Fundraising

How to put the fun back into fundraising

Fundraising is a great opportunity to earn money and get the entire community excited and engaged in your project. Here are the essentials to any successful fundraising effort.

Be creative

Bake sales are good, but unique events will get the community buzzing (and therefore donating). Host a dog wash-a-thon, a chili cook-off, or a murder mystery dinner. Ask local businesses to donate fun goods and services, like spa treatments or interior design consultations, for a silent auction. You can even let people honor loved ones by ‘buying’ a piece of your playspace. Don’t limit your imagination!

Schedule a timeline

It often takes more than one event or activity to raise the necessary funds. Prepare a schedule of fundraising activities to ensure that your cash flow remains constant.

Publicize your efforts

Generating public awareness is critical to generating donations. A good public relations campaign should include the following:

• Press releases—along with good photos if possible—to announce fundraising events and project accomplishments
• An up-to-date list of all local media contacts (newspapers, TV, and radio) to issue your press releases and announcements to
• Invitations to your local media contacts to all fundraising events
• Promotional signs on your project site—including drawings of your future playspace and a fundraising ‘thermometer’ or similar progress-charting visual

Consider using the Web to your advantage as well. A fundraising e-newsletter, for example, is a quick and cost-effective way to keep contributors informed and engaged in your project.

Follow up

Be sure to thank your contributors for their donations by phone or by mail. Significant donations should receive personal notes of thanks from the project leader.