The Fundraising "MAGIC BULLET" Scam

 

As with everything in life, people are always looking for a “Magic Bullet” that will get them where they want to go quick or faster.  The “Get Rich Quick” schemes scam millions of people into attending seminars selling just about everything.  Diet fads come and go along with new “In Home” workout gear that will get rid of your belly and give you 6 pack abs nearly overnight. 

People looking for a “Magic Bullet” often fall prey to those selling them. 

In the charity and non-profit world, I see this all the time.  Between software that allegedly will make your life easier, to counterfeit autographed items from Musicians and Celebrities that no one else in the world has and also to direct mail campaigns. 

Then there are charities who ignore the “tried and true methods” of fundraising because they are convinced that those are wore out.  They often spend an enormous amount of work and lose hundreds of thousands of hours wasting their time to profit very little. 

Just like “Get Rich Quick” schemes never pay off, neither do the fundraising fads that
will make you more money and your life easier. 

The real charity fundraising “Magic Bullet” is hard work, determination and more importantly – TIME!!!  No one, not even me, can show up to a first-time fundraising event and somehow make your charity millions.  Charities and Non-Profits will often compare themselves to well established, centuries old charities who have been in existence for a very long time.  They will believe that if done correctly, they will fundraise the same amount as those non-profits do – WON’T HAPPEN!!!  Then when they do not raise a very large amount of money, will drop anything they are currently doing and begin again with some other plan.  When along they should know they have to stand in the fundraising trenches and build on what they have. 

Yet another method is, they will easily fall for a company promising that a direct mail campaign will raise them millions.  Then the hammer hits, the direct mail company wants an enormous fee and then wants you to provide the names for them to mail too. 

Recently, I sat through a sales pitch by a fundraising software company with one of my clients.  Because I’ve been around the block about 1,000 times in 12 years, their “Magic Bullet” tactics stood out like a sore thumb.  With my client being the President of a 2 year old charity, he had no experience and they knew it.  They showed him an “Example” of their software along with “Examples” of Sponsors such as Coca Cola, Google, McDonald’s etc.  They showed insanely successful auctions raising hundreds of thousands of dollars.  He fell for it hook, line and sinker and bit hard.  I could hear the salesperson slobbering over the phone at the monster commission she was about to get.  But then, there was me, a fundraising wolf in sheep's clothing standing beside him.

But what they failed to tell him, which I did was simply this.  We will call him “Bob” – I said “Bob, you know all that incredible stuff there shown in this presentation?”  He said “Yes and we want them too.”  I said “Well Bob, those are only examples and not real at all.  This company is using those brands and logo’s just to dress it up.  In fact Bob, you have to look at this software like going to a restaurant for dinner and you have to buy your own food, cook it and then the restaurant sells you the plate.  You or we have to do all the work.  This software is just that, an empty slate.”  “Oh” in a down voice he said “So they don’t give us these people at all?”  I said “No not at all, in fact, they don’t help us advertise it or get anyone to bid – OR – provide all those beautiful auction items – we must do everything.”  Well, that ended quickly with the salesperson wondering who in creation I was.

In closing, the charity or non-profit fundraising “Magic Bullet” is simply “hard work, determination and time.”  Plus educating you and your charity on the current fundraising trends that seem to change day to day.  Don’t fall for “Magic Bullets”…the only thing that will make you rich takes years of dedication and commitment.

Just put in the work.

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North American Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  BW is known all over the country for expert guidance and assistance in the planning and management of highly profitable fundraising events as well as a leading provider of auction items for both Silent and Live Auctions.  Contact BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising today at www.BWUnlimited.com. 

The #1 WORST Enemy of a Charity Fundraising Committee

The worst enemy of a charity planning a fundraiser is “Negativity.”  Negativity has a tendency to spread like a disease if not cured quickly.

There are many causes for negativity in a fundraising committee, however this is what I have seen on many occasions:

#1 – Control – A member of your committee or team may want to be in charge. 

#2 – Destruction – A member of your committee may not like the person in charge and they will do whatever they can to ensure that the event is not a success.  They do this in hopes that the person in charge will fail and look awful, further making them look better.

#3 – Persistent Negativity – Some people are always negative and live a pessimistic life.

#4 – Hidden Agenda – A member of your committee may have been in charge or a friend of theirs was in charge in the past but was replaced by someone new.  If the new person in charge is successful, their failure or their friend’s failure will be revealed even more.  They will also want to see that person removed so that they or their friend can return to that role.

There are many reasons for negativity, however the best prescription for negativity is:

#1 – Recruiting – Look for positive, energetic people who want the event to be a success.

#2 – Tone – Set the tone with the committee right from the beginning. 

#3 – Prevention – If someone on your committee is constantly negative, remove them immediately before it spreads to the other members.

You will waste more energy and time trying to either change their behavior or simply dealing with them in order to keep them happy.  Remember, if they are negative, they will not do anything to help you and your charity be a success.  They will cause arguments and make life miserable for both you and your committee.

Look for people who will support your efforts, not people who will detract from it.  Building a strong team/committee is the most important aspect and the foundation of a successful fundraiser.  Do not just recruit everyone, carefully select an All Star Team.

If you would like to learn more helpful tips on how to plan a highly successful fundraising event from the beginning, check out our website at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Philosophy and the “Art of the Ask”: How to increase financial donations

The old days of placing an envelope on the table at your charity fundraising event or passing around a basket, called “Passing the Hat” are long gone.  In fact, if you did that today, you would find 98% of the envelopes empty.

So how do you get people to donate money and more importantly, large sums of money?  This is a two-pronged strategy and approach.  But first we must understand that society today has changed to a “What will you do for me?” mentality.

In order to get more sponsors and to entice more people to donate, we first must understand this:

#1 - Companies will donate or invest in exchange for advertisement.  The more advertisement they receive, the more they will donate or sponsor.

#2 – Donors, that is people who will or could make large donations, they too want something for their donations.  What do these people want you ask?  To be noticed or have their few seconds in the spotlight.

Understanding the philosophy above is half the battle or the way to uncover the “Secret” to get more sponsors and entice more people to donate.  Here is the other half – the “Art of the Ask.”

Before I tell you or describe the “Art of the Ask”, you have to recall the “Old Ways” of getting financial donations.  Sending out hundreds of mailers or by getting on the phone and cold calling a long list of possible supporters.  Then getting into a lengthy conversation with them about why you need their hard-earned money which inevitably ends up as a “Telemarketer” approach.

Recently, I saw that a friend who is very affluent attended a charity fundraiser.  Knowing he is wealthy, I asked him how much he donated to the cause, he responded was “Nothing.”  When I asked why, he said “Because no one asked us to donate.”  He further went on to say that after looking at everything they had to offer in the silent and live auction, nothing appealed to him so he didn’t bid on anything either.

The fact that no one asked to donate is a simplistic and ironic with the argument being “He should have donated on his own without being asked.”  Today, everyone wants to be appreciated and to be thanked.  When you place yourself at a higher importance than your donors, that is a sure sign you are simply out of touch.

“The Art of the Ask” – Wouldn’t you agree that this is a “What are you going to do for me” society?  Absolutely it is.  Both donors and sponsors need to know there is value in their donations.  What does value mean?  Simply put – what do they get for their donation.  That’s not a question, it’s a statement.  We have already addressed why sponsors donate funds, however we briefly touched on why people donate.

Before you burn me at the stake…yes absolutely, people donate to help the mission of your charity, you’re right.  However, from my 25 years of experience raising 100’s of millions of dollars for charities – we now know and understand the power of simply asking them for a donation.  You cannot, let me say that again…you can not just expect it, you have to work for it.

To answer your question “What should we do?” or “How do we do it?”  First you must hire a professional.  Having “Bob the Weatherman” or “Sam the local politician” who does a great job acting like an auctioneer simply won’t cut it.  If you’re getting surgery, would you ask the same people to cut into your skin?  Absolutely not.  Isn’t raising the maximum amount of funds the goal of the fundraiser? You need a professional to get this done.

Whether you hire us, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising, or you hire one of the many professional charity auctioneers across the United States, make sure you have a professional do this.  That in and of itself is the most important aspect here and the reason is, they understand the mechanics of how to ask, when to ask and how to do it successfully.

People at your fundraising event will absolutely donate – BUT – they want to be asked and they want to be placed in the spotlight when they do.  It’s called “Pea Cocking” or “Show Boating.”  You may not like that or agree, but it's reality.  They want others to see them donating and love her applause when they do.  Plus, they may want to donate to impress someone else in the crowd.  As an example, one of your board members is someone of importance in your community.  Another guest in the crowd wants to do business with them so they will make a healthy donation simply to attract the attention of your board member.

This “Ask” is also referred to as the “Fund a Need” or “Paddle Raise.”  You would be amazed at how incredibly successful this is.  We have raised as much as 1.8 million dollars at one event simply by asking.  But if you do not know what to do or how to do it, consult the advice of a professional.

The “Art of the Ask” is an art because it has to appeal to your guests and not be a “Beg” instead of an “Ask.”  Your guests can’t feel like you are putting them on the spot, they won’t react.

If we can help you understand and successfully accomplish the “Art of the Ask”, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is the Premier charity fundraising company in North America in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  What does a charity fundraising “One Stop Shop” mean?  We have everything you could possibly need and want all in one location, staffed by the nation’s foremost experts in charity fundraising.  Give us a call, we would love to help you.  You can reach us at 443.206.6121.  Call anytime, we are here to help you.

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The “FREE TICKET” Charity Myth – “BUSTED”

A common myth with charities across North America is in regard to either "Comping" people or giving guests "FREE TICKETS." 

Many believe that "Comping" people a ticket, they will attend your event and spend the money they would have paid for the ticket and more.  It’s also believed that by “Comping” them tickets, they will have the understanding that they need to spend or donate money because they know they were provided the ticket for free.

Many times, charities will give influential or affluent people “FREE TICKETS” thinking they will make large donations.

The next part of the charity myth is that it’s a great practice when a company, group or individual purchases tickets to give away to others, most likely to those who can not afford to attend or purchase the event ticket.

Another part of the myth is called an “In Kind” donation.  Now my definition may be different than yours but what I believe it is, is when someone donates an item in exchange for event tickets of the same value.

MYTH “BUSTED”:  Why is this a bad practice?

First, when you give away “Free Tickets”, you must understand that you are still paying for the cost of their meal and drinks.  In reality, the ticket is not free, you are paying their way ultimately.

Second, when you give someone a “Free Ticket”, there is no clear expectation to spend or donate money.  In fact, over 12 years of professional fundraising, I have never seen this to be true. 

Part (2) of the above is even worse, when people are provided “Free Tickets”, they made no investment and may decide not to attend.  They may want to stay at home, do yardwork or whatever – they spent nothing, so not attending is a clear option.  Think about this point – is it sufficient to have someone buy a table and the seats are empty at your event?  No, it’s not at all.

Third, if someone needs a “Free Ticket” to attend, most likely they can not afford to come.  Do you want someone to attend your “Fundraising” event who can not even afford your event ticket?  No, because they also will not be able to afford to donate or bid on anything at your event.  A mid to high priced ticket is what I refer to as a “Financial” hurdle – if they can afford to buy the ticket, they can afford to donate.  It’s a fundraiser, right?

Fourth, it sounds like a really nice thing to do when an individual or company purchases a ticket to give away to people.  At it’s face, that sounds like such a nice thing to do.  But, if those same people could not afford to come – Refer back to #1, #2 and #3.  You need people to jump over your financial hurdle. 

Fifth, if someone ever says “I’ll donate this item to you that retails for $150.00 if you give me the same amount back in tickets (you are selling tickets for $75.00 a piece.”  The one aspect of fundraising is that donated items historically across North America bring 1/8 to 1/4 of retail in any Live or Silent Auction.  You take the offer and place the item on your Silent or Live Auction and it only sells for $30.00 or less, possibly no one bids.  Let’s say your paying $50.00 a person to the Caterer, you just lost either $120.00 retail in your ticket prices or $70.00 in the true cost.  Do not ever do this.

In closing, remember, you are hosting a fundraiser.  By giving away tickets, you are literally taking money out of your own pocket to pay for that “FREE TICKET” which truly does not exist.  Someone has to pay for it.  Where are you going to take the money from to pay for the “FREE TICKET”?  Are you going to take it away from the mission of the charity?  There is no such thing as a “FREE TICKET” and it is a horrible practice to give anyone free tickets.

Secondarily, even though it sounds nice when someone buys a table or tickets to give them away to the less fortunate, but then the same rules apply.  They may not even come, leaving you with empty seats.  Then, they could not afford to come and won’t be able to donate to your charity.  They will come eat, drink and have fun and that’s it.  Before you give away tickets or “Comp” anyone, think about what we just discussed first prior to agreeing to it.  If you decide to do it, remember I warned you!!!

These strategies and many others are a part of fully understanding successful charity fundraising.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is the #1 source of incredibly successful fundraising in a “One Stop Shop” setting.  There are a myriad of mistakes and pitfalls inexperienced fundraisers make, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising will steer your charity around them to a successful result.  Contact us today at www.BWUnlimited.com.

Think of your Charity as a Business: Charity vs. "For Profit" companies

Recently, I had been thinking about a better way to explain to charities and those fundraising on how to understand who Sponsors are and why they sponsor, who the guests are and how to attract them and last but not least, who their volunteers are and their role.

Suddenly, I realized (based on a book and video by Dan Pallotta) that the best way would be in terms of a business but more importantly a store.  As soon as I could, I used this at a meeting with a client planning their fundraising event and it’s as if everyone there exactly understood much better.  In order to be successful, as Dan says, charities must think like a business in order to be competitive. 

In reality, a charity is a business and in fact, many of the tasks it does as a whole is business related.  So with that, here we go.

First, we are going to use these terms as if you were opening a business or a store:

• -         Event Planners are now known as “Business Consultants
• -         Sponsors and Donors are now known as “Investors and Vendors.”
• -         Guests are now known as “Customers.”
• -         Volunteers and the charity staff are now known as “Salesmen.”

In order to open a business and in this instance, we will think of it as a Store, let’s call it the “Charity Store.”  We first must understand our store opens only once a year (we only host one major fundraiser each year) and is only open (4) hours (the length of your event).  We only have (4) hours to make enough money to maintain our business throughout an entire year.

Many businesses owners understand that they must spend money to make money – however, in the charity sector, charities think exactly opposite to their detriment.  Do you understand and agree with this?  Or do you think getting everything for free is the successful way to operate?  Do you think the highly successful businesses in your area do the same as a charity?  Many Businesses owners understand that even though they want to open a business and be successful, they don’t understand as much as they should.  Retailers and Restaurant Owners often hire professional consultants who will come to their store and design it, train their staff on how to be successful sales people as well as develop a business plan.  They stay with the business as it ages to continue to improve it.  

Have you ever seen TV Shows such as “The Profit” or “Restaurant Takeover” or “Bar Takeover”?  The stars are consultants helping the businesses improve and often thrive.  Do you know how to properly plan a fundraiser?  Are you a highly successful fundraiser and are highly educated on the current trends of fundraising?  Do you know what makes Sponsors…sponsor at high levels?  Do you know how to entice your guests to make large donations and what makes them place high bids?  Do you understand all the aspects that go into a highly successful fundraiser?  Do you think you should higher an expert charity fundraiser or a Charity Fundraising Event Planner who is also an expert Charity Fundraiser?

If we are just starting our business or taking it to the next level, you will need Investors and Vendors.  In order to attract Investors, we first have to learn what the investor wants out of their investment.  What’s the best way to learn this?  By simply asking them.  Your “Investors (Sponsors)” will want Marketing as their primary concern.  Come up with a Marketing Plan for your Sponsors before you even approach them.  If you are already a well-established charity, your potential “Investors” is already right in front of you – your Vendor list.  What’s a Vendor you ask?  Open your business checkbook and see who you pay on a monthly basis.  Those vendors have been reaping the benefits of doing business with you for as long as you have been in business, approach them while reminding them how long you have been paying them and then tell them about your event and you would like them be a sponsor. 

In regard to your “Investors” being Donors, businesses which donate items, present them with your Marketing Plan for your Sponsors and Donors.  As with most charities, they simply take the items and whatever they make on selling them, that’s enough.  However, what will set you apart from the rest is that you truly “Care” about their business. 

If both your “Investors (Sponsors) & Vendors (Donated Items)” voice their opinion about when they donated to another charity and how it did not help them, ask them why?  What were they not happy with when they did?  Then ask them how you can best drive business to them and even further, how you can get them closer to purchasing items from their businesses.

Let’s talk about your business “Customers.”  Whenever a new business opens up in town, people automatically flock to it to check it out.  But we first must understand how they found out about the “Grand Opening.”  They found out through Marketing and Advertisement.  Do you think the business owner who wants to truly be financially successful only does a small amount of Marketing or Advertisement?  Absolutely not.  They hire top rated marketing companies who develop and advertising strategy.  They then develop commercials as well as beautifully designed signs, print ads and billboards.  They run their ads over and over and over again, nearly bombarding you their potential customers with the advertisement.  They feature all the great items they will have in their store and tell you how there are limited quantities available.  They spare no expense when it comes to advertisement and they don’t just advertise every once in a while, they repeat it over and over and over again until their store opens. 

As a charity planning a fundraiser, you must do exactly the same as a business hosting a Grand Opening.  You must develop a marketing strategy along with planning on how to best gain the attention of everyone in the area in which you reside or are located.  If done correctly, you will gather the attention of everyone in the entire country…but do you know how?  You also must have the correct marketing materials as well as made the correct decisions on what you need to have at your event in regard to the venue, menu and the items there for sale (to bid on).

 

Then, lets talk about your “Sales People” in your business – your volunteers.  If you sales people are not trained properly on how to be friendly and the art of the “Up Sell”, then your business will most likely flounder.  You have to find “Sales People” who are Rockstar’s !!!  The better sales people you have, the better you will ultimately perform.  They must be trained and also involved in your marketing strategy.  Switching over, are you volunteers Rockstar’s?  Are they trained Salesmen and Saleswomen?  Many times, charities just go after “People” without ever interviewing them about their sales skills.  You must have vibrant, friendly volunteers who are not afraid to talk, joke around and Sell Sell Sell. 

If you do it correctly, your business will thrive and you will make an enormous amount of profit.  However, if you do it incorrectly, doing things that contradict successful business practices, you will be closing your doors quickly. 

Charities MUST, absolutely MUST, adopt the same business practices as the “For Profit” sector in order to survive, be relevant and prosper.  They will never be able to fund their missions without successful fundraising.

If you would like help from the most well known charity fundraising Experts in North America, contact BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising at www.BWUnlimited.com or by calling 443.206.6121.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is the only full scale charity fundraising event planning company in North America with a proven, successful track record and in business with 12 years.  Call us today.

The "WOW" Factor - How to “BRAND” your fundraising event

First do you understand what a “Brand” is?  Let’s take for instance Coca Cola, Nike, John Deere or McDonalds – each of these companies developed a logo or a “Brand” which allows just the logo without words, to clearly and quickly identify the company.  They pay marketing companies millions to not only develop their brand but to also invent their “Brand Strategy.” 

Why should a charity who is fundraising use branding or develop a brand strategy?  Because it will differentiate you and your fundraiser from all others in your area. 

Here are a few tips which will help you truly brand your event and set you head and shoulders above the crowd:

#1 – Developing a Brand:  Many people believe this is called a “Theme.”  That’s true but in order for you and your charity to develop a brand, there is more to it.  You first have to have a very “Eye Catching” event flyer that grabs people attention.  There is a proven scientific concept that says that someone needs to see something (7) times before they act upon it.  However, if your flyer is “Eye Catching” by being highly designed, you have a much higher chance of catching someone’s attention than the normal homemade flyers.  Plus a very “Eye Catching” Event flyer will impress possible guests and sponsors, showing them your event is of a much higher scale and not like the “Norm.”

#2 – Brand Consistency:  Once you have developed your charity event brand, everything surrounding it should remain consistent.  That goes from your Facebook Event Header, to your tickets and to your sponsorship flyer.  Everything should mirror the other to keep the brand consistent. 

#3 – Keeping the “Fun” in “Fundraising”:  Remember no one likes “Boring.”  By developing a high profile brand through your flyers, as discussed above, your guests will get excited because your brands high appeal factor.  They will immediately get excited, creating a “Buzz” surrounding your event.  Then they will weigh it against the others in your area.  Creating a “Buzz” will create “Fun” – people outside of your circle will also see your well branded marketing materials and also take notice.  Businesses will then be drawn in based on the appeal of your branding and also be drawn in because of the “High Appeal” and not like the normal every day, homemade fundraising flyers we all see everywhere.  You will be a “Cut above the Rest” and they will want in via a financial sponsorship.

As an example, our client The Unbridled Heroes Project – they work with adopt wild Mustangs from outwest who are being sold for meat and pair them with Veterans who are battling with PTSD.  Understanding that they work with horses but are holding a Gala, we utilized “Denim.”  From that, we developed the “2019 All American Heroes Diamonds & Denim Gala.”  The branding delivers the charity but also creates a fashion statement along with the high appeal via the diamonds and the consistent branding/marketing to draw attention to the event but also to create a “Buzz.”  As you can see, everything is consistent from the main event flyer, to the sponsor flyer, event ticket and Facebook Event Page Header:

2019 All American Heroes Bash benefiting The Unbridled Heroes Project

Remember, creating a brand is much more than just a theme.  It’s creating marketing materials that set your event a part of all others in such a highly competitive charity fundraising marketplace when everyone is fighting to get people’s attention.  Be different, be unique, be a “Cut above the Rest.”

BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising has its own Graphic Design Department which specializes in brand consistency for our clients.  We begin with the charity, then develop a title or name of the event then create a graphic design to all aspects of our clients marketing materials – creating a branding strategy for our charity clients across the United States.  If you would like to learn more about how BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising can help you create the “WOW” affect, contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com or email George at George@bwunlimited.com – we would love to help you.

TOP Themed Gift Basket Ideas for your next charity fundraiser

As we all know, gift baskets are always a big hit at charity fundraising events across the country.  With this blog, I hope to share some excellent ideas that will get your guests excited about your offering.  Remember have a plan for each while also thinking about your guests.

Instead of just throwing together baskets, always set out with a plan.  A basket with a theme is always very enticing and exciting.  When planning to build these baskets, give several out to your volunteers or team members for them to go after.  Remember – Size Matters.  The bigger the basket, the more it will attract attention.  Here is a list of great themed baskets which everyone loves:

1. Chocolate Lovers Basket – filled with various chocolates as well as chocolate drinks.
2. Grilling Basket – Filled with Sauces, Spices, Grill Gloves, utensils etc.
3. Italian Dinner Basket – Pastas, Sauces, Kitchen Utensils for pasta, Bottle of Wine
4. Wine & Cheese Basket – A Bottle of Wine, wine glasses, various cheeses, a cork screw, cheese knife etc.
5. Car Care Basket – Bucket, Car Wash items, Car Wax, Windex etc.
6. Kids Beach Basket – Beach Toys, Squirt Guns etc.
7. Dog Bowl Basket – Fill a large Dog Bowl with Dog Treats and toys.
8. Movie Night – Empty Pizza Box, Gift Certificate for Pizzas, 2 cheap DVD’s from Walmart, Liter of Coke, Liter of Sprite, Pop corn
9. Make Up Basket – Make Up, Make Up bag, etc.
10. Picnic Basket – Picnic items
11. Craft Basket – Crafting items
12. Spa Basket – Soaps, Candles, Bubble Bath etc.
13. Candy Basket – Very fun, fill it with every kind of candy you can find, vintage candy is always a hit.
14. Junk Food Basket – Potato Chips, Pretzels, Doritos, Dips etc.
15. Coffee Basket – Coffees, cups, cookies etc.
16. Sports Fan Basket – Calendars, Shirts, Coozies etc.
17. Lottery Tree – a Bunch of Scratch Off Lottery Tickets
18. Christmas Basket – Christmas items
19. Tea & Cookies Basket – Various Teas, cups, spoons etc.
20. Tailgate Basket – Fill a Cooler with Tailgate items, junk food etc.
21. Disney Basket – Disney items
22. Spices Basket – Different Spices, sauces etc.
23. Baking Basket 
24. Gardening Basket
25. Pet Lovers Basket
26. Kids Toys Basket
27. Sports Baskets – One Basket filled with items for each Team

If you know anyone who sells Pampered Chef, Mary Kay, Tupperware, or anyone like that, they will ALWAYS donate a basket.

Many of these items can be found in your local grocery store or Dollar Store.  Remember, build them big so that they attract attention.

For more tips and successful ideas, check out our website at www.BWUnlimited.com.  We would love to help you.

Charity TV - Golf Tournament Charity Fundraising

Missing the Mark - Alternative Fundraising methods

Over the years, I have spoken to, observed or advised charities across North America.  The numbers are in the 10’s of 1,000’s and continue to grow each year.  I’ve spoken to and helped charities in every state and most of the Canadian provinces.  One single issue comes up all the time, charities or nonprofit organizations trying to find an alternative method of raising funds outside of a Gala or Dinner.

 

I recently spoke with (2) individuals from charities or groups that desperately needed to raise money.  One of these groups was actually deeply in debt and needed to fundraise to get themselves out of the financial hole they were in.  They were calling me asking for help but when I told them what we would do, both decided not to move forward because they feel that there are other ways to raise the funds they need other than hosting a social gathering. 

These charities represent many across North America who believe that “Gala’s” or events like that are over done.  They believe that there are other ways to raise a major amount of money like these events do.  Sadly, they are mistaken and inevitably work harder to raise less.  They will aim all over the target but the bullseye and miss the mark they so desperately need to.

These events are social, people get to purchase a table and be with their family or friends for a fun night out.  They can enjoy great music, great food, drinks and bid/win amazing items.  They also get to support a charity which they feel close to all at the same time. 

Creating an event causes everyone to come and attend and these are normally held on a Friday or Saturday evening.  Guests get dressed up, are relaxed and enjoy the evening out.  Sponsors on the other hand are attracted to such an event for marketing reasons and therefore will make large financial donations just so that the guests see that they support the charity hosting the event. 

When people are relaxed, enjoying themselves they are quicker to open their wallets and hearts to help the cause.  Furthermore, there is no better time to educate the guests on the mission of your charity/nonprofit.

Think about it, who doesn’t enjoy a great dinner and an evening out?  The bigger the event, the larger the attendance will be which equals larger donations and a successful fundraiser.

Give people what they want!!!  Have you seen Facebook lately?  On people’s birthday, they are asking for their family and friends to donate to the favorite charity.  There are GoFundMe pages posted every single day all over the country.  People get overwhelmed and "Numb" to charities because everywhere they turn, they are being approached "Cold" and being asked to donate.

But if you give people a great night out at a very nice place, who wouldn’t want to go to that?  If done correctly, your guests won’t even realize they are donating so much or donated at all.  These types of events are entertaining and that is why they are successful if planned and managed correctly.

If you would like to host an incredibly successful fundraising event, BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising would love to help you.  BW Unlimited Charity Fundraising is a North America Charity Fundraising leader in a convenient “One Stop Shop” setting.  Contact us at www.BWUnlimited.com, we would love to help you and your organization exceed your fundraising goals.