To achieve a successful fundraiser you need to create awareness and excitement.

Some things to consider:

* When planning a fundraiser the most important question you need to answer is: How much money do you need to raise?

* How many people do you have that can help carry out the fundraiser?

* When will the fundraiser start and when will it end? It is generally a good idea to have the fundraiser last 2 weeks or less. With a smaller window of opportunity, people are more inclined to act immediately. It is important to get a commitment to the fundraiser the first time, and eliminate the need for a second sales pitch.

* Collect the payment at the point of sale. This eliminates the need to collect payment at the time of delivery and does not allow for lost revenue due to undeliverable product.

* What is the profit percentage allocated to the organization?

Is your community aware of your organization, their activities, and why you need a fundraiser? You may want to send out press releases or flyers to increase awareness. Does your group need: *new uniforms? * money for a summer camp? * specialized enrichment classes? *to attend competitions? Let them know the goal that your group is working toward. All your communications should specifically state how much money you are trying to raise.

After the fundraiser has taken off and you have reached your goal, let the contributors know and thank them for their participation. This goodwill message will leave a positive image of your organization, and encourage them to support your next fundraiser.

Select a product such as coffee, magazines, or candles for your fundraiser since most people are likely to use them anyway so it is already included in their budget. This way your contributors can enjoy a high quality product and feel good about supporting local organizations at the same time.

About the author: Paul Jensen is President for The Fundraiser Coffee Company.

Paul Jensen has been involved in international trade and marketing for more than 25 years. Mr. Jensen recently started a new company, The Fundraiser Coffee Company, that help non profit organizations raise money.

http://www.thefundraisercoffee.com/