Kick Off Your Fundraiser With Flair and Fun
In our previous blog post, we described how to end your fundraiser on a high note (read here), this time let’s discuss how to kick off your fundraiser. Starting a fundraiser is an exciting time, and getting all of your sellers and participants involved and hyped about it is a great way to start off successfully.
The Introduction
When first announcing to your group that you will be doing a fundraiser, make it a fun announcement with energy and excitement. Be sure to inform your group what you will be fundraising for (because more than likely it is something that will benefit them). If you know at this time, reveal what you will be selling. Send out informative sheets or emails to parents so they know what will be happening as their service might be needed at some point. Include information such as:
• what you will be selling
• what fundraiser is for and your goal profit
• the start date of the fundraiser
• the end date that all money/orders/product need to be turned in by
• your contact information should questions arise
The Fundraiser
When selecting a fundraiser, you as the fundraising host can pick what the group will sell or you can put it to a vote. Pick 2 or 3 fundraisers you are deciding between and put them to a vote with your group to choose the winner. It is a great way to make the sellers feel a part of the decision process and take ownership of what they will be doing. When choosing a fundraiser, there are a few things to keep in mind:
• Candy is the #1 choice for fundraising (view candy fundraisers)
• Brochure fundraisers require no money to get started. Collect orders and only pay for what you sell (view brochure fundraisers)
• Smart Snack fundraising for selling at school during school hours
• Non-food fundraisers (key chains, lanyards, Donation Dots)
• Classic lollipop fundraisers have the lowest selling price (view lollipops)
The Launch
Here is where you can really amp up the excitement about your group holding a fundraiser. Have a small launch party where small snacks are served or even hang up a few decorations. Start a countdown on a blackboard or using sheets of poster board. Write “# of days left to reach our goal” and each day someone can erase or rip off the number. This way everyone will always know how much time they have left to sell and when they will need to bring all orders/money/product back in. If you’ve ordered fundraising cases, announce and bring each seller up to present them with their case like it is a prize.
If you are collecting money from sellers on a daily basis, create a goal board similar to the countdown board as described above. This will allow you to fill in the amount progressively, the group has raised and how close you are to meeting your set goal.
This is also a great time to have sellers make signs to attach to their cases or to hang up at selling tables, on school walls, anywhere you can advertise your fundraiser. You can download our ready made signs here and fill in your groups information. Getting your group involved and taking ownership is a great way to not only help them succeed individually, but to collaboratively encourage each other and be excited about working towards a goal.
Throughout The Fundraiser
No matter how long your fundraiser runs, keep energy up. If you notice individuals struggling, find out what they are hung up on and offer advice, tips or even pair them up with someone who can assist them in selling. Give your entire group confidence with encouraging announcements and tips to keep spirits high.
Showing you are excited about fundraising is a great way to get and keep your group motivated. Positive reinforcement and encouragement go a long way.