FUNDRAISING CHECKLIST: 5 STEPS TO SUCCESS This information is an evolving document. As we receive feedback from our valued fundraisers we take the opportunity to update and change the content to ensure we are providing the best possible input based on the value of experience. 1. Permits and Regulations? It is important that someone in your fundraising group investigates local fundraising rules and regulations. If you raise more than $10,000 in a year you will require permission to engage in fundraising. Raffles, Bingo and similar require a permit. If you don’t you may be fined. If you are raising money for your school you may need a letter from your Principal. If you are raising money for a religious organisation you may need a letter from the head person who is overseeing it. Public Liability Insurance is another issue requiring investigation but if you are conducting your event at your school for example, you will probably be covered by your schools insurance. Best to check and be sure! 2. Which Fundraising activity? Raffles can be hard work and while supporters are being generous by buying tickets, the reality is that very few of them ever win anything. Selling products has therefore become an important part of most fundraisers activities. The Girl Guides have been selling biscuits for years! Schools, Clubs and Community Groups should choose products to sell that fit with the nature of your members or group. Schools may choose bottled water as it is something that is valued by the purchaser (as well as the philanthropic benefits) as they know it will be used in school lunches etc and much better than other soft drink alternatives. A Church Group may choose to sell Fudge as it fits with the homely and caring nature of members. A Sports Club may like to sell Ice Towels or Bottled water as these reinforce the athletic nature of the clubs ambitions and they are extremely valued after physical exertion or in the heat. 3. Logistics? Fundraisers should also consider the logistics involved with any fundraising activity and in particular with product selling. Create a list of your groups’ skills and allocate tasks accordingly. Where will product be delivered to? Is there someone to accept delivery throughout the day? Is it appropriate storage? You don’t want chocolate sitting in the sun! In most cases product can be allocated to each member (a case of water each) and this can be picked up at an agreed time where cars can pull up in close range of the product. Make sure you keep a record of who takes what product and the value of the sale that needs to be returned to the Treasurer. Products can also be sold by taking advance orders. Then it is just a matter of delivering the product and collecting the funds (if you haven’t been paid already). It is also important to ensure you that you have adequate funds available to pay the supplier of the product on time. 4. When? Choosing the time of the fundraising activity can make a significant difference to the results. You wouldn’t want to be selling products when members or potential customers are away on holidays. A Fundraising initiative should be based around the timing of a special event for the group. A Hub event could host your fundraising activity. A fete for example would be an ideal time to launch your fundraising initiative. If you are raising funds for a trip then start the fundraising well before the trip takes place. This has the added benefit of allowing organisers to see how much more fundraising needs to be undertaken to ensure adequate funds are raised. Summer is a great time to be offering Ice Towels and bottled water. 5. Who? Fundraisers need to plan who will sell the fundraising products. Significant funds can be raised quickly if you allocate a quantity of product to each member for sale to family and friends. Does each member understand about the product and have a brochure or selling notes to help make the sale? Has each member tried an Ice Towel for example so they know how good they are? If the Fundraiser has chosen the products wisely the task of selling is much easier. Fundraising can be more fun and generate better results if there is an internal competition to see who can sell the most. Not only does this offer the members an opportunity to shine but it may be the making of a budding career in sales! Recognition, an award or prize to the winner is often all it takes to increase the funds raised. Also, organisers should not overlook the value of having a group of members ring friends and colleagues about the fundraising offer. This can save considerable time and energy. Please don’t hesitate to contact us should you require any further information or have any experience you would like us to share with other fundraisers. The Source Direct Fundraising Team.