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Nonprofit Marketing; 15 Best Low Cost Marketing Ideas for 2013

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nonprofit marketing low cost marketing ideas

Nonprofit Marketing; 15 Best Low Cost Marketing Ideas for 2013

By Thomas R. Reich PhD

Nonprofit Organizations can benefit greatly in 2013 from improved marketing plans.  Many charity directors don’t see the need for a cohesive marketing plan, they think marketing is expensive and for larger nonprofits.  Let’s look at low cost marketing ideas that can really boost your organization in 2013.

To make this work, remember that in the past, most every nonprofit organization bought yellow page adds.  The yellow pages are dead, but good marketing replaces its exposure, without some of the low cost marketing ideas discussed here, charities may be seriously underexposed.nonprofit low cost marketing ideas

1)     Your first low cost marketing idea is to create and maintain a good functioning organization website.  Your website is you’re on line office, your virtual spot for donations, the first impression many potential donors and volunteers have of your organization and yes, it is your new yellow page add.  Your website should also be an information resource for your cause and services.

 

nonprofit low cost marketing ideas2)     Develop a new brand identity; this low cost marketing idea may be easier than you think. How long has it been since you’ve updated your website or marketing materials? Maybe it’s time to take a fresh look and redesign your image, take advantage of the digital domain. Donors and volunteers respond to new ideas and information which has been optimized for the internet.

 

3)     Survey existing donors, a low cost marketing idea which is easier than you may think. How do your volunteers feel about your cause and services? Stay in touch through informal lunches or a professionally coordinated survey campaign. A survey is an excellent method for taking the pulse of your audience. The survey should include detailed questions about your cause and services and how they directly benefit the community.

 

4)     Make a list of your strengths; this can be another low cost marketing idea generator. Are you the cause leader in your area? Is your organization the most experienced? nonprofit low cost marketing ideasDo you have the highest quality service? Try to list between 50 and 100 different and measurable strengths. This is a great exercise to develop new ideas for your marketing campaigns

 

 

5)     Now time for an easy, low cost marketing idea, one you need to do now!  The donor is always right… always. The time to prove this statement is when the donor experiences a problem with your cause or service. Make a point to take responsibility and solve any problems that a donor or volunteer might have immediately. Satisfied associats turn into repeat, long-term donors and supporters.

 

nonprofit low cost marketing ideas6)     This next tip is a low cost marketing idea if it helps you with the previous two ideas.  Take a large donor out to lunch. Now is the time to ask a reliable donor out to lunch. Touch base with them to see how your organization is solving problems and meeting their needs and expectations.

 

7)     Well here is the cost, though still a low cost marketing idea if you follow these guidelines.  Establish an annual marketing budget. A good rule-of-thumb estimate for your marketing budget is 3% to 5% of annual revenues. Organizations that sell products or services need to budget 7% to 10% of annual sales for their marketing budgets. Your budget should include a breakdown of all marketing costs including printing, social media, website maintenance and advertising and sponsorship placement.

 

8)     Here is a very low cost marketing idea, but arguably the most important you can consider.  Be positive in your outlook. It’s important to feel good about nonprofit low cost marketing ideasyourself and enjoy what you do for a living. If you have a positive attitude about your job, you will succeed by transferring that enthusiasm to other employees, donors and prospective volunteers.

 

9)     *****A low cost marketing idea should always look at social media.  Pinterestis one of the newest and most effective parts of a social media exposure for your program.  You can find out more in these articles:

How to Make Pinterest Work for You

 

nonprofit low cost marketing ideas10) *****Low cost marketing idea #10 is to establish and maintain a good active Twitter account.  To learn more about Twitter and how to make it effective for your orginazation, check out these suggestions:

45 Secrets of Driving More Donations through Social Media

 

11) *****Moving along with low cost marketing idea #11 have you fully updated your LinkedIn account on a regular basis?  You must be at 100% on your profile, as a Director of a nonprofit organization you need to update every week, you need an organization page.  Want to know more, take a look at:

LinkedIn for Nonprofits; the Lists for Action Now!

 

12) *****Don’t forget another social media low cost marketing idea, have an active and constantly updated Facebook account and organization page.  Learn more here:

Want More Visitors? Use Social Media to Drive Visitors Home!

 

13) *****We talked about your Website but another low cost marketing idea is to have a very active blog attached to your website. Learn more here:

The fundamentals of social media engagement; common sense, not tips and tricks.

nonprofit low cost marketing ideas

 

14) *****The best low cost marketing idea I can give you is this.  Learn how to connect your website, blog, Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Pinterest, YouTubeand any other social media fads that appear in 2013 into a network.  Learn how to use back links and directories.  The more you work on your on-line presents, the more your organization will benefit!

3 Must Do’s in Your Social Media Network; Making Your Organization Relevant in Social Media

 

15) Here is your top low cost marketing idea for 2013; in fact it is the most important idea you will hear in regards to marketing.  In order for anything we have talked about to truly succeed, you need to develop a solid marketing plan!  You need a road map, a plan to keep you on track to sustainable goals, and a ruler to judge your success.  Part of this plan should include your established budget and an ongoing record of each facet of your marketing plans success to determine what worked and what to rethink.  All low cost marketing ideas are successful if you learn and grow from them.

 

nonprofit low cost marketing ideasBonus Low Cost Marketing Idea: Consider hiring a marketing company to help you with a complete formula, if marketing is not your thing.  A firm that does marketing for lots of companies can often deliver a great marketing campaign at a very low cost compared to struggling with a part of running a nonprofit organization that can confuse many.  Be careful, there are a lot of firms that clam to know what they are doing, hire a firm that trains you to maintain your marketing plan.

With low cost marketing idea generating help, a good digital identity, a well branded nonprofit organization and attention paid to your donors and beneficiaries’ needs, success will be yours in 2013!

Related Blogs

    45 Secrets of Driving More Donations through Social Media

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    Driving More Donations through Social Media45 Secrets of Driving Donations through Social Media

    by Thomas R. Reich

     

    You have wondered what social media can do for your nonprofit, but more important, how can you get more donations through social media?  I speak far and wide on the benefit to small business of social media, and having a proper social media network attached like a funnel to your website and blog.  But what if this same type of network is used in a nonprofit organization, can you get more donations through social media networking? Read on and be surprised!

     

    Used together in a network, more donations through social media can be achieved, especially when connected to an effective blog and website pages that act as landing pages which are donor friendly, in other words, a page on your website that clearly states your cause, how the visitor can help, and a click here to donate button.

     

    Let’s have some fun looking at each facet of social media, your website, and blog, and together discover many ways to get more donations through social media!Driving More Donations through Social Media

     

    YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, Blogs and your website all have their place but when tied together they become a powerful tool to get potential donors to your website and help create more donations through social media.

     

    Driving More Donations through Social MediaFirst let’s look at Twitter:

     

    1)      It is important to have as many targeted followers as possible for Twitter to be effective.  Take a look at:

    Top 10 Mistakes You Must Avoid when Starting a Nonprofit Organization

    2)      Use Tweepi or another free service that is discussed at length in this blog:

    9 free Twitter application Reviews to Clean up Your Twitter Stream

    3)      Add @ symbol to share content of a respected site in your field and give your tweet more credibility, example: @charitynetusa

    4)      Automate the tweeting of other sites that you respect to bring more content to your Twitter site.

    5)      Automate your Tweeting so it is consistent at a certain time, using SocialOomph, Rooster, HootSuite or other services.  This will help bring more donations through social media.  Read more:Driving More Donations through Social Media

    6)      Use the # symbol to attract the attention of those searching for the keyword of your mission.  An example would be, for this article I would include #social media or #more donations.

    7)      Be consistent in your content, always stay on the topic of your mission in all you do if you want your network to become a funnel for more donations through social media!

     

    Driving More Donations through Social MediaFaceBook:

     

    1)      Always update your Facebook page with your latest blog as soon as it is published to help the funnel effect and create the opportunity for more donations through social media!

    2)      Provide content links on your Facebook page to send them to your blog, your website landing page or to join you on your Twitter, YouTube, LinkedIn or Pinterest accounts with one click!

    3)      Run polls using the standard Facebook ‘Question’ feature (above the ‘Write something’ box) to engage your audience and involve them, possibly encouraging more donations through social media yet again, beginning to get the picture!

    4)      Link your Facebook to your email newsletter.Driving More Donations through Social Media

    5)      Have a great “Mission Page” with a call to action on your Facebook encouraging more donations through social media.

    6)      Write a headline that is ‘keyword’ rich for your industry and niche.

    7)      Your title should make the potential viewer want to hit the play button, and encourage more donations through social media!

    8)   Respond to all comments whether good, bad or indifferent in a timely manner.  It is important to engage your followers quickly and often to encourage more donations through social media; this is true for any facet of your social media network!

    9)   Have a listing of past blogs with links to them like this:

     

     

    YouTube:

     

    Driving More Donations through Social Media1)      Interview people involved in your mission, edit to no longer than 2 or 3 min and post on your YouTube channel.

    2)      Edit short snippets showing the plight of those you are trying to help, make small snippets 30 sec – 90 sec, and post many of them.

    3)      Edit and post short videos of participants in your latest event, as many different people as possible in 30-90 second snippets, post many snippets individually but never longer than 90 seconds, and make sure to tag with the names of the people in each snippet.

    4)      Make sure to include your website and your blog link in your YouTube profile!

    5)      Automate sharing after posting (available under ‘Account settings” then ‘Activity Sharing’, then choose the social accounts and as a minimum select Facebook and Twitter.

    6)      Make sure to fill out the keywords section on each and every video you post in your YouTube channel, for more information on Keywords:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Keyword

    7)      Always announce a new YouTube video posting through Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and in your website and newest blog.  This is why you have a social media network, to encourage even more donations through social media!

     

    Driving More Donations through Social MediaLinkedIn:

     

    1)      Choose to make your profile public when making your profile settings.

    2)      Use all three link options; website, blog and social media links that LinkedIn allows in your profile, in order to maximize more donors through social media.

    3)      Ask questions in the Q&A section of LinkedIn with possible answer as links to your blog posts that explain whatever the question was about.

    4)      Set up a special LinkedIn for you blog, all linked to you blog and website, this will help you get more donations through social media.

    5)      Integrate your Blog post feed into your LinkedIn account using the ‘Add an Application’ button at the bottom right of your home page. Driving More Donations through Social Media

    6)      Add your Twitter feed into your LinkedIn account using the ‘Add an Application section.

    7)      Add access to your Pinterest account the same way as above.

     

    Driving More Donations through Social MediaPinterest:

     

    1)      Linking your Facebook and Twitter accounts with your Free Pinterest account enables you to sync all networks and maximize your chances to get more donations through social media!

    2)      In order to place another user’s pin on one of your boards, you must ‘repin’ it! In doing so, you give the credit to who it came from which helps build relationships with other Free Pinterest account users.

    3)      Upload relevant, useful media from your website or find pictures that represent or pertain to your brand once or more a day.

    4)      BE AUDIENCE APPROPRIATE: According to MGD Advertising, as of April this year, 87% of Free Pinterest account users are women with the majority of ages between 25 & 54.  Therefore, target your posts to maximize interest from that target group to get more donors from social media with Pinterest.

    5)      Read 10 more tips: http://troblinreich.com/free-pinterest-account/

     

    Driving More Donations through Social MediaBlog Tips:

     

    1)      Produce inspiring, educational and awesome content that is so compelling that people want to share it, this is the foundation of your capacity building. All media is about good content and social media is no different, good content = more donors through social media.

    2)      Write regularly and consistently, at least once a week and and link all your new posts to all your social media.  Potential donors will then come and visit regularly and keep coming back because they know it will be new and topical, and on an issue they want to learn more about.  These repeat visitors are your target; they will be the ones to get you more donors through social media!

    3)      The blog headline is important for several reasons; first they need to attract attention, second they need to contain the keyword or keywords you are using to attract donors.Driving More Donations through Social Media

    4)      Post your blogs through services like Stumbled upon, Reddit and Digg.

    5)      Make sure you have a re-tweet button at the top of your blog and ask people to let their Twitter networks know about your post, this is called going viral, and can greatly increase your readership!

    6)      Make sure your blog post has a Facebook share and a Facebook like buttons.

    7)      Comment on blogs similar to your targeted topic, and include links back to your blog.

    8)      Have a “friendly” subscribe to my Newsletter and blog signup button on your blog posts, which will help build an audience and get more donors through social media.

     

    Driving More Donations through Social MediaLet’s keep the conversation going, comment and let us know your favorite tips and tricks!

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Related Blogs

      10 Reasons why you should not put off filing for a 501c3 and why you should have CharityNet USA prepare your filing now!

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      501c3 approved10 Reasons why you should not put off filing for a 501c3 and why you should have CharityNet USA prepare your filing now!

      By Thomas R. Reich

       

      1)      The holiday and tax seasons are approaching and we get very busy during this time. Right now we can work with you quickly and help speed the process.

      2)      We are offering a flat 10% discount for a limited time; this sale will end very soon.

      3)      People who make donations this holiday season want to verify you have 501(c)(3) status or are in process.501c3

      4)      There is a real possibility that IRS filing fees may increase significantly in early 2013.

      5)      In many cases filing preparation can take from three to six months, but we can start today and help you file within 30 days.

      6)      The Cushing’s Help Organization reports that the IRS receives 80,000 501(c)(3) applications a year, half of which do not make it through the process.

      7)      An organization that plans to seek 501(c)(3) status should do so within 15 months after forming, before the IRS begins to look askance.

      8)      The IRS cites 10 major issues that cause 501(c)(3) applications to be delayed, nine of which deal with providing a sufficient and complete application.

      9)      The top reason is an incorrect or missing user fee.

      501c310)  CharityNet USA smoothes the process. We have helped over 12,000 charities prepare filings for 501(c)(3) status and we can help you too.

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        Nonprofit Does Not Mean Tax Exempt Status

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        Nonprofit Does Not Mean Tax Exempt Status

        By Melanie Swift MNM and Thomas R. Reich

        tax exempt

        A common misconception in the field of philanthropy is the notion that an organization has tax exempt status  simply due to the fact that it has been organized as a nonprofit. Unfortunately, with very few exceptions, this particular misunderstanding could leave an organization who thought they had tax exempt status, to now face tax debt with both the IRS and their state franchise tax board.

        tax exempt status

        Nonprofit tax exempt status is a concept of state law and not necessarily tax exempt. A nonprofit organization, in its simplest variation, is any organization for which those who control or support it do not earn a profit. Choosing to incorporate as a “nonprofit” or “nonstock” corporation may, in fact, come with certain privileges, such as eligibility for state and federal tax exempt status, however this tax exempt status is far from automatic. It may be best to liken tax exempt status to a driver’s license- if you choose to request the privilege, you must apply, pass the test, and then, most importantly, follow the rules. For those organizations that choose not to pursue this privilege of tax exempt status, payment of annual corporate taxes is required.

        tax exempt status

        Nearly all organizations that are nonprofit wish to have tax exempt status as well, so the terms are often confused. Many charitable organizations, for example, are nonprofit organizations and are recognized by the federal government as having tax exempt status. But becoming nonprofit and becoming an organization with tax exempt status are different processes, done at different times, and by different government agencies. To apply for federal tax exempt status, you need to have been granted nonprofit status first. Further, not all nonprofits are eligible for tax exempt status.

        tax exempt status

        The road to tax exempt status, for most nonprofits, is paved with compliance. Organizations must be familiar with all processes and procedures, and be prepared for detailed reporting. In addition to the provision of particular clauses in the organizing document that precedes an extensive application process with the IRS, charities must be mindful of state and local tax exempt status and the registration requirements. Additionally, organizations that have been granted tax exempt status must be aware that that not all income received is eligible for tax exempt status, and be mindful to pay required taxes on any unrelated business income.

         

        As I mentioned, there are a few rare exceptions to the rule. Some organizations are automatically recognized as having 501(c)(3) status (tax exempt status) without filing a formal application for recognition of the exemption. These groups include:

        tax exempt status

        • Subordinate organizations that are covered by a group tax exempt status; however it’s important to note that group exemptions require a unique application process. Existing 501(c)(3) organizations cannot simply choose to add other organizations to theirs and create a group.
        • Churches, parts of churches, or associations of churches
        • Organizations that are not private foundations and normally have gross receipts of not more than $5,000 total per year.

        Even though these groups automatically have tax exempt status, they may choose to file anyway, in order to have the official letter of determination on file. This often makes it easier to solicit contributions and ask for state tax exempt status.

        tax exempt status troblinreich.com

        There are a total of 27 tax exempt status existing under the federal tax code for different purposes, and some community organizations might find one of them more appropriate than others. For example, a group that is involved in heavy lobbying or political advocacy work would be unable to apply for 501(c)(3) status, as it isn’t allowed under that statute. So a group heavily involved in social welfare that wants to lobby extensively for political candidates, for example, might find 501(c)(4) tax exempt status (which deals uniquely with social welfare organizations) more appropriate for their purposes.

         

        tax exempt status troblinreich.comTherefore, before deciding to become 501(c)(3) tax exempt status, it’s a good idea to sit down and study other possibilities with an expert. Together you can decide on the type of tax exempt status that best meets your needs. That way you won’t be trying to push a square peg into a round hole.

         

         

        tax exempt status Thomas R. Reichtax exempt status troblinreich.comtax exempt status troblinreich.com

        501(c)(3) Tax exempt Benefits with Melanie Swift
        Join us for a Webinar on August 22
        Space is limited.
        Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
        https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/519556298
        Wednesday Aug 22, 2012
        2:00 pm – 3:00 pm online from CharityNetUSA
        Key Note Speaker: Melanie SwiftHow do you determine if your ready to apply for a 501c3, are you jeopardizing your organization by not having one?  What are the advantages and protections of having a 501c3?  How can a 501c3 open new fundraising doors and allow more freedom in your organization?  Join us for this free webinar, and find a fact filled discussion on one of the most important issues facing our industry today, 501c3!. All of this information and much more is yours in this FREE webinarWe invite you to spend a valuable hour with CharityNet USA and our Director of Nonprofit Services Melanie Swift and discover another way we can help your nonprofit organization cannot only overcome, but grow during the current economic conditions.As the past shows: the economy will recover, resources will catch up with us and finances will level out.  Don’t wait for recovery to happen, get started growing your nonprofit now.  When America recovers, your nonprofit will not only be in the game, but you will be an MVP!Contact Marketing Coordinator Thomas R. Reich for more info at tom@Bizcentralusa.comor call him at (407) 857-9002 ex 510Register Now!

        Your Friends in the Struggle,
        CharityNetUSA

         

        Title: 501(c)(3) Tax exempt Benefits with Melanie Swift
        Date: Wednesday, August 22, 2012
        Time: 2:00 PM – 3:00 PM EDT

         

        After registering you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the Webinar.

         

        System Requirements
        PC-based attendees
        Required: Windows® 7, Vista, XP or 2003 Server
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        Required: Mac OS® X 10.5 or newer
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        Related Blogs

          Top 10 Tips for Grant Funding Resources: Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready

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          Top 10 Tips for Grant Funding Resources:

          Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready

           

          grant funding resourcesIn today’s world of nonprofit grant funding, competition is stiff. Overall, available grant funding has greatly diminished and organizations must use every accessible resource to their advantage.  A grant writing service can assist you in obtaining grants and ultimately grant funding, but you must do everything in your power to adequately prepare.  Melanie M. Swift, MNM, Director of Nonprofit Services for CharityNet USA, has prepared a list of the top 10 things your nonprofit must have well established prior to the commencement of a grant funding campaign.

          Mission– Know your mission in and out. Be prepared to describe your organization’s specific mission and know how you work each day to fulfill that mission. Be sure your mission statement reflects grant funding resources 2your purpose, your unique method of delivery, and your organization’s core values.

          History– What inspired your organization’s founding? What have been the major milestones since? Has your organization received any recognition for its efforts? Be able to provide success stories to demonstrate your capabilities.

          grant funding resourcesFunding– How have you sustained your organization thus far? Who are your major contributors? How do you fundraise? It is extremely important to funders that potential grant funding recipients be able to demonstrate past fiduciary responsibility.

          Need– Can you show that there is really a significant need for your organization’s programs within thegrant funding resources

          community you serve? Research statistical data on the problem you address as well as the degree of other efforts being made to combat the same problem.

          Governing Capabilities– Are you able to promote members of your board or staff as responsible, knowledgeable, nonprofit professionals? Be prepared to describe their education and experience. Convince me that they are competent leaders.

          Objectives– Know the difference between a goal and an objective.  You must be able to provide targeted, measurable objectives! Identify objectives that are realistic and attainable, which is a necessity in order to receive grant funding.

          grant funding resourcesMethods– Do you really know, step-by-step, how you will meet your objectives? Are you aware of everything and everyone that will be involved, down to the smallest detail? It is essential that the questions of Who-What-When-Why-How be answered for each proposed activity.

          Evaluation– How will you evaluate the success of your proposed project? Take the time to develop a scientific plan for evaluation that describes who will be involved, at what intervals, and what costs will be incurred.

          Sustainability– You must think past the grant award period. Exactly how will you continue to fund this project once the grant funding runs out? Funders seek out projects that will exist into perpetuity.grant funding resources

           

          Budget– Learn to develop a precise line item budget. Know the difference between an operating budget and a project budget, and learn how to allocate your administrative costs within each program. This activity requires significant board involvement.

          Our Director of Nonprofit Services, Melanie Swift, has laid out the steps involved in the strategic preparation for undertaking a grant campaign, so you’re prepared for the legwork that goes into getting grant funding in this blog. Now learn the importance of a clarified mission and vision, an existing tax exemption, a strategic plan, a qualified Board, and a unique method for service delivery. In addition, discover the power of forthright financial information. Howard Walker has been a Federal Grant Grader for the U.S. Government and continues to consult with them annually.  Howard will give you real world insight into the preparation and mindset needed to apply for and win a grant in today’s economic environment.grant funding resources

          https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/132790322

          Howard Walker, Nonprofit Consultant for CharityNet USA, will be conducting a FREE Webinar: “Making Sure Your Nonprofit is Grant Ready” Wednesday, August 8th, 2012.

          Join us for a webinar on making sure your nonprofit is “grant ready”. If you are you getting ready to apply for a grant, or even thinking about it, then you can’t miss this opportunity to learn more about grant funding.

          If you would like more information on the full range of services offered to set up and service a charity, foundation or church please contact CharityNetUSA by visiting www.CharityNetUSA.com or by calling 407.857.9002.  Please follow us on Twitter and Like us on Facebook to receive free daily tips and tricks as well as notification of our FREE Award Winning Webinar series!

          Related Blogs

            Top 12 Fundraising Projects and Ideas to Bring Some Fun in the Sun!

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            Fundraising to bring fun

            Top 12 Fundraising Projects to Bring Some Fun in the Sun!

            By Thomas R. Reich

             

            Fundraising projects do many positive things for a nonprofit organization.  They can bring in much needed funds and that is important, but they can also foster a sense of community, both within the organization and with the community as a whole.  Having car wash or bake sale can get your volunteers together with your supporters in a way that can be fun in the sun for all.  Events and fundraising projects such as Golf Tournaments, dinners and expos can attract new volunteers, donors and associates of all kinds, as well as great PR and positive recognition.

            Let’s look at the 15 innovative ways your organization may plan to generate funds with fundraising projects and foster community, adding a little fun to your nonprofit!

            1)       Bake Sale – The bake sale has long been a popular part of many nonprofit fundraising projects schedules.  Let’s inject a little more fun in the sun into the proceedings.  Encourage everyone involved in your organization to donate a prized baked good.  Use your social Media and blog to publicize the event, this is a very effective way to draw new people and expose them to your top 12 funsraising ideascause.  Possible hold a contest, judged by those that purchase the baked goods.  Each purchaser gets a vote for their favorite baked good, this way the vote is anonymous and lots of fun!

            top 12 fundraising ideas

            2)      Raffles – Raffles are an effective way to raise money. You can give away a few smaller prizes or one big one in these fundraising projects . No matter what you choose to give away, make sure the prize is something that people want and are thus willing to purchase a raffle ticket. Usually the profits from the ticket can cover the cost of the prize, better yet, try to get the prizes donated and leave as much of the money for the fundraiser cause.  You should include a raffle in all the events that you hold and consider holding a large non-event focused raffle once a year. Just always make sure the prizes are really great!

             

            3)      Competition – Holding some kind of competition is a fun way to raise funds. These fundraising projects could be a singing competition, dancing competition, beauty pageant, or whatever kind of competition appeals to you. Sell tickets to prospective audience members and offer some kind of prize to the winner of the competition.

             

            top 12 fundraising ideas f4)      Flower Bouquets – On Valentine’s Day, Mothers Day even color themed for other holidays.  Tie the bouquets with a color coordinating bow and offer a personalized card, even delivery for a price that makes the donation worth the time and expense of delivery.  Always brand the flowers in these types of fundraising projects so the receiver knows the sender has made a donation to your cause, sometimes this gets an additional donation from the recipient or an order for another bouquet to yet another deliveries’, and the exposure and community networking goes on.

             

            5)      Doughnuts – Krispy Kreme Doughnuts has great fundraising programs where the nonprofit sells orders for the doughnuts, and after getting dozens or hundreds of orders, top 12 fundraiserspart goes to Krispy Kreme, but much is kept by the nonprofit.  Your organization can either take the doughnuts to a central pick-up point, or deliver as suggested above, ether way can bring some fun in the sun!

             

            6)      Cookie Dough Fundraiser – For nonprofits with lots of volunteers willing to make lots of pre-made cookie dough, this can be fun fundraising programs.  You can offer different kinds of dough or only 1, and again it can be delivered or picked up at a central point.  An alternate plan would be to put the ingredients into a bag mixed but dry, with instructions to add appropriate eggs and butter or oil in attached instructions.   Always include a message about your cause and a request for additional donations in this type of fundraising programs.

            top 12 fundraising ideas

            7)      Car Wash – A car wash is another classic group fundraising programs!  It is also simple and does not involve much investment of time and money in advance, and will defiantly bring some fun in the sun.  The event should be properly promoted through community calendars, and all social media of everyone involved in the organization.  Provide plenty of soap and water, towels and make sure to practice so the time it takes to wash 1 car well, is reduced.  In addition, sell advanced tickets for car washes, you may find many who buy a ticket to participate, but never actually show up, and we love those kind souls!

             

            8)      Craft Fair – If you have many talented people in your organization who enjoy making crafts, hold a craft fair.  It gives your participants a chance to show off their work in these types of fundraising projects, while bringing in much needed funds.  This event could also give your organization the possibility of holding craft classes (an additional source of funding) and selling the resulting crafts in the craft fair as well.  If you choose the class option, use the craft fair event to sell additional classes!

            top 12 fundraising ideas

            9)      Penny Drive – Penny Drive fundraising projects ask people to donate the pennies that they have lying around.  They can also donate any loose change or money they may have.  Penny drives are good fundraisers because they don’t make people feel like you are asking too much, but also give them the freedom to give as much as they want.  An alternative to this is a mile of pennies drive, get a local hardware store to donate 1 mile of masking tape.  Take as long as it takes to fill up the tale, length by length, it is fun, attracts attention and really lets people participate in the drive!

             

            10)   Guided Tours – For a small donation, charities and nonprofits can arrange guided tours of various points of interest in the local community in these types of fundraising projects.  You might want to theme it to your particular mission as a nonprofit, or just of seldom seen points of interest.  This can be done as a onetime thing with ticket sales in advance, or it can be an ongoing activity of the top 12 fundraising ideasorganization. In any case you will bring some fun in the sun!

             

            11)   Sacking Groceries or Pumping Gas – this is a chance for visible members of your organization to get involved in fundraising projects and have some fun in the sun with a fun and substantial fundraiser.  You sell tickets in advance to have a board member bag your groceries or pump your gas at a particular time and date.  Alternatively, you could get local celebrities to do the same thing, the key is to sell tickets in advance, and set a specific time.

             

            12)   Singing Telegrams – If you have singers, or just fun loving good hearted types in your organization, this may be a great group of fundraising projects for you!  It can be fun to pre-sell singing telegrams in line with an upcoming holiday, and is a great excuse to bring some fun in the sun.

             

            No matter what the choice, fundraising projects should only be a part of what you do to raise funds for your organizations.  We have tried to give you some ways to get out into your communities, bring some fun in the sun, meet people, gain some funds and have a little fellowship along the way.

            Please join us this Wednesday for “Fundraising Ideas” with nonprofit expert Howard Walker.

            Wednesday, June 27, 2012
            2:00 pm – 3:00 pm online from CharityNet USA .com
            Key Note Speaker: Howard Walker

            top 12 fundraising ideasNonprofit Fundraising Expert Howard Walker is back for this vital topic, Fundraising.  Howard will bring real world examples of successful fundraising efforts, and set you on course for some great fundraising events.  We will cover volunteer programs, managing the fundraising efforts, and the necessity of keeping proper control and security of funds and your good name.  Fundraising can bring in more than just funds; it can gather new volunteers, donors and spread the word of your cause.  All it takes is the knowledge and desire to succeed; we give you the knowledge FREE in this information packed webinar!

            https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/314521114

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