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Student Activities Fund:
Colleges and Universities have a student activities fund that is split among
the recognized groups on campus. If your group is recognized, this can be a
relatively easy way to get money. Check with the Student Activities Board
for information. If your group is not recognized, some schools set aside
"seed money" which helps new groups get started. This could raise some money
as well.
Walk/Bike/-A-Thon: This involves getting people to pledge a
certain amount of money for each mile the participant in the event walks or
bikes. People can also donate a set amount of money instead of making the
per-mile pledge. There are many types of thons: Dancing,
Swimming, Bowling all work.
Sales and Services: Selling merchandise or services is an
easy way to raise money. Using donated services or items for: bake sales,
car washes, massages, etc.., can raise money. Selling items like: bagels,
t-shirts, buttons, or candy bars will probably have some overhead, so make
sure not to over order or you might actually lose money.
Auction: Holding an auction where friends of your group
donate art work, services, or even handmade goods can also lead to a good
fund raiser. The key to this is to have people donate their goods or their
time.
Telephone and Personal Solicitation: Asking directly for
money is often the most effective way to raise money. Call and visit
individuals who might want to support your group. Look to past contributors,
alumni, or members of the community who might be sympathetic to
your goals and ask them for some financial support. Going door to door to
faculty offices anddorm rooms can prove successful. For a good cause friends
and family members can be asked to contribute.
Raffles: The key to holding a raffle is to get cheap, or
donated prizes. Here a prize is offered to the winner of a drawing. Each
ticket purchased will give the person a chance to win the prize. A variation
of this is a 50/50 raffle where the winner gets half of the donated money,
while the other half goes towards your organization.
Ads/Ad Books: If your organization has a publication,
getting businesses to donate money for ads can be a good way to raise funds.
Rummage Sales: Here people from the community donate old
clothes, books, toys, etc.., which are then placed on sale to the public.
Because there are usually no overhead costs, it's hard to lose money on a
rummage sale.
Bingo Games: Depending on your area, bingo may be a
potential source of funds for your group. Some groups run their own bingo
games, while others band together to run them. Some restrictions may apply
depending on the laws in your area. Be sure to check before organizing one
of these events.
Benefits: Performances by bands, theater groups, singers,
poets, and other artists can prove helpful in raising funds for your group.
Getting the performers to donate their time is the key to this project. Also
holding dances where people purchase tickets can also prove profitable. In
order to hold a dance, a venue will have to either be donated, or rented
cheaply in order to make money.
Dinners: Many organizations hold fund raising dinners
because they are enjoyable as well as good sources of funds. In order to
make money, you have to charge a good deal more than the actual cost of the
dinner, unless the food is donated. Also make sure not to order too much
food or the over head cost could be higher than the amount you made.
Selling Flowers: Consider selling flowers around holidays,
such as lilies around Easter, wreathes around Christmas, etc.
Collections: Asking members of the group to pay dues or
asking for contributions at rallies can also be an effective way to raise
money.
Remember, always be clear in your message about what the fundraiser is
about. This makes it look professional and will probably attract more
people.
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