A lot of variables need to be carefully considered when planning a successful fundraiser to boost sales. This is a comprehensive resource to assist you in creating a successful fundraising campaign. This will be particularly helpful if you are organizing your very first fundraising campaign, but it can also serve as a good reminder to experienced coordinators.

Set Your Objective

Clearly state why you are doing this fundraiser; how much money are you raising, what will the money be for, what is your start and end date. Your planning will be guided by a clear goal, whether it is to raise awareness about a project, generate money for a particular cause, or increase overall sales.

Make sure your financial objective is S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, Timely) when choosing it. I have experience working with groups whose goals are overly aggressive. As a result, the volunteers begin to feel incompetent and that their efforts are in vain, despite the fact that, given the average of our database, their outcomes were not only good but excellent. In some cases, the best approach is to brake down a bigger objective in several small fundraising efforts. 

Decide on a Reasonable Objective for Fundraising

Set an achievable budget and objective for your fundraiser. Verify that it is in line with the anticipated sales volume and the initiative’s cost.

Choose the Right Fundraising Product, Service, or Event

Make sure the products, service, or event you choose will appeal to your target market. Take into account aspects like cost, value, venue where this will be promoted, and the connection to your cause. Pick products that raise high margins, and that are expected to sell well if your goal is to increase sales.

For instance, will your fundraiser take place in concession stand, you may want to sell products under $5, does not require refrigeration, and a long shelf life. Items such as chocolate bars, lollipops, popcorn, or even cotton candies may work well.

Should you however organizing an event such as a car wash, many of the same product could be considered as with a concession stand but remember to have a cooler with you for your chocolates, its it a warm and sunny day.

Again, many of the same merchandise might be useful for games; however, mix in some drinks.

Smencils are highly suited for any groups with young children. particularly if your organisation is educational, as you will be integrating your fundraiser with the supplies that your children require for their classrooms. Because these pencils are produced from recycled newspaper, you can also use them as an opportunity to teach kids about the value of recycling.

Order takers, on the other hand, can be the most appropriate if your volunteers’ main objective is to sell goods to their friends, family, and neighbours. Virginia Nuts, cookie dough, or even Katydids candies are some examples of good ideas.

Finally, because all sales will be conducted over the phone, if you plan to host a 60-minute fundraiser, we advise starting with a single product and using an order taker.

Establish a Fundraising Schedule

Create a schedule that includes important dates and milestones. This covers the preparation, advertising, closing of the fundraiser, and sales.  All volunteers will be able to draw on the points of reference for monitoring their results compared with the initial goal and against others, thanks to a well-organized campaign schedule.

Determine Who Your Target Customer Is

Recognise the possible clients or supporters you may have. You can better adapt your fundraising campaign to the demands and tastes of your target audience by being aware of who they are.

Build a Fundraising Team

Assemble a dedicated team to help with planning, promotion, and execution. Responsibilities shall be delegated on the basis of the strengths and expertise of the members of the team. 

Promote Your Fundraiser

To promote your fundraiser, use a variety of channels. This may include the use of Social Media, email newsletters, flyers and other public events. The purpose of the fundraiser, as well as how people can make contributions or purchases, must be made clear. 

Offer Incentives

Provide incentives for both participants and customers in order to encourage sales. Discounts (i.e.: buy 2 and save), special promotions or recognitions for the best sellers could be part of it. Incentives bring excitement to participants and encourage them.

Provide options for easy payments

Ensure that customers have easy access to the payment process. To make it easy for people to help you raise money, provide different payment options, including the option of making payments over the Internet. 

Track and analyze the results

Set up a system for tracking sales and monitoring the performance of your fundraiser. To identify what works well and areas to improve, data analysis should be carried out on a regular basis. Use this information to adjust your strategy at a moment’s notice.

Express Gratitude

In order to surpass your goals overtime, you have to build a database of supporters and offer products and events that appeal to those people. Thank the participants, customers and volunteers for their contributions. In developing good relationships and encouraging further support, a thank you note or an acknowledgement may be of great value.  To be able to contact your supporters at future fundraisers, request their permission. Ask them what kind of product or event they’d like to see.

Evaluate, Learn, Have Fun 

Complete an assessment after the fundraiser is over. Assess the overall success, identify challenges, and gather feedback from participants. To improve the next fundraising initiatives, take advantage of that information.

Remember, creativity, community involvement and effective communication are frequently involved in the success of fundraising efforts. For the best results, adjust your approach to the particular needs and interests of your target market.  And last but not least, have a good time doing it!  Fun, it’s contagious, it’s a magnet for the community, volunteers like to work when they’re having fun, and it’s also felt by the supporters!

The intricacies of a fundraising organisation are not covered in this guide. Can I, for instance, sell more than a single product at once? Can I hold multiple fundraisers a year and not exhaust my list of supporters? Are items and events compatible?  For additional information, please visit our blog, which is full of resources and useful tips at Blog – Gogo Fund (gogo-fund.com) or get in touch with us and we’ll be happy to answer any questions you might have:  Contact – Gogo Fund (gogo-fund.com) or by calling 866-960-GOGO (4646), toll-free.