Are you aware that 67% of donors worldwide also choose to volunteer locally in their communities? And that 56% of these donors regularly attend fundraising events?
So how do you raise funds for your cause without having to resort to crowdfunding? Gone are the days where you can simply state your mission and hope that people will respond to your heartfelt message.
We’ve got you covered with ideas from events, to items to sell, mission trips and more. Learn how to raise money the old-fashioned way with this guide.
1. T-Shirt Fundraising
Everybody likes and wears T-shirts, it’s a commodity that everybody uses on a daily basis. And we all have one or two of those novelty shirts in our wardrobes that spark conversation!
Look for iconic and clever messaging that you can put on your custom t-shirts, and then brand them with your cause’s logo and colours.
If you partner with the right supplier, you won’t need to spend tons of capital to get started and you can start with smaller orders. You can set up at your local market and have physical interaction with your potential customers.
Fundraising products are always a surefire way of raising funds for your cause, provided your profit added on top is enough!
2. Host a Book Collection and Then Re-Sell
Within your neighbourhood, you’re bound to have tons of people who have vast bookshelves full of books they no longer want or need.
Put together some brochures and posters, hand them out at your local supermarkets and stores and ask for donations of unwanted books.
Provide a drop-off point for people to bring their books, once you have a large enough collection, book a stall at your local market and host a charity book sale!
3. Host a Community Yard Sale
So many people have garages and sheds filled with items they no longer use.
Look for a central place that you can book to host a community yard sale. Once you have the space secured, sell your stall spaces in the name of your worthy cause.
Not only will you be able to secure fundraising based on selling sale space, but you’ll also be performing a community service for those community members who haven’t got around to selling their unwanted goods yet!
4. Partner With a Local Restaurant
If you feel like you need an additional well-known brand to assist you with your fundraising, then partnering with a local restaurant is a good way to do this.
Shortlist your favourite options and set up a meeting with the owners and/or managers of these restaurants. Talk about what you’re trying to achieve for your fundraising and then put together an event where members of your community can attend a dinner or lunch.
If your partnership is done correctly, the restaurant should agree to give you a percentage off each person served.
You can co-brand marketing around the event so that everyone will know they’re eating out for a good cause!
5. Old-Fashioned Bake Sale
Your local school will be filled with moms who have the time to bake until their hearts are full. Put out a notification at the school (with their permission of course) looking for bakers to create wonderful creations for your fundraising sale.
If the school is open to it, perhaps you can host your bake sale at their premises, they may even be willing to advertise it to their parents, students, and faculty!
6. Host a Quiz Night
Your neighbourhood will most certainly have their very own Quiz night host. See if you can get in contact and talk about hosting a quiz night in aid of your charity.
The quizmaster might agree to charge just a small amount to cover his costs, then the rest of what you raise will be allocated towards your cause!
You may have a community center that you can approach to host your quiz night in! Approach local businesses to donate prizes for the winning teams, and allow them to put up branding for the evening as gratitude!
7. Host a Community Class
Have you, or any of your charity workers got a specialized skill? Perhaps you’re a budding artist, or Maria in accounts does pottery?
If this is the case, consider hosting a paid for community class where you pass on your knowledge for this skill. Find a space that you can host your community class in, ensure that you charge enough per person to cover your costs as well as make some profit for your cause!
8. A “Make The Grade” Challenge
This is another idea that would go hand in hand partnering with a local school.
A “Make The Grade” Challenge is a unique idea, and also, encourages students to achieve higher grades.
Pitch the idea to the headmaster of your local school, the students get to set grade goals for themselves, once they’ve got that, they get friends and family to pledge a certain amount towards your cause. If they reach their goal, your cause gets the funds!
This will only work though if your cause is one that students can relate to, perhaps being an animal sanctuary or children’s home would work in your favour here!
9. A Board Game Tournament
This idea is also fairly unique, if you have a large enough space that you can host a number of people, this one is great for all ages!
Host a board game tournament, we’re talking about Monopoly, Trivial Pursuit, Scrabble and any other board games you can think of!
People can enter as teams or individuals, and play their way around the room.
Ask local businesses for some great prizes that can be handed out on the day! And don’t forget to give recognition.
10. Organize a Talent Show
Talent shows are a great way to fundraise for your cause!
All you’re going to need is a good venue and some people to perform.
You could even approach some of your local stars to guest star in a performance on the day, just to bring those extra audience members.
Your fundraising comes with ticket sales, or, you can also bring the food and drink for the evening if you have enough people to help you.
Don’t forget to include a speech about your cause and why everyone is there to start with, you may just drum up some extra donations!
How To Raise Money The Right Way
So now you’ve got a better understanding of how to raise money the right way, what are you going to do with all this information?
We think it’s important to tell you that you shouldn’t try to do everything on this list, fundraising is, in a way, just like marketing. Pick one or two items, and make them your niche and go for it! Give each idea time to work!
Need more funding advice? Simply head on over to our money section to get your fill!