Practice Makes Fundraising Perfect

Role Playing

Did you know that one of the major reasons that people are unsuccessful in performing a task is simply because they do not know how to perform it? Unfortunately, it is easier to give up than it is to self-teach. Do not let one person’s uncertainty jeopardize your group’s fundraising success. 

Make role playing a crucial part of coordinating your fundraiser. Begin by creating several situations that your fundraising sellers will potentially encounter. Select non-sellers to play the part of the buyers. Have your fundraising sellers play the part of the salesperson, practice makes perfect! Don’t forget to include the mean person role, as it is a likely situation they will be faced with and you definitely want to show them how to handle it. 

Schedule the role playing on the same day that you are handing out fundraising packets, so it is fresh in their minds as they go off to sell, sell, sell. Allow time after staging each situation for a comprehensive explanation and critique. Ask questions from those who are watching. After role play is complete, ask if anyone has had any situations that they have personally encountered that was not covered. Also, ask if anyone has any general questions. 

Promote Your Fundraiser

Many times people do not support your fundraiser simply because they don’t know about it. Here is what you need to do to prevent that from happening....

Spread the Word: 

With technology today, it is super easy to let others know that you are fundraising. Post it on your group’s Facebook page and ask seller’s parents to post it on their personal Facebook pages as well, encouraging friends to repost it to help spread the word and to help your cause. 

Send out a general text to all of the contacts in your cell phone, letting them know that you are trying to raise funds for your cause. You don’t have to be pushy, just say that you are fundraising, give them the information needed and tell them to contact you if they are interested in supporting your cause. 

Create a fundraiser blog and update it frequently as to what your goal is, where you stand and how the money raised will be used. 

Hang Signs: 

Colorful and eye catching signs are a great way to increase your fundraising efforts. Make sure to include all details, especially when your fundraiser begins and ends. 

Hang signs at your location, as well as public bulletin boards. Electronic message boards are also great for increasing awareness. Ask to include the information on your community’s calendar.  

Pass out Flyers: 

Make an informational flyer to pass out to local businesses, letting them know how they can support their community by supporting your fundraiser. 

Repeat:

After performing all of the above steps at the start of your fundraiser, repeat these steps again half way through the duration and a few days before your fundraiser ends. 

Remember to ALWAYS thank them for their support!!!