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Ways to Raise Money in the Office
by Regina Quentin
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Overview
Pick a fundraiser that only requires the time and resources that you and your company readily have available. Some events require little planning and would not interrupt business operations. Other events take considerable planning and would disrupt the flow of business on the day they are held. Choose your events carefully so you don't put undue stress on the work environment.
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Getting Started
Establish a goal amount and publicize it to those in your office. Your coworkers are more likely to be available and excited for something that has a definite objective outlined. Also plan the fundraiser around your workplace's payday so that your coworkers are more willing to participate.
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Types of Fundraisers
Swap sale: Allow employees to bring in books, clothes, jewelry, DVDs, CDS and other approved items for an indoor garage sale. Set reasonable prices for each item. Your coworkers will gladly participate in something that allows them to get rid of their old stuff and find quality new stuff, knowing that all the money goes to your cause. Set up a table or room in your workplace to display the items. The sale can last for a number of days if need be.
Ban buzzwords: Pick a few words that are common office or company lingo and ban them for the day. Fine employees an agreed-upon amount when they use the banned words.
Bowling, basketball, casino, golf or video game tournament: Pick something that your coworkers genuinely enjoy doing. If the event can be held during work hours, employees may be more motivated to participate.
Silent auction: Each employee can offer a good or service for others to bid on. Example items include cookies, art, jewelry, a gift certificate for a professional massage, web design services or fruit baskets.
You could also host a talent show or karaoke night that employees pay to attend or sponsor a walk or bike ride, with employees asking friends and family members for donations. You can also hold drawings for a day off with pay, a special parking spot or other incentives your company can offer. You can have a "casual day" at the office and ask everyone to pay a few dollars for permission to dress relaxed. You can even hold a car wash and vacuum in the parking lot, a bake sale or a potluck lunch at which everyone pays a few dollars to eat.
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Motivational Practices
Display constant progress reports on your goals. Consider involving different departments of the organization in a friendly competition to see who can raise the most. You should also send out email reminders and post reminders around the workplace and perhaps consider selling shirts or sweatshirts with the event name on them to promote spirit and raise more money. Give prizes for the department or person who raises the most, is the most spirited, or helps out the most with the fundraiser and host a celebration when your goal has been reached.
