Fundraising can be an overwhelming task. Particularly during times of economic hardships; coordinating, running, or participating in a fundraiser is the last thing someone WANTS to do, and the first thing that is NEEDED. But fundraising doesn’t have to be difficult. There are many successful ways to raise money.

In order to complete a successful fundraiser, the coordinator, or facilitator must have two things – enthusiasm, and determination. Whether it is a school teacher, the PTA fundraising chairperson, a youth minister, or a Den Mother – if you are enthusiastic about your fundraiser, your group will be enthusiastic. You have to encourage your group to do their best, and to keep trying, long after they have met the minimum standard. You must also be determined to reach your goal. When the group sees that you are settling for less than your intended goal, they too will settle for less than the best in their individual efforts.

Successful fundraising also has attainable goals. If you are expecting your group to raise money – tell them how much you need. Make it reachable; try not to throw a number at them that is too high to imagine. Let them know how much the new uniforms will cost, how much each person needs for camp, or what the price is for travel fares for the end of the year trip. When they can understand the individual amount, it is more likely that they will meet it and exceed it.

Along with a group dollar amount, set individual requirements. Let each person be responsible for doing their part for the group. Tell them up-front how many items you expect them to sell, or how much money they are responsible for raising. Often, students or group members will rise to the occasion, simply out responsibility to the group – nobody wants to be the kid who didn’t do their share!

Fundraising is also usually successful when leaders are encouraging. There will be members who don’t do their part, goals won’t always be met, and people will turn in their orders late. Don’t give up on them. Encourage them to keep trying. Praise their efforts, and let them know that you appreciate their contribution. By encouraging them to do their best in something as menial as a fundraiser, you are in turn encouraging them to do their best at more important things – schoolwork, practice, studying.

Starting a fundraiser is easy…and so is finishing it. There are plenty of options for your group. You can sell items from a brochure, like cookie dough, candles, or flower bulbs. You can also have a direct-sale fundraiser, where you have the fundraising items on-hand, like candy or discount cards.

More and more groups are turning to fundraising to meet their financial needs and the market has responded by creating more and more fundraising ideas that you can choose from. Now there is no reason to not have the money you need. There is a program or fundraising idea out there designed for a group exactly like yours.

Whatever fundraising program your group chooses, remember to make the most of it!

Author Bio: Written by Howard Gottlieb, President of Easy Fundraising Ideas. which offers the best school fundraising ideas.

Category: Finances
Keywords: fundraising, fundraiser