I want to use Arkansas Stixx as a perfect example. After six years of fundraising with schools and nonprofits I have learned that you can't judge the success of a fundraiser by the number of order forms you send out - it's all about how motivated the group is to raise funds.
Since we are a Direct Fundraising Company, we don't have reps all over the states that come to your kick off and generate a big hype to help you raise funds. I am opposed to that type of fundraising, which you would know if you've read previous post.
Arkansas Stixx is a group of 40 members associated with Arkansas State University, that just raised close to $1,500 because they are committed to meeting the financial needs of their group. Awesome! No, they didn't have 100% participation but they have shown passion, which is what I appreciate.
Can you generate excitement for the success of your group, without the hype of overpriced products and cheap dollar store incentives? Then School Spirit Coffee is for you.
Thursday, March 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Brewing Success
School Spirit Coffee and Creative Coffees Roastery were featured in the local paper yesterday. The Winchester Sun in Winchester, KY. See highlights and pictures here - http://tinyurl.com/6jub3at
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
The Value of Fundraising Products and Rewards
Oh my, I just read on a popular fundraiser's site where the product you are selling doesn't really matter. He states that he can successfully sell a $5.00 bill for $10.00 if the incentives for the students are attractive enough. So what he's really saying is that you can sell overpriced products as long as you dangle a series of flashy rewards for the participants, which on not even close inspection are just cheap toys.
I have no objection to rewarding participants for their contribution to your sale and School Spirit Coffee even promotes that as one of our top keys to success. However, what the above mentioned fundraiser is promoting is manipulation of a child by placing toys for each level they reach. If you sell 10 items you are rewarded a flying helicopter, sell 15 and you get the flying helicopter and a bean bag, and on and on...... Get the point - Go to the dollar store and buy your child a flying helicopter, bean bag and whatever else they are offering. It is junk, a very short lived reward and a wrong message to our children.
We recommend that you incorporate a way to reward the participant, but not with junk. I'm all for cash or gift cards. Set it up so that for every 10 items the student sells they will receive $5.00 in cash, or gift card. Back at the Dollar Store, that would buy a helicopter, bean bag ball and at least three more pieces of junk.
No doubt, by setting up rewards for fundraising participation you will at least double your profit. But PLEASE don't choose a program that promotes that the value of the products you sell doesn't really matter as long as the students can get excited about earning Junk. The value of the products should be a priority, plus the participant's reward should have true value!
I have no objection to rewarding participants for their contribution to your sale and School Spirit Coffee even promotes that as one of our top keys to success. However, what the above mentioned fundraiser is promoting is manipulation of a child by placing toys for each level they reach. If you sell 10 items you are rewarded a flying helicopter, sell 15 and you get the flying helicopter and a bean bag, and on and on...... Get the point - Go to the dollar store and buy your child a flying helicopter, bean bag and whatever else they are offering. It is junk, a very short lived reward and a wrong message to our children.
We recommend that you incorporate a way to reward the participant, but not with junk. I'm all for cash or gift cards. Set it up so that for every 10 items the student sells they will receive $5.00 in cash, or gift card. Back at the Dollar Store, that would buy a helicopter, bean bag ball and at least three more pieces of junk.
No doubt, by setting up rewards for fundraising participation you will at least double your profit. But PLEASE don't choose a program that promotes that the value of the products you sell doesn't really matter as long as the students can get excited about earning Junk. The value of the products should be a priority, plus the participant's reward should have true value!
Friday, March 4, 2011
Tips for a Successful Fundraiser
I came across a great article posted on AFRDS about implementing a successful fundraiser. School Spirit Coffee narrows it down to three basics: Set Goals, Stick to your Timeline, and Reward High Achievers. I realize that is an over simplification of the amount of planning and time it takes to raise funds for the organization you are passionate about. This article gives us food for thought and hopefully adds to success of your fundraiser. AFRDS Article
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