Fundraising Rewards / Incentives

Recognise and reward those who contribute to your fundraising effort.  When you reach a goal, make sure to celebrate this success and to thank everyone who made it possible.

Recognition and rewards = motivation

Recognition and reward incentives are often what keep fundraisers going.  It can encourage those who already put in a lot of effort to do even better, and motivate those who tend to do as little as possible to put in some effort.  Because fundraising is optional for many members, you need something to motivate them to choose assisting your organisation over some other activity.  It also keeps that attitude positive and fun.

What incentives can you use?

There are many forms of incentive.  Simple recognition can do wonders.  Highlighting those who have made sales in the first few days, or reached a certain sales target in a newsletter are excellent motivation.   Make sure to not leave anyone out – it may be worthwhile listing the names of everyone who made sales, with a special mention for those who did really well.  Simple recognition does not cost anything and can bring you great rewards.

Prizes for top sellers can also be used as incentives.  These can be gift certificates, products, pizza lunches, movie tickets or even more creative prizes that will likely generate even more enthusiasm (like the coach or teacher agreeing to be the winner’s slave for the day if a certain target is reached).  Alternatively, all sellers reaching a certain target can be entered into a draw for a prize.

Competition can be a powerful motivator.  Get teams or groups to compete against each other with a small reward for the winning group.

Incentives generate more profits

Don’t be put off giving out prizes because they will cut into your profits.  The motivation generated by having rewards will generate more profits than not having rewards.

Build a reward / incentive scheme into your fundraising planning from the start, and tell everyone about it.  Getting everyone involved and trying their hardest is key to your fundraising success, and incentives are excellent to encourage this.

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