By Jim Berigan

Non Profit organizations, schools and other groups rely on fundraisers to generate much needed revenue for their programs. However, there seems to be a growing reluctance by some parents to participate in such programs. Without active and enthusiastic participation, however, fundraisers cannot succeed.

So, as leaders, we have to employ every strategy we can in order to ensure success. Here is a list of 7 ideas to help you maximize participation in your fundraisers:

1. Limit the Number of Product Sales Per Year
Schools, scouts, sports teams often rely on sales of products like chocolates to raise funds. But like anything else, you don’t want too much of a good thing. Families only have so much of a budget for this sort of thing. There also seems to be a growing reluctance by some parents to participate in such programs. Be considerate in your planning.

2. Clearly Communicate the Goal
Make sure you clearly state the financial goal for each fundraiser. If you need $1,500, be sure that supporters know this. Likewise, when you complete the event, be sure to tell people how close you came to your goal or if you met or exceeded it. You never know, if you fall short, someone might offer to make up the difference. You won’t know until you put it out there!

3. Conduct a Formal or Informal Survey of Your Sales Force
One of the common complaints I’ve heard from parents is “I don’t want anymore wrapping paper!” Or, whatever you happen to be selling. I realize that you can’t please everyone, but it wouldn’t hurt to ask for a wide range of input about what product you actually end up selling. Perhaps there is a trend for environmentally-friendly products or a strong desire for hand-made Christmas Wreaths. Each community is different. Don’t try to sell a square peg to a round hole school.

4. Provide an Attractive “Opt-Out” Option
Some parents don’t want to be bothered with any product sale at all, but aren’t opposed to donating to the group. Therefore, offer a clear, consistent, and attractive “opt-out” option for parents who wish to by-pass the products. I wrote a blog entry on this very subject that you can read here.

5. Explain the Reason for the Fundraiser
It’s hard to get motivated if you don’t know why you’re doing what you’re doing. In the information that goes out to supporters, make sure you are making a strong argument for this fundraiser. Even if the revenue from the program you choose goes into the “general fund”, I would still give it a name and a purpose of something already approved in the budget. Make it something that parents can really get behind- something visible and popular, like a long-established field trip or a popular performer for a school assembly.

6. Create Good Incentive Prizes
Kids and adults love incentives. If you don’t want to spend money on a prize, consider coming up with a prize that doesn’t cost anything, but still has great value. For example, if this is a company wide fundraiser get management to agree to a free vacation day or half day on Friday. Even something like a “jeans day” can provide incentive.  You can also get donations of gift cards or other prizes from supportive merchants in your area.

7. Publicize Regularly
You’ve heard the old expression, “Out of sight, out of mind.” This definitely applies to fundraising. Posters, fliers, and results charts (like fundraising thermometers) should be displayed in your offices to remind staff and volunteers of the program. If you have a means to communicate with supporters on a regular basis (email or a regular print newsletter, for instance), you should plan on updating them on the fundraiser’s progress and a reminder of why you are conducting the fundraiser. Publicize in the local media regularly throughout the campaign – newspapers, TV and radio – so people are reminded multiple times. 

Conclusion
If you are going to take the time and put the effort into a fundraiser, you shouldn’t use any half-measures. Take every advantage you can to pump up the energy for your fundraiser and thus your income. Good luck!

About the Author: James Berigan is a former school principal who enjoys guiding schools with their fundraising efforts. He writes for the Top School Fundraisers blog at http://TopSchoolFundraisers.com/news which includes a variety of fundraising options like school auctions and healthy fundraisers.