It's all in the planning  

Proper planning is essential for a good fundraiser.  If the campaign is not planned properly, nobody knows exactly what they have to do, some people end up feeling overworked and you end up going from one crisis to another.   

Choosing the right fundraiser

Most groups hold more than one fundraiser in a year.  Plan these in advance, and decide exactly when you want to run each campaign and how much money you want to raise with each.  It is tempting to run the same fundraiser year after year, simply because it has been done before and has been successful, but consider how much it can be improved with just a few small changes and some creativity.  Look for a fresh touch, because your supporters will likely be getting just as bored with the old fundraisers as you are.

Seven steps to a successful product sales fundraiser

There are a few simple steps to running a successful product sales fundraiser.  Ideally such campaigns should be run over a week or two - include the adjoining weekends to gain maximum benefit.  The campaign must have a definite start and end.  A campaign that runs for months lacks focus and excitement.

Step 1: The Goal

Decide on your fundraising goal. It must clearly state: 

• What you need the money for, 

• How much money you need, and 

• By when you need it.  

Then formulate a clear plan on how you can reach that goal.  

Step 2: Who and What?

Decide on who needs to be involved.  For large fundraisers, form a committee of dedicated people to get things going.  Write a project plan that clearly shows who is responsible for what and how the fundraiser will be run.  Decide on what product you will sell and who the supplier will be.  The product should be useful and beneficial to the end-user.

Step 3:  Structure the sales

Translate your financial goal into an individual or team goal for each member or sub-group.  Dividing the group into teams is a good way to generate competition and to improve communication.  Explain to all sellers exactly how to go about selling your products.  Focus on benefits not features.

Step 4: Does everyone know what to do?

Put together a fundraising pack for each member.  This includes things like instructions, brochures, order forms and samples.  Make sure each member knows what the time line is and when they will have to bring in their order forms and the money they have collected.

Make sure everyone knows the sales goals for the group and for each individual.  Let them know about any special incentives or rewards.

Step 5:  Communicate progress

Set up a progress chart.  Provide feedback often.  In the middle of the first week, get an update from team leaders on how things are going and communicate successes with everyone.

In the second week, remind everyone of the goals and update everyone on how sales are going.  Re-emphasize your incentive programmes.

Step 6: Wrapping it up

At the end of the campaign collect the order forms and money.  Tally up the total order for the supplier and place the order.  Depending on the supplier, you will either take out your rebate upfront, or the supplier will collect all the money and give you a rebate with the delivery.  Remember to check the tax requirements with your local authorities – you may be required to pay tax on your sales.

Organise a time where members will be able to collect their orders and distribute the products to their supporters.

Thank your volunteers and all members who contributed and distribute the incentive prizes.  Have a final wrap up event to let everyone know how successful the fundraiser was.

Step 7: Review and improve  

Take time to evaluate the success of the fundraiser – this will provide valuable input for the next campaign.

Have a look at our fundraising overview page to see how we can help you with your fundraising campaign.

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