When initial money is tight, and funds are needed, it is time to do some fundraising. Of course, coming up with the best manner for doing this can be a real tough task.
One of the best fundraising ideas is to provide services that individuals would normally seek. Services such as car washing, house cleaning, babysitting, and dog walkers are in high demand. In addition, people are more apt to support a good cause when they seek out such services. With minimal startup costs and long-term results, providing these services is a profitable fundraiser. In addition, providing these services avoids having to pay any fees or sales percentages associated with organized fundraisers.
To start up a car washing service, the first step is to gather supplies. First ask members of the fundraising team if they or their family have any supplies to be donated; buckets, towels, and sponges are some of the most expensive parts of starting up a car-washing endeavor; however, most people have old items lying around. Buy soap at a discount store, and find a visible place that has a hose or somewhere with a hose hookup. Advertise the service in the days before, if possible. Hand out fliers, post signs where the car washes will be available, and tell everyone you know about the car wash.
With the demands on many families, more and more households are looking for house cleaning services. Like with car washing, ask friends and family for any extra supplies they may have around the house or office. If possible, ask school janitors or companies to donate extra supplies to start up the effort. Go to bargain stores to buy cleaning supplies. Most importantly, once a clientele base begins, make sure the team does the very best they can so that they will have return customers!
As an added bonus, and if possible, offer dog-walking services in conjunction with the cleaning services. Take the furry friends out for an hour or two to play while the rest of the fundraising team cleans the house! Bake or buy some dog treats for an extra special surprise for the dog when he returns home. For an added touch to cleaning services, leave a small plate of cookies on the kitchen counter for the homeowner’s delight!
If possible, offer these do it yourself fundraising ideas as a donation based process—set a small minimum donations and people are likely to give more. When advertising, emphasize that it is not for profit, and if possible, disclose what the funds will be used for.
Aazdak Alisimo writes about
fundraising ideas for FundRaisingIdeaCompanies.com.
