SMALL CHANGE / BIG DIFFERENCE CAMPAIGN

The collection tin method of fund-raising has been around for many years and looks set to remain so for the foreseeable future. It may be that the technique of raising money has to change if the desperately high levels of funding required are to be maintained year-on-year.

One option to consider is to producing a folded credit card sized card which has the charity aims and details plus a list of different monetary amounts and what a donation of that size could pay for. The twist is that each amount is given an alternative value in terms of a daily expense such as a chocolate bar, newspaper or drink.

The aim would be to persuade the card holder to direct money from what are largely unnecessary purchases to a worthwhile cause. By making this process a challenge' over a 7-day set period or longer it will focus the mind on that time frame and reaching a fund-raising target.

EXAMPLE WORDING

For the next seven days [charity name] is urging you to make a small sacrifice in your daily spending for the people affected by [charity condition]. Below are just some of the ways that you can help save money for the cause.

50p is the price of a daily tabloid newspaper or a chocolate bar
Could be used to help prepare, print and distribute [charity name] educational literature

75p is the cost of weekly TV listings magazine or a can of fizzy drink
Could be put towards the study of effective treatment for [charity cause]

1.50 is what you could save on a bus fare ride by walking the last mile
Could be used to help expand [charity name]'s medical and educational adviser teams

2.50 will pay for a take-away cup of filter coffee or a pre-packed sandwich
Could be used to help fund the running of the [charity name] telephone helplines

3.00 will buy a pint of beer, a glass of wine or spirit
Could be used to help run [charity event]

4.00 is what you will need to purchase a meal in a fast food restaurant
Could be used to help fund the study of [charity project]

CARD FEATURES

The card features information on the charity's aims for those affected by the medical condition and contact details and telephone numbers on how they can make a donation.

While fund-raising is a primary objective, education on what the cause is and how it affects people is paramount. It is imperative that people understand what it means to those individuals, their families and how their contribution can help.

The card as I proposed

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