right timing (lots of people bake during the holidays!) and the right market (not every other organization in your town is selling it). Good timing for Christmas wrap is obviously to have it close enough to the holidays where people are thinking about it, but allowing time for your gift wrap company to deliver the products by late November.
Scented candles sell well, particularly in the Fall. Studies have shown that scented candles are burned in 80% of American homes. Of those 80%, many purchase more than one candle at a time, and will buy from you again in future years if you choose to do this fundraiser again. Our experience has shown even better results in year 2 & 3 than the first year with this fundraiser.

Jerky is another product that does very well in most markets, just about any time of year. It works especially well if you can buy it in bulk (cases) and sell it at events, such as football games, gym meets, etc. You could also get a booth at your county fair and do quite well.

Entertainment (coupon) books have done very well in some markets. In other markets, there aren't enough businesses in the coupon book to make it worth the potential supporter's hard earned money.