Here are some great, low cost fundraising ideas you can use... today... to raise more money for your small or mid-sized non-profit organization: 1. E-Mail Fundraising Letters Has your organization been building an e-mail list? If you have, AND you've been communicating with that list regularly (through e-newsletters, e-updates, and personal e-mails) you might be ready for an e-mail fundraising letter. This is super low cost and super easy. Just remember not to ask for too much through this medium. The best asks over e-mail (for a mass-mailing) are in the $10-$50 range. And never, ever spam. Mail only to your own list of supporters. 2. Scratch Card Fundraising This is one of my favorite unique fundraising ideas. Have you seen these things? They are little cards and you ask people to agree to "scratch off" one, two , or three squares and donate whatever amount they reveal (usually limited to the $1-$5 range). In return, the person gets a coupon packet and your thanks. Great idea for schools and churches. For more information see this site. (I don't own or endorse this site or the products on it, but it does have a "How this Works" section). 3. Hosted Events Can't hold a big fundraising event because you are worried about the upfront costs? Why not ask your supporters to host small or medium-sized events in their own homes, on your behalf? The supporter pays the expenses and invites their friends, and the organization sends a staff member to speak at the event -- it's a great way to raise money, and all of those small events add up! |  Photo Credit: [TopGuy] through Flickr |
