tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-14839927.post-1158206624490700812006-09-13T20:59:00.000-07:002006-09-13T21:03:59.956-07:00These quick and simple tips for first time fundraisers will get you on track and on your way to the first of many successful fundraisers.<br /><OL><br /><STRONG><LI>Decide how Much Money Your Group Needs To Raise</STRONG><br />This will help you evaluate products and programs that will be ideal for your group.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Watch For Hidden Costs</STRONG><br />Don't let your group's profits disappear because of hidden costs (ex. shipping, prizes).<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Give Yourself And Your Group Lots Of Time To Prepare</STRONG><br />Select your fundraising program early. This will give you lots of time to plan. Include your fundraiser on the school or community calendars and newsletters.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Timing</STRONG><br />Make sure to stagger the various fundraisers to avoid flooding your potential consumers and to avoid competing with other fundraisers.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Set Up Specific Dates And Stick To Them</STRONG><br />If you avoid setting clear target dates the campaign tends to drag on and often without direction.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Try To Conduct Fewer And More Effective Programs</STRONG><br />This will help maintain motivation and avoid "fundraising fatigue".<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Rely On Your Fundraising Company's Expertise</STRONG><br />Ask lots of questions and use your fundraising company's suggestions and advice.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Stay Motivated Throughout The Program</STRONG><br />Some organizers tend to lose interest once the program is underway. Put a 10-12 day time limit on order taking. It's easier to stay motivated with clear goals and deadlines.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Communicate Clearly Before, During And After The Program Is Put In Place</STRONG><br />Keep energy levels high by reminding parents, teachers and other volunteers of the fundraising goals and deadlines.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Avoid Shipping And Ordering Problems</STRONG><br />Work closely with your volunteers and assure their order forms are legible and filled out completely.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Keep Copies Of The Order Forms</STRONG><br />Always keep copies of the order forms before you send them to your fundraising company.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Recruit Adult Volunteers Ahead Of Time</STRONG><br />This will make the distribution of the products to the volunteers more efficient.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Double Check Products Received Against Your Order Forms</STRONG><br />This needs to be done before the products are given to the volunteers to ensure that nothing is damaged or missing.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Keep Absent Volunteers Informed</STRONG><br />Don't forget to communicate the program's kick off and other important meetings to absent volunteers.<br /><br /><STRONG><LI>Have Fun!</STRONG><br />A good attitude = better success!</OL><div class="blogger-post-footer">This article is part of the Fundraisers.com Blog Network<img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/14839927-115820662449070081?l=ideasblog.fundraisers.com' alt='' /></div>Giving Backhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13164670867715082845noreply@blogger.com0