Comments on: 5 Unique Fundraising Ideas

By: Chelsea Blasco

Chelsea Blasco — Wed, 02 Nov 2011 20:30:14 +0000

For the reverse raffle, not only have them sell back their ticket to get their name out of the drawing but can pay more to put your friends name on the ticket entered instead.

By: Joe Garecht

Joe Garecht — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 18:50:16 +0000

Andrew- thanks for your comments and thoughts. Great ideas!!!

For the low end event, I totally agree. Localized / personalized works wonders! For example, a non-profit I worked with in Philadelphia was throwing around the idea of doing a “Cheesesteak Crawl” (like a pub crawl, except the participants went from cheesesteak joint to cheesesteak joint, enjoying sample-size sandwiches at each).

On the reverse raffle, I agree that it has to be done right, and that any one organization’s mileage will vary with this one.

Thanks for your thoughts!

By: Andrew Brandt

Andrew Brandt — Thu, 20 Oct 2011 23:19:25 +0000

For the low-end event, I’d try to tie it in with the local community’s traditions. Instead of hot dogs or burgers and beer, I’d have Bratwurst und Bier for a German heritage community; or a Gumbo-a-thom in Louisiana, Big Apple dumplings or cheese cake in New York City, etc. Barbecue or chili should work almost anywhere in the South.

For the Reverse Raflle, I’d be careful about putting your donors in a situation where they could be embarrassed. Even if it is in good fun, some people could get upset — depends how it is presented. I’d rather have every board member donate 1 bottle of nice wine (or a 6-pack of good beer to go along with the Bratwurst event) and raffle it off. Perhaps cut a deck of cards in half and limit the number of chances to 52-54 (for a Poker deck) to increase the chances of winning (also have 2 to 4 prizes – depending on the number of board members). This is NOT a good idea for MADD or AA or Gamblers’ Anonymous, of course, so check your mission statement first and your guest list second. (Lot’s of kids with their parents? Forget the alcohol and try something else.)

My 2 cents (2 ideas) for the idea factory.

Andy