Who doesn’t love supporting kids and their organizations. Whether it be the school, band, scouts, after-school programs, there are so many groups out there that are worthy of our support. We frequently field requests from our family and friends, and we’re happy to give.
The problem with the coffee fundraiser, or any sales-based fundraiser, is that you don’t really need the coffee. You would most likely prefer to support the organization with a donation, rather than giving a portion of it to the coffee company. You really want to help the child’s organization, but the actual fundraiser leaves you frustrated and less likely to give.
Before you launch your coffee fundraiser, here are five questions you should ask:
1. How much money will come back to our organization?
Ensure a full understanding of the percentage you receive from the coffee sales. Weigh that cost against the effort involved in coordinating the fundraiser and selling the item. Sales-based fundraisers can be fun and engaging, but if the margins aren’t there, you might be better off asking for straight donations.
2. How will we make it easy for donors to support or give to our organization?
No matter the fundraiser, it’s important to approach your campaign with your donor in mind. Offer a way for donors to give electronically. Given most of us have our phones at all times, nothing makes giving easier than a mobile app. A mobile giving app makes it hard for your donors to say no if they can give by snapping a picture and a couple of taps of their screen.
3. How will you promote the fundraiser?
If you want people to support your organization, you need to promote why it’s so important. Planning how you will promote the fundraiser or actual donations you receive can help spread the word and encourage others to give. Social media tools can be great assets when it comes to promotion. Enable your donors to share their own support with their personal social networks.
4. How will we handle tax receipts?
One of the benefits of supporting a fundraiser is the ability to write off the donation come tax time. Your donors likely get hit up to support local organizations through popcorn, wrapping paper, coffee, or Krispy Kreme fundraisers all the time. Those $20 donations add up. It can be cumbersome to keep up with all the receipts for your tax documentation at the end of the year. Make it easy for your donors to report their donations with electronic receipts.
5. How can we build support over time?
Who doesn’t want to support organizations that make a difference. It’s just that selling things for a cause doesn’t always seem to be the best way to use time and resources. It’s not about the coffee. It’s about supporting the kids and the organization that makes an impact in their lives. That support should happen year-round, and to make that happen you need people invested in your organization. Think about how you can use this fundraiser as a jumping off point to engage people further with your cause. A little brainstorming and careful planning can turn one-time supporters into engaged regular donors.
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