Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Getting Extra Buck to Give Your Group the Extra Bang


You want your performance to be as spectacular as your group; however, budget cuts have reduced your funding while costs have remained the same.   Here are some ideas to help during this difficult time: 



1.    Sponsors.  Businesses or individuals may want to help defray some of your choir’s expenses even if they have no ties to the choir itself.  Music reaches out to many people and your sound may appeal to them and their generosity.

2.     Go green.  Lots of businesses, organizations and individuals are focusing on “going green”.  The traditional methods of collecting cans, bottles, paper and even clothes may not bring in a lot of money but, your group will get 100% of the profits.  A new trend for fundraising is collecting old cell phones, ink jet cartridges, laser cartridges, MP3 players, laptops and other small appliances.  These items can be worth $0.50 to $300.  There are several sites that deal with eco recycling fundraising but here are a few that deal with recyclable fundraising for schools and nonprofit groups:

a.   www.fundingfactory.com  & www.recyclingfundraiser.com – deal with cell phones, cartridges and small electronics

b.     www.fundraisingweb.org – a directory of fundraising companies to assist you along with fundraising ideas and products

3.  Gift cards.  Purchase the cards for $10 and sell them for $20.  Cards purchased on www.restaurant.com  can be redeemed at restaurants nationwide. 

4.     Discount cards.  This is a high profit way to earn money.  It takes a little leg work at first to get businesses to participate but it’s worth the effort.  The cards cost an average of $1 - $3 and are usually sold for $10 each.  You get to design both the front and back of the card.  For more information visit www.fasttrackfundraising.com.



Hopefully these options sparked some helpful ideas for your group.  Put the same effort and enthusiasm into your creative fundraising that you have in performing and you are sure to do well.