by Ally Chan

Created on: May 10, 2008   Last Updated: May 20, 2008

Whether it's a high school fundraiser or an elementary school fundraiser, fundraising can be loads of fun and extremely profitable!

Having organized two large-scale (involving about 5000 people) and two small-scale (200 people) school fundraisers, I've got some fundraiser ideas on how you can also make yours an unforgettable success.

1. Get together a committee of good people. What's a "good" candidate? Here are some issues to consider about your committee members.

Are they involved in many other activities? If they're in the Science Club, basketball team and Math Olympiad, it's unlikely they'll be able to devote much time to your fundraiser.
Are they working part-time? How flexible are their hours? Will they scurry off to Burger Hut after 4pm, leaving you to put up 50 posters on your own?
Are they "party-people"? While it's good to have really extroverted (PR success!), well-connected (networking!) types on your team, you have to manage your expectations about their contributions.

2. Brainstorm on your theme or concept. Here're some that have worked for us.
A Night Carnival/ Bazaar. An original idea that will draw in curious crowds. Think of the potential for really scary Haunted Houses, or gorgeous fireworks! (But do weigh off against electricity bills.) We got $25,000 from this.
A Clubs/ Societies' Day. This will work at the beginning of the year, when clubs want to draw members. Set up empty booths with tables/ chairs and rent them out to clubs and societies to put up publicity materials, sell food, toys, whatever. Collect a percentage cut of earnings.
Sports tournaments. Organize soccer/ basketball etc tournaments and offer a cash prize to the top team. Charge teams sign-up fees. This earned us $500. We got Phys. Ed. teachers to referee for free!
Attempt to break some crazy record. Research the Guinness Book of records. Find a silly and easy one to break. Ours was the greatest number of paper flowers folded in a day. We didn't win, but we got tons of donations!
Outdoor movie screenings. Apart from entrance tickets, we made close to $1000 selling snacks and drinks during screenings, too. Have as many screenings as you can afford.

3. Stick to the book (of law). Ok, now you've got an idea. But is it legal? What are the licenses you need to apply for? Find out, and make sure you stick to it like Superglue. The last thing you want is to have the police bust in on you during your fundraiser.

4. Sell and advertise! Now you've got the all-clear, it's time to make use of those loudmouths in your team. Get them to attract attention with crazy PR antics, or advertise through their well-read blogs. Distribute tons of flyers if you can't afford color copies, print black-and-white on cheap color paper.

5. Establish a timeline. Ensure that your team sticks to the timeline. With systematic planning and proper execution, you will have a successful, enjoyable and profitable fundraiser.

Good luck!

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