by Mark Brazel

Created on: February 03, 2009

The secret to successful fundraising in today's economy is raising money for good causes. I am writing to this article to share my secrets to successful fundraising over the last twenty years. The events I will mention are proven moneymakers and will grow if you continue to put your best effort forward.

First of all, many local businesses are apprehensive to donate to a fundraiser if they feel the local economy will not benefit. Let's face it, business owners are there to make money but they will donate to your cause if they will see a return on their investment. Offering to mention them in the newspaper or having their company logo on your flyers will help to gain their support. The key here is letting them know that you are doing more than just going from business to business asking for a cash handout. Tell them that the money they donate will be used to organize your fundraising event and they will be publicized as a sponsor. Meet with them and explain the event in detail. Businesses are overwhelmed with calendar ad requests, and other "fundraisers" that they know will simply fade away in time. If you can organize an event that is successful and has potential long-term benefits, you will easily gain their support. One good way to start your campaign is by contacting your local radio station and newspapers to tell them what your plan is. If the event sounds good, you may be invited to talk about the event on the radio. I have personally used the events below to raise money for cancer research, Big Brothers Big Sisters, toy drives, and the Boy Scouts of America.

Midnight Bike Ride

Organize a midnight bike ride. Title this event to relate to the fundraising effort, such as; "The Montgomery County Cancer Association Midnight Bike Ride." These events are extremely fun for the entire family. At what other time would a parent allow their child to ride their bicycle through city streets at midnight? The kids love it! This event will grow year after year as word spreads. Start by organizing your event on paper and get a few people on board with you. Too many people start a fundraising event simply so they can become "famous" and see their name in the newspapers. You have to have others equally devoted to the cause to share ideas and the workload. Delegating authority and assignments is of utmost importance and will make the event run smoothly.

Make flyers for this event and ask to distribute them throughout the schools in your district. Put stacks of flyers in businesses,

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