Easiest Fund-Raising Ideas

by Ginna Baker

Overview

When the time comes around for fund raising, many people moan. No one wants to go door-to-door selling wrapping paper; but the money does have to come from somewhere. Hosting simple events or providing services is a great way to make money without feeling like you are nagging people to death.
Host a Dinner

One of the easiest ways to make money for a cause is to host an event. Often, spaghetti dinners bring in a lot of money because of the low cost of the materials and the high public appeal. Most people love spaghetti, and spaghetti is incredibly simple to prepare. A few huge pots of spaghetti and a few huge pots of sauce, plus some garlic bread and fruit can make an excellent dinner. Charge $5 to $10 a person, or simply ask for donations. If your group is a wealthy group, you'll get more by asking for donations; however, if the guests are low income families or young people, it's probably better to simply give a per-person price. You'll attract a lot more people if you allow children to eat for free or for a very low price---say, $2 per child. Toward the end of the dinner, have a few people talk about the cause for which you are raising funds. The shorter, the better, as guests typically come for the spaghetti as much as they do for the cause. People who have benefited from the organization or effort are particularly powerful speakers.

Host a Movie Night

If you have a farmer or landowner in your group, consider offering an evening under the stars. This could include a hayride, some simple outdoor games and a campfire. Hang a huge sheet in his field and end the evening with an outdoor movie---preferably a western. Charge for apple cider, popcorn and s'mores ingredients.
Offer Your Services

Another great fundraiser---also simple---is to hold a service day. The car wash is a classic example of this, but there are many other services that are easy and sought after. Offer to rake leaves at $5 per bag. Offer a cleaning service at $5 to $10 per room. You can also provide special occasion delivery services. Buy roses in bulk, then offer to deliver the roses for a set price. If you have some talented musicians in your group, offer to deliver singing valentines for members of the community. Deliver meals ready-to-serve, croutons and all. Whatever you do, have fun. The more you enjoy yourself, the more attractive your cause will become to potential donors. And even if you don't make as much money as you would like, at least you will have a great experience to look back on

Overview