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One of the best ways to generate a lot of money for your upcoming fundraiser is to generate buzz and excitement - a great way to do that is with a competition. Get the members of your group, school, church, team and community involved by creating a competition they can sink their teeth into.

A chili cook-off or cake bake-off fundraiser is a fun way to get the competitive juices flowing. First, set a date and some guidelines for your chili cook-off or bake-off. You can set any rules you want and you want to give enough time for your group members to share the news of the cook-off or bake-off with as many people as possible. But you don't want to let people know too far in advance that they forget about it. About 2-4 weeks notice is a good amount of time to publicize your fundraiser.

Then, as a group, create posters, flyers, anything your members can think of to generate buzz and competitive spirit. It would be great to go to a local newspaper to do a story about the upcoming competition. You will want to sell tickets to the cook-off or bake-off at a minimal fee. You can also ask local businesses to sponsor different competitors of the competition - the businesses could pay an entrance fee for the cook-off or bake-off competitor to generate funds. Have each cook or bake-off contender make enough chili to feed 12-16 hungry people. Take the lead and get a few volunteers to be the first to sign up to compete.

Another option is to solicit local businesses for donations for a raffle or silent auction to be held at the cook-off or bake-off fundraising event. You can offer to place the business name or logo on your flyers and posters in exchange for their donation. Remind them that there will be well-fed and competitive excited people at your event so it's a great opportunity for the business to help you and get exposure.

It is important to have your event well organized. Have competitors signed up and signed in and direct them as to how things will work, who the judges will be and how many portions of food they will make. Also, make sure to organize the food service so that all in attendance are able to try the food and enjoy themselves.

Don't forget a prize! It's great to have a local business donate a prize for the winner of your chili cook-off or cake bake-off. The real winner can be your group who could make a lot of money doing this fun competition based fundraiser.

Jenny Ann is an expert fundraiser and writes exclusively for ABC Fundraising. For other great fundraising ideas and to receive a Free sample go to http://www.AbcFundraising.com - Don't forget to check out the World's first re-usable fundraiser "Spinners" at http://www.SpinnersFundraising.com

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My wife Gina served a 2-year sentence as President of our son's elementary school PTA (and some of you know exactly what I mean.)

During that time, I became aware of the "90/10 Rule," which states that - in any organization or committee - 10% of the people do 90% of all the work.

Event-planning committees almost always see a similar ratio of actual workers to members. And, over the years, I've also identified a few specific personality types you are likely to encounter.

First is Bertha Bulldozer. To Bertha, there are two kinds of ideas: her brilliant ones, and everyone else's stupid ones.

Marvin Motormouth has strong opinions on every subject - lots and lots of opinions.

Agreeable Agnes validates everything you say, as well as everything everyone else says.

Silent Sam adds nothing at all to the proceedings. He is so inconspicuous that you may forget he is even there (and he would be okay with that.)

Finally, Useless Sue is the committee member who promises the world, then delivers nothing (but always has really creative excuses why she failed to come through for you.) Complicating matters further, some of the personality types listed above combine into cliques - voting blocs that pursue a personal agenda, rather than what is simplest, least expensive, or best for the group.

When I recognize these personality types, how do I - as a committee member - deal with them? This way: as soon as a task that I'm personally qualified for is mentioned, I immediately volunteer to be in charge of it. By doing so, (1.) actual progress is being made toward our goal, and (2.) I can often avoid much of the time-wasting and pointless blather that follows. As soon as I complete Task 1, I then assist whoever is working on another facet of the event that is compatible with my skills. When Task 2 is done, I - and hopefully, we - move on to a third job.

The fact is - no matter how large the committee - all real work is done by the 10% (which will, no doubt, include you.) It may seem like a thankless job. At times, you'll want to quit. But I hope you will take heart in simply knowing that many of those who attend your event, and ALL of the professional vendors who work with you, will know who really made it come together.

And you can tell Bertha I said so.

For more information about this and other articles related to Corporate Events or Fundraising, visit http://www.davetannermusic.com

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Smencils Gourmet Scented Pencils - Set of 10

These deliciously scented pencils are made from rolled sheets of newspaper instead of wood--you can even see the layers of newspaper when you sharpen them! Recycled newspaper is tightly rolled around #2 graphite then hardened so they feel like wood pencils, but are better for the environment

Need money and support? The best and most practical way to get it is to fund raise. Fundraisers are profitable, fun, and well worth the trouble of organizing. You may be raising financial support for relief during a calamity or a tragedy, or the funds may be intended to support a particular organization. Nonetheless, a fundraising event works just like any other fundraising activity since it aims to collect money during donations, although usually in exchange for a particular service or product.

Fundraising vs. Donation Solicitation

Fundraiser events are organized by various groups and kinds of people and organizations-from multimillion companies to small non-profit organizations, from ordinary individuals to people of power and influence. The idea here is that the revenue gained from the fundraising event will not be used for personal gain. So why are fundraiser events more preferred than donation solicitation? Many view donation solicitation as too aggressive. Also, contrary to what many may think, donation solicitation will take too much time and effort. A fundraising event is a one-time event. Soliciting donations, on the other hand, is a continuous process. Besides, how many donations will an organization need to receive in order to collect sufficient funds?

Fundraising - A Mutual Benefit

The advantage of fundraising events is the exchange for the monetary support donors will give. The donors do not simply give their money to the fundraising event - they give it because they are expecting something in return. And what they will get depends on what type of fundraiser event an organization or individual plans to hold.

For example, a popular fundraising event idea is the car wash fundraiser. People will give money to the fundraisers and in turn, the fundraisers will wash the car of the donors. Other popular fundraising events include benefit dinners, benefit concerts, bake sales, auctions, and benefit sporting competitions. In all of these endeavors, the fundraisers provide something for the money they will receive. A popular form of fundraising done today is the televised fundraiser, where celebrities encourage viewers to phone in their donation pledges. Those who phoned in will then deposit their pledges in designated bank accounts.

Making Profit

Of course, the services or products given at fundraising events are more expensive if compared to their normal prices. This is expected and acceptable - after all, fundraiser events are held with the purpose to gain revenue in mind. Generally, fundraising events are not the best place to look for a bargain, although there are some exceptions, such as when the fundraising event is an auction or a bargain sale.

Imagination - the Key to Fundraising Success

Forming the fundraising activity into an event not only dramatically increases the revenue. It can also spread awareness and interest, which are both important if the fundraising event is done for a sports team or for a particular advocacy. Hence, many do not consider pre-order fundraising as a fundraising event, since it is merely an activity which is done to collect funds and not an actual event. Holding a fundraising event is definitely more exciting and more dynamic, and can obviously attract more supporters and donors. Door-to-door fundraisers may be effective, but it is bland and lifeless. Fundraising events inject life to charity.

So use your imagination! Be creative and different. Stand out from the crowd and turn heads with your fundraising event. And as long as you remember to stay organized and to have fun, success should be at your fingertips.

Jessi McCafferty writes about fundraising and recommends the friendly folks over at http://www.easy-fundraising-ideas.com/ as a great resource for accurate information and profitable fundraising product ideas.

Easy Fundraising Ideas is the fastest growing internet based fundraising company in the country. With their legendary service and help, they make you the hero!

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Educational Insights Smencils Scented Pencils Bucket of 50

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Cookie dough fundraisers are one of the most successful and beloved fundraisers your group can do. Whether you have a large group like a church, school, or sports association or a smaller group like a cheerleading squad, fraternity or music club - a cookie dough fundraiser is a great and easy way to make a lot of money for your group. There are easy ways to make your fundraiser even more profitable.

First, sell Auntie Anne's pretzels at the same time as cookie dough!

When your group or team members go door-to-door and speak with their friends and family, it is very easy to ask them if they want delicious pretzels in addition to (or instead of) cookie dough. Pretzels are a favorite treat for many people and like cookie dough are especially welcome at holiday time when families and friends get together. It's easy - all your group members need to do is take Auntie Anne's pretzel order forms with them and present them with their cookie dough order forms. You will be surprised how many people won't be able to resist adding on a pretzel order too.

Second, set high goals for your group and have a set end date for your fundraiser.

Make sure everyone in your group knows when the fundraiser ends and when they must return the cookie dough order forms. By creating a sense of urgency and having high expectations, your group members will know what they are trying to accomplish during the duration of the fundraiser. It is helpful to offer incentives or prizes for those who reach the goals set for them. You can also set a group goal and if met, can have a pizza party or even a cookie dough party to celebrate your group's achievements.

Third, motivate and get participation from each member of your group.

It seems that it goes without saying but don't underestimate the importance of having each and every member of your group commit to selling a certain amount of cookie dough. The fundraiser is only as successful as your group makes it!

By selling pretzels, setting goals and end dates and motivating your group members, make your cookie dough fundraiser your most profitable ever!

Jenny Ann is an expert fundraiser and writes exclusively for ABC Fundraising.

For other great fundraising ideas and to receive a Free sample go to http://www.AbcFundraising.com

Don't forget to check out the World's first re-usable fundraiser "Spinners" at http://www.SpinnersFundraising.com

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Spotlight on Secondary School Fundraising

Most parents find themselves getting involved in raising money when their children are in primary school. However, secondary schools frequently complain that it is harder to involve parents: more are working full-time and pupils are reluctant to see their parents invading their school space! This column looks at how secondary schools manage to raise money from outside their school budget. It offers readers some valuable fundraising tips and gives advice on approaching companies on behalf of your school.

How much money do secondary schools raise?

Research by the Baring Foundation suggests maintained English secondary schools raise 143 million a year (or an average of 4,000 a school, or 47 per pupil) from sources outside their main school budget. In addition we also know that:

49% of secondary schools are raising more than 10,000 a year;
Secondary schools raise money from a much wider spread of funds than primary schools.

Where do secondary schools raise money from?

Companies are the main non-LEA source of support for secondary schools. And, some of the highest fundraising secondary schools are community schools with high levels of parental support. These high fundraising schools tend to use diverse fundraising methods such as:

Fundraising from the general public, parents, events etc
Company donations
Commercial Sponsorship
Parental Convenant schemes
Applications for grants/lottery funds
Income generation (trading goods or services, etc)

What do secondary schools raise money for?

Computers, music and sports equipment top the secondary school list, followed by school grounds, Specialist status, transport and voluntary support of school trips.

A case study

School Business Manager, The Ridgeway Community School
Completed the Cert in School Fundraising, September 2007

Previous experience of raising funds

Beryl describes herself as very much a beginner before the course. She had fundraised before in a piecemeal way.

Success since completion of course Grants totaling over 77,000 in the last 6 months including:
- 18,000 Children in Need grant over 3 years to provide salaries for WISH project staff
- 15,000 Foyle Foundation grant for equipment for a new communications room
- 17,000 Variety Club of Great Britain towards a new minibus
- 6,000 grant from a local Surrey charity for a people carrier

Future Plans

Now researching grants for a new sensory garden.

'The course is brilliant. I now know where to look for grants and how to take a more strategic approach. Our success over the last 6 months has been as a result of this course.' B. Jenkins

Conclusion

A small investment in training can bring huge rewards to your school. The advantages of studying online can be very attractive to schools whose staff and budgets are under pressure: there are no supply costs, no travel costs or travel time, you have immediate access to materials and complete flexibility around choosing when to study. And the course leads to a ready made bid, funding strategy and trust appeal.

Fundraising made easy

http://www.fundraisingskills.co.uk

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A proven way to reactivate lapsed donors is to ask them why they have stopped giving.

You can do this with a survey that you enclose in your mailing. Or you can leave space on the reply device for a few questions. According to Stephen Hitchcock, in his book, Open Immediately! Straight Talk on Direct Mail Fundraising, asking lapsed donors why they are no longer giving will generate some useful answers, and a sizeable percentage of the donors will mail back a gift.

You can use this new information to prevent other donors from lapsing. Review again the reasons that donors stop giving, found earlier in this handbook, to think up the kinds of questions you can ask in your survey to elicit each donors reason for dropping support.

If you prefer, make the survey entirely qualitative, and ask questions that require original answers and not a simple checking off of a box on the survey form.

Whichever method of survey you employ, use the survey questions to discover the otherwise unknownwhy your donors lapsed. Maybe the fault lies with you. Maybe it lies with the donor. Maybe the economy is at fault. You will never know unless you ask.

One advantage of a survey, if worded well, is that the questions themselves inspire the donor again to support your cause. Lets say, for example, that your organization lobbies the federal government to ban handguns. Your donors, even the ones who lapse, are people concerned about handgun violence to some degree. In your survey, you could include questions like these:

1. True of False? An average of five children are killed each day in gun-related accidents and suicides.



2. True of False? 40% of American households with children have guns.



3. True of False? A gun in the home is 22 times more likely to be used in an unintentional shooting, than to be used to injure or kill in self-defense.

As you can imagine, these survey questions are likely to provoke the same anger among decent, concerned lapsed donors that moved them to mail you their first and successive gifts. Survey questions like this prompt lapsed donors to contemplate your work again, thing again about who you help, and ponder
the need you meet, and the role that the lapsed donor has in making the world a better place by giving again.

2006 Sharpe Copy Inc. You may reprint this article online and in print provided the links remain live and the content remains unaltered (including the "About the Author" message).

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About the author
Alan Sharpe is a professional fundraising letter writer, instructor and mentor who helps non-profit organizations raise funds, build relationships and retain loyal donors using creative fundraising letters. Learn more about his services, view free sample fundraising letters, and sign up for free weekly tips like this at http://www.RaiserSharpe.com.

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Coming up with novel fundraising ideas is vital for so many charity organisations. Doing something a little bit different is an important way of keeping your fundraising fresh. Developing interesting and unique fundraising ideas brings publicity to your chosen charity and helps to keep your team of volunteers and supporters happy and motivated.

But novel fundraising ideas have to be right for your charity or non profit organisation. You need to find something with mass appeal and money making potential.

How about this one? Because fundraising event ideas don't come more fun and colourful than holding a Rainbow Festival.

The beauty of a rainbow festival is that it:

• Is easily understood and has mass appeal.
• Will stand out from the crowd of competing Summer Fetes and other fundraisers.
• Is simple to organise and set up.
• Allows you to try out some new and novel fundraising ideas.
• But still has room for all your favourite tried and tested fete ideas.

Advertising your Rainbow Festival There is no point in coming up with unique fundraising event ideas if you don't make the most of them.

The great thing about a Rainbow Festival is that all the posters, flyers and advertisments can be wonderfully colourful. Don't miss this opportunity to make your fundraising event and your organisation really stand out. A kid's poster competition is a great way to get the ball rolling and begin the promotion of your event. Radio stations and the local press too love novel fundraising ideas. They are always after something that makes a change from the usual round of worthy but "same every-time" events. So make sure that you give them all the details they need and encourage them to do a special feature.

A Rainbow Walkabout the week before in your town centre with brightly dressed people handing out flyers etc is also a great way to advertise your forthcoming event.

Well What are you going to have at your festival? Your festival can easily incorporate lots of your usual fete ideas. Simply decorate your stall in rainbow colours and come up with Rainbow names such as Pinky's refreshments, Mr Blue's Splat The Rat, Purple Pete's Welly Wanging etc

The Rainbow Arch This is one of the major ways you will fundraise at your festival. It also make a great backdrop for a stage for any entertainment or announcements such as the Raffle Draw. competitions etc.

Cut sheets of hardboard (or cardboard at smaller events) to form a nice big arch. Attach it to scaffolding or a wooden framework. You could also attach it to a suitable wall if you had one in the right place just "begging to be used"!

Visitors to your festival will now be offered the opportunity to buy (or make a donation for) a square of coloured card. On this they write a message of support and attach it to the arch. In this way the rainbow slowly begins. hopefully to be completed by the end of your event. You might like to put a few "fake" cards in appropriate positions to start the Rainbow off and make sure everyone gets the idea.

Don't forget the kids. You could also do a smaller arch for children. Kids will love to draw a little picture, write their name and then importantly pin their card on to the arch!

The Rainbow Arch Idea also works particularly well for Hospices and Hospitals where people can use the cards as little messages of remembrance for loved ones etc.

Children's Rainbow Hat Competition This one need to be advertised well in advance. A good idea is to let the local schools, libraries etc know. In this way it also serves as a bit of pre-event advertising. Simply ask kids to either make a hat on a rainbow theme. This may be done by decorating an existing hat or starting from scratch. Judges will award marks for design, ingenuity, and use of colour etc. A rainbow hat parade in front of your arch prior to judging is always going to be popular with camera wielding parents.

Rainbow Cake Competition Get the friendly rivalry going amongst the home bakers with a Rainbow Cake Competition. A Prize for the Best - Raffle the Rest.

A novel fundraising idea for helping judge this is getting people to buy a voting slip on which they write their name and phone number. They place it in a box in front of their favourite cake. The votes are counted toward the end of the day. A winner announced and a draw takes place for each cake from its voting slips. Not only have people voted for their Number One but they also stand a chance of taking it home!

Make a Rainbow Worm Kids love these little craft ideas at fundraising events. Put the craft area near the refreshment tent and Mum and Dad are happy too! A rainbow worm starts life as an old sock. Stuff it with newspaper or scrap material and tie the end. Then simply wrap strips of bright coloured material around it and tie them off. You may like to add an elastic string to the middle of the worm (so that you can bounce them along the ground). A pair of googly eyes either purchased from a craft shop or made from material and stuck on complete your worm. "Donations in the Rainbow Worm Fundraising Tin please"

Rainbow Glory Choose your own Rainbow (Knickerbocker) Glory. A clear plastic cup (the larger ones from water coolers are ideal) gets filled with rainbow layers of your choice of different flavoured ice cream, tinned and fresh fruit, coloured syrups and sauces. Top your creation off with brightly coloured sprinkles.

Rainbow Raffle Its like a normal raffle but you buy different coloured tickets. You could always do a different colour ticket raffle every half an hour etc

So there you have it add a splash of colour to your fundraising event ideas. You're guaranteed to have loads of fun and don't forget

There's Gold At The End of The Rainbow!

Neill Wilkins

For more information about holding a Rainbow Festival, including photos of key elements please visit our website at http://www.better-fundraising-ideas.com

You will also find lots of other novel fundraising ideas along with tried and tested old favourites (but often with a new twist). Perfect for church fundraising, school fundraising and all other charity and non profit organisations.

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