Need some ideas. Can you help me?

Margies3 · #1 10-18-2009, 06:34 PM

Our youth group is going to a huge convention next summer. The cost per student is a little over $700. So we're trying to do as much fund raising as possible in an effort to defray as much cost as possible for each kid. Our hope is to not have to go to the church people for every fund raiser. We'd like to be able to tap into some money outside of our church family.

We've got a few ideas.......
1) The kids have a couple of group babysitting days set up. On those days people will bring their kids (mostly church kids) to a central location and all of our youth will be there to babysit while the parents attend a special dinner. The parents give a donation.
2) They have access to a very, very old and junked car. They're painting one side red/gray (for Ohio State) and one side blue/gold (for Michigan). They will have a sledge hammer available and each swipe with it will cost a certain amount of money.
3) They're going to do a thing called "Rake 'n Run". In this, they converge on someone's yard, rake their leaves, place a card in their door telling the homeowner that the raking job is their gift to them, but also letting them know about the upcoming conference and giving them an address in case they would care to donate to the cause. They are not obligated, but most people do give. (I'm not sure how much I like this idea, but they're doing it anyway)

So I'm looking to hear what kinds of fund raisers your groups might have done? How successful were they? How many people did it take to make it happen?

I'd sure appreciate hearing all of your input. You all are the BEST!

Tina · #2 10-18-2009, 06:40 PM

Our church works 2 concession stands at 7 Ole Miss home games in the fall, and makes approx 11% of sales as fundraisers for our youth dept. We average making $10,000-$12,000 for working 7 games. This is how we pay for lots of youth events. Maybe check with a college in your area and see if they have something like this that they do to help non profit groups.

Tina · #3 10-18-2009, 06:43 PM

Oh... I forgot to add... It takes approx 28 workers to pull off working the 2 concession stands.

Margies3 · #4 10-18-2009, 07:21 PM

Tina, that's a great idea. I'll pass it on to Tim and Jill. Fall football is almost over but basketball is coming up. You never know, eh?

Trouvere · #5 10-19-2009, 09:04 AM

Sis. Marge,
I know a group who rent a booth at the mall during Christmas break and
gift wrap. They invest in wrap and the booth but the profit is wonderful.
They make thousands of dollars. I don't know the ends and outs of
tax stuff because its charity but its a great fundraiser.

rgcraig · #6 10-19-2009, 09:06 AM

Margie - those are great ideas that you guys already have!!!

pelathais · #7 10-19-2009, 09:13 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Margies3

Tina, that's a great idea. I'll pass it on to Tim and Jill. Fall football is almost over but basketball is coming up. You never know, eh?

I know that a lot of stadiums and arenas have stands dedicated for just this sort of thing.

I was going to suggest applying for some Federal Stimulus funds, but that's getting old.

Do whatever Tina says...

Timmy · #8 10-19-2009, 09:13 AM

My wife makes millions, in the Mafia.

missourimary · #9 10-19-2009, 09:20 AM

lawn mowing next spring and snow shoveling this winter, in the same spirit as rake and run. Shoveling could be Scoop n Scoot? LOL

Kids where I was raised would volunteer at a local amuzement park one day a year to raise funds. My understanding was that kids would go and work in the concession stands and such, and be paid a below minimum wage for doing so (but could ride the rides for a couple hours free in exchange for their service).
Sell food or crafts at some local craft fairs this holiday season (day after Thanksgiving is great). Check the malls and schools for dates they might have shows set up.
Sell BBQ or drinks at a local auction.
Do a car wash in the spring.
See if a mall or Walmart or anywhere would pay you to be Santas and elves on weekends through the holidays.

Tina · #10 10-19-2009, 12:29 PM

I spoke with a pastor's wife this morning who does dessert items for holidays. She averages making around $1000 for Thanksgiving and Christmas as a side income.

Thanksgiving and Christmas could be huge fundraising times for your group. You could take special orders in advance from a planned dessert list. Include different types of cookies, brownies, cakes, pies & fudge. (And make sure to require payment at time of order placement to avoid cancellations) rather than just baking up items and having a sale.