Fundraising Ideas

With so many non-profit organizations out there, it is hard to know who you can trust with your donated money. Some charities are definitely more efficiently run than others.

Below is a list of the top 6 most efficiently run non-profit organizations in the country. The factors that went into deciding the top picks were:
a) They were a national organization
b) High Fundraising Efficiency
c) High Program Expense
d) Low Admin Expense

Fundraising Efficiency: How much money it takes the organization to raise $1
Program Expense: The % of funds that go towards programs that benefit and promote their mission/cause
Admin Expense: The % of funds that go towards administrative expenses

Globus Relief

Fundraising efficiency: less than $0.01
Program expenses: 98.6%
Admin expenses: 0.5%
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About Globus Relief: Globus Relief was founded in 1996 by successful business entrepreneurs devoted to helping those in need, with a mission to redirect useable health resources locally and globally. Globus Relief is a major force for good, creating a reliable humanitarian supply chain that has provided over $200 million worth of soft medical goods, instrumentation, medical equipment and other health related products. From our inception, Globus Relief has sought to cooperate, rather than compete, with other charities. Corporate and Business partnerships allow us to redirect humanitarian resources to charity partners, enabling them to provide improved healthcare services more effectively, and leverage expenses so more can be accomplished. As a result, our mission has impacted over 100 countries worldwide, partnering with over 500 charities and servicing over 12,000 projects worldwide.

MedShare International

Fundraising efficiency: $0.01
Program expenses: 97.5%
Admin expenses: 1%
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About MedShare International: Founded in 1998, MedShare International’s mission is to bridge the gap between surplus and need to improve health care and the environment through the efficient recovery and redistribution of surplus medical supplies and equipment to those most in need. MedShare collects surplus medical supplies and used equipment from U.S. hospitals, manufacturers and distributors. We process these donated materials and make them available to underserved hospitals and clinics in two ways: direct shipments to international applicant institutions and supplying medical mission teams with commonly needed medical items.

Fund for Public Schools

Fundraising efficiency: less than $0.01
Program expenses: 97.2%
Admin expenses: 2.2%
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About Fund for Public Schools: The Fund for Public Schools works to attract private investment in school reform and to encourage greater involvement of all New Yorkers in the education of our children. This includes working to secure critical funding for system-wide education reform initiatives; facilitating strategic public-private partnerships; managing a targeted set of programs to support city schools; and building city-wide public awareness. In 2002 Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg and Chancellor Joel I. Klein established public-private partnerships as a critical means of supporting public education reform, and The Fund is the primary vehicle for advancing this effort. The Fund has secured unprecedented investment, raising more than $230 million for system-wide reforms and initiatives that support individual schools.

The Conservation Fund

Fundraising efficiency: $0.01
Program expenses: 97.1%
Admin expenses: 1.8%
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About The Conservation Fund: Founded in 1985, The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America’s land and water legacy. We conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. From our headquarters in Arlington, Virginia and our field offices across the country, we’ve saved over six million acres of wild havens, working lands, vibrant communities and more. As a trusted real estate partner, we help government agencies, land trusts and nonprofit organizations acquire and conserve land for recreation, habitat, historic value and more. We also develop market-based conservation strategy that balances environmental protection with community and economic development. Finally, we work directly with communities to offer conservation programs that provide land-use planning, economic development, leadership training and the application of innovative technology.

Food Gatherers

Fundraising efficiency: $0.01
Program expenses: 96.7%
Admin expenses: 1.3%
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About Food Gatherers: Food Gatherers exists to alleviate hunger and eliminate its causes in our community by: reducing food waste through the rescue and distribution of perishable and non-perishable food; coordinating with other hunger relief providers; educating the public about hunger; and developing new food resources. Food Gatherers is not only Michigan’s first food rescue program, but the first program of its kind to be founded by a for-profit business, our own Zingerman’s Delicatessen. Founded in 1988, we provide enough food for more than 7,700 meals a day. Food Gatherers brings the food more than 150 community programs serving our neighbors – mostly families and children, in need of food.

Scholarship America

Fundraising efficiency: $0.01
Program expenses: 96.2%
Admin expenses: 2.8%
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About Scholarship America: Founded in 1958, Scholarship America has distributed more than two billion dollars to nearly two million students. Scholarship America is the nation’s largest private scholarship and educational support organization. Our mission is to mobilize America, through scholarships and educational support, to make postsecondary education possible for all students. Scholarship America programs include Dollars for Scholars, Scholarship Management Services, and ScholarShop, and special initiatives include the Families of Freedom Scholarship Fund, the Learning Communities Initiative, and the Dreamkeepers Emergency Financial Aid program.

Data obtained from www.charitynavigator.org

Fundraising Tips and Strategies for Large Groups

Managing a large number of people is quite a tedious task, especially when money for charity is involved. While large groups can easily raise funds because of the good ratio between the number of people and the quantity of money to be raised, it will be quite a challenge to get people to commit to participating in the fundraiser to begin with. The main idea in organizing a fundraiser with a large number of members involved is setting clear objectives and monetary goals. More importantly, the event must be fun, interesting and meaningful for everyone to take part in. The more interesting the fundraising event is, the more likely people will contribute their efforts.

Organize the core planning team. The first step to organizing a successful fundraiser is setting up a core planning team that will be responsible for planning the whole event. Select people who are knowledgeable and capable of carrying out tasks for the fundraiser.

Get everyone involved. Once the core planning team is formed, welcome ideas from within and outside the group. The more ideas the group comes up with, the more creative and interesting the fundraiser can be. Set committees for publicity, funding and logistics. This way, the core team can focus on facilitating the planning process while the other committees can focus on their own goals.

Use the team’s connections. A larger group means more contacts and connections to utilize. The planning team can get in touch with other organizations that are willing to help their cause. The planning team should know the nature of business and the core values of potential sponsor organizations before approaching them. This way, the team will come off as professional and serious in their endeavors to work with potential sponsor organizations.

Get well-known personalities and local artists to participate. Never underestimate the pull of prominent individuals who will not only attract more people to participate in the fundraiser, but will most likely bring the cash in. Their participation topped with their generous donations will significantly contribute to the success of the fundraiser.

Maximize publicity. With the easy access to the Internet and other electronic avenues for communication, publicity will be as easy as a click of a button. Send out electronic leaflets and emails announcing the fundraiser to company groups. If the fundraiser is open to the general public, encourage participants to forward emails and texts to interested individuals.

Utilize organizational ties. If the fundraising group already has strong ties to its business partners, the planning committee may consider inviting them to the fundraiser, if approved by higher management. This does not only strengthen business ties, but also improves their relationship outside of business. Sharing charitable values and beliefs will foster a great business and personal relationship between organizations.

Think green. The organization may also take a step towards preserving the Earth by going green. Adapting a green theme for the fundraiser will not only reduce waste but also help in recycling old materials. Remember, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure.”

Fundraising Tips and Strategies for Medium Groups

The more people are involved in a fundraiser, the more they can publicize the event and get more people to chip in. For medium groups sized 50 or more, fundraising activities may include small community festivals, local music events and charity runs. Organizing these local events on a community scale will prove to be rewarding for those who want to raise money for charitable causes or community developmental causes. The first step towards planning a fundraiser for medium-sized groups is to clearly define the cause and the objectives of the fundraiser. By clearly outlining these objectives, the group will have an idea how much they need to raise and what materials and effort they need to carry out a successful fundraiser.

Organize fundraising group. Fundraising team leaders should consider getting as much people as they can into the organizing team. The more people participate, the more helping hands can be utilized to carry out various organizational tasks required for a successful fundraiser.

Manage connections. More people mean more connections. Organizational leaders must utilize these connections and be assertive enough to ask for help, especially from those who have connections with local bars, attractions, government leaders and popular figures. They will come in handy in looking for people who can readily help and donate for the fundraiser.

Be aware of local events taking place. People commonly flock to local state fairs and events, making them a perfect place to publicize and get more people involved. Groups can coordinate with the fair organizers to set up booths for donating or purchasing their products, in case they opt to sell items for the fundraiser.

Get prominent individuals and local artists to help out. Government officials and local artists can take advantage of the publicity of fundraisers. Their participation will attract other people to contribute to the cause and their influence will significantly increase people traffic. Also take note of local independent musical artists who will greatly appreciate free publicity and an avenue to showcase their talents. Keep in mind that they want to gain more followers and will not mind getting discovered by talent scouts.

Scout for sponsors. Local stores and small to medium businesses are mostly accommodating when it comes to holding community events. Ask them if they like to partake in a fundraiser for a good cause. Be aware of the nature of their business and their company values. If these coincide with the fundraising cause, it will be a perfect fit.

Fundraising Tips and Strategies for Small Groups

The best way to carry out a successful fundraising activity with a small group of people is to keep in mind the following—planning, participation and publicity. A successful fundraising activity will require a lot of planning but with a small number of people, it is easy to manage a team and directly communicate the plans to the rest of the members.

Fundraising can also be easy when a large number of people are involved, but if there are less people, it becomes harder to raise a big amount of money. Smaller groups must come up with more creative ways to hold successful fundraising activities.

Facilitate a Neighborhood Garage Sale. The advantage of having a small group for a fundraiser is that it is easier to manage the participants. Gathering the members to brainstorm and come up with simple yet effective ideas to raise funds will be easier to do. A good way to raise funds is to hold a neighborhood garage sale where all neighbors can actively contribute their time, effort and goods to make the garage sale successful. The cause for the garage sale should be clear so that more people are aware of it and are willing to participate. The activity should also be publicized so that more people will participate and donate goods for the sale. Emails, text messages and even word of mouth will help get the word out and let more people know about the cause. Set up strategic places where people can drop off items or sign up to help. Keeping a master list of goods to sell with their corresponding prices and a track of the sales will keep the fundraiser more organized. It is also ideal to encourage the group as they work toward their monetary goal and to profusely thank those who have pitched in.

Have a Bake Sale. Just like a garage sale, a bake sale will allow a small group to use their creativity to raise funds. Friends and neighbors can be asked to contribute baking ingredients and to help in the kitchen and the stalls.  A reasonable pricing scheme for the cookies and cupcakes should also be set up. It’s important to spread the word so that people can drop by the stall. A sign that says “Cupcakes and Cookies for a Cause!” or something along those lines should be put up. It’s also important to advertise the fundraiser’s cause to pique more people’s interest.

Prize Raffle Draw. For groups with 50 members or less, they can opt to hold simple raffle draws where the winning ticketholder will agree to donate half of the prize to the group’s cause. Tickets should be sold and whoever gets picked as the winner gets half of the pot money earned from ticket sales. The group can ask a local store to sponsor the event so that ticket prices can be increased for a bigger prize.

Sports Team Fundraising: Strategy and Tips to Run a Successful Fundraiser

Sports teams need money in order to buy sports equipment and team uniforms, but not all team members can always afford these gears. Sports teams can organize fundraising events or carry out small fundraising activities that will allow them to gather enough funds to buy sports gears. Joining tournaments also cost money as the teams also need a mode of transportation to get to places where the games are being held. Here are a few tips that sports teams can use to make sure they have successful fundraisers.

Have a goal. It is important that all members of the sports team know the goal of the fundraiser and all of them understand the purpose of the activity.

Come up with creative fundraising ideas. Now that all team members know the importance of the fundraiser, it’s time they contribute their creative ideas on what kind of activities can be done during the fundraiser. Some sports teams prefer to fundraise at community events and at their own sports games or tournaments because of the high people traffic at these events. Teams can also hold a car wash day, a bake sale day, host a small concert or host a sports banquet to raise money.
Select products to sell. The items that will be sold should not only be profitable for the sports team but also useful for the people who will buy the products. Pastries, candies, chocolates, handmade bracelets and sports bands are typically sold at fundraisers.

Contact friends, family and the community. Publicity is important to any fundraiser because such an event needs to be well-attended to make sure the sports team’s monetary goal is achieved. Team members should use the community newsletter, post an announcement in the daily paper, make announcements over the community radio and even give out flyers on the street to publicize the event. Members of the team can also contact their friends, neighbors and family to ask them to attend the fundraiser and explain the purpose of the event.

Have fun. Organizing the fundraiser can be very tiring, but members of the sports teams should remember to have fun while doing the activities. They need to be motivated and enthusiastic so that they can reach their fundraising goals.

Sorority Fundraising: Strategy and Tips to Run a Successful Fundraiser

Raising funds for any organization is difficult that’s why sororities would do well to know the following tips and strategies in running successful fundraisers to reach their monetary goals.

Fundraising Goal Awareness. It is vital that sorority members fully understand the goals of the fundraiser. It is also important that the fundraiser’s audience understand and sympathize with the sorority’s goals so that they can easily contribute to the cause.

Creative Fundraising Ideas. Greeks know how to put the fun in fundraising by coming up with creative ideas. Fundraisers do not always have to mean bake sale days, car wash days and raffle tickets. Sororities can think of other activities like hosting a fundraising basketball game that pits professors against teachers for fun. They can then charge a fee for those who want to see their professors fight against younger fellow students in a friendly game.

A talent show can also be a very entertaining and worthwhile fundraising activity. Aside from unearthing possible hidden talents from members of participating sororities, fraternities and non-Greek organizations, this activity is also sure to draw in a lot of people. Friends, classmates and even relatives will usually come to watch people showcasing their talents, so an audience is almost always guaranteed.

Jell-O wrestling is another event that is sure to draw in people. Sorority girls and fraternity guys will be pitted against each other in a friendly jell-o wrestling match. The organizing sorority can charge an entrance fee for those who want to watch the event and charge a fee for those who want to participate in the matches themselves. Other creative ideas include date auctions, breakfast fundraisers and bowling nights.

Publicity. It’s important for sororities to advertise their fundraising events heavily so that people attend these activities. The more people come, the easier it will be for a sorority to reach their monetary goal. Campus newsletters, flyers, bulletin boards, radio announcements, TV spots (if the budget allows it), e-mails and even shirts with the fundraiser’s info written all over are great ways to publicize an event.

Community Participation. Several colleges allow non-students and non-faculty members to join in some school activities. It’s ideal for sororities to schedule their fundraisers during these times so that the local community can also take participate.

Member Participation. This is perhaps the most important thing of all when planning a successful fundraiser. It is essential that all the members of the sorority hosting the fundraising event understand and are committed to the goal of the event. It becomes easier to raise the amount the sorority needs when all of its members are doing their part and are working hard to attain their goal.

Fraternity Fundraising: Strategy and Tips to Run a Successful Fundraiser

Money is important to any fraternity or organization, but acquiring a considerable sum is always a challenge. Fraternities not only hold fundraisers to obtain money for their organization but they also contribute money and time to charitable institutions. However, a good cause can only go so far unless the fraternity knows how to efficiently organize and carry out a fundraising event. Here are a couple of tips for fraternities on how to run a successful fundraiser.

Member Participation. The fraternity’s president should not be the only one participating in the event. Members’ participation is important in the success of the fundraiser. It’s also essential that all members know the purpose of the event and know what they need to do to achieve their goal.

Fundraising Ideas. Fraternities need to come up with activities that utilize the group’s strong points. If they have a many members, then they can set up several activities at once. Those attending the fundraiser can choose which activity to participate in and there will be a variety of affairs from which money will come from.

A date auction is a great activity especially if the fraternity has a reputation among the sororities for being good-looking gentlemen. Fraternities can also hold video game tournaments or small concerts where sororities, other fraternities and non-Greek campus organizations can participate in. Participants will be required to pay an entrance fee, and food and non-alcoholic beverage are available for purchase at the venue.

Fundraising Publicity. It’s important for any fundraising event to have good publicity to ensure that it is well attended. A press release in the university newsletter, flyers, posters and bulletin boards will always increase the chances of the fundraiser’s success. Fraternities can also use their websites to promote their fundraisers.

Location. Fundraisers in universities are aimed at getting contributions from friends, classmates and other organizations’ members. However, if the fraternity is planning to set up booths and tables for their fundraising activity along with other organizations, then it’s always important to know which spot gets the most foot traffic.

Community Participation. Attendance is very important for fundraising events. There are certain universities that allow non-students and non-faculty members to participate in specific events on campus. It might be ideal for fraternities to plan their fundraisers during events that allow people off campus to join. The more people come to the fundraising event, the better the chances of reaching their goals.