Four No-Fail Tips for Fundraising in Tough Economic Times

In a dismal economy charitable giving is often the first to hit the chopping block. Now more than ever, non-profits need to find unique, easy and effective fundraising solutions without adding more cost or consequence to their infrastructure. But, is there really a way to raise money without asking for cash AND utilizing the resources you already have? Absolutely. The following are four surefire methods to jumpstart your current or upcoming fundraising programs. Also, be sure to make note of the italicized Recycling Fundraiser tips for incorporating BCS’ recycling fundraiser into your program.

1. ENGAGEMENT OF DONORS & POTENTIAL SUPPORTERS

Many people want to help but can’t write a check. And, even if they can write a check, how are you making and keeping your personal connection with them? Are you providing them with a return or service that endears them to you? Engaging them through phone calls, brief meetings, invitations to events are all important ways to stay connected with them. New Supporters? New Services? If you are looking for new supporters or potential donors you will need to find relevant newness in your services or products within your organization. Keep your targets appraised of any recent news such as events, partnerships, programs or discount opportunities.

Recycling Fundraiser: Greening of the environment is currently a popular topic for most businesses so the Recycling Fundraiser can open up new opportunities with other groups and organizations. The boxes are a portable 10” cube providing a great reason for an in person meeting and can be brought to events, luncheons or even left in your trunk for when the opportunities arise.

2. VALUE TO MEMBERS AND COMMUNITY

Presenting a valuable service as a fundraiser to your community can make you a local hero. Your members want to be a part of an organization that is community minded even if this service doesn’t directly benefit them. The connection of your name to the service makes you a well rounded company. If your charity is an educational institution, utilizing relevant services show that you are more than just self serving and that you give back to the community that gives to you.

Recycling Fundraiser: Rare are the opportunities where a service is also a money maker for your organization. With the Recycling Fundraiser, you give your supporters an opportunity to offer a useful and free recycling service while you continue the growth of your partnership. In addition, your staff will be happy to have a place to recycle their own e-waste.

3. UTILIZATION OF CURRENT STAFF

Very few organizations have the luxury of a dedicated fundraising team but securing staff member to take a few minutes of their time, each week or day is time and cost effective. For example, each person has a social circle that can be tapped almost unknowingly for resources with very little effort. Like the ‘hilarious’ joke that has been relentlessly forwarded on, your staff can also perpetuate their fundraising needs by continually using word of mouth, emails, social networking sites (Facebook, LinkedIn) and more to explain your organizations fundraising goals and desires.

Recycling Fundraiser: BCS will send recycling boxes directly wherever you need. The boxes can also be brought to events, meetings or tag the Recycling Fundraiser onto other events by adding it to invitations, websites, current newsletter and even a tagline at the end of your email, “Ask me how your e-waste can earn money for your Organization?” After initial box placement, the program runs itself. New empty boxes are immediately sent out when a full box comes in so the program is continual, without constant supervision.

4. RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Calculating the cost of staff time spent on the project and comparing it to the amount of money earned can get you a general idea of your fundraising efforts’ success. However, many non-profits don’t have dedicated fundraisers, much less a team of accounting folks to run your profitability numbers. However, make note if your fundraiser has many of the following characteristics, it is probably worth hanging onto:

· Low staff involvement – can employees implement the program into their already busy day without extra work?

· Is the program presenting your organization’s name to new people and receiving overall name recognition?

· Is the program bringing in benefits other than monetary, to your organization or community?

· Are there tax deductions being offered for providing this type of program?

· Can your supporters participate in the program without negatively affecting their bottom line?

· Does the fundraiser cost your organization money to participate?

Recycling Fundraiser

BCS’ recycling program is completely free. There is no cost for shipping or materials and there are no contracts or hidden fees. While your charity can earn more significant amounts by hosting major recycling events or partnering with thrift stores and key retailers, the recycling program is also easily used as a ‘piggy-back’ to an organization’s current programs. Adding the boxes to existing events or having staff add a collection box hosting question to existing communications brings in easy money to your organization.

Click here to sign up for BCS Recycling Specialists’ recycling fundraiser. Or call (888) 286-7188 with your questions.