If the summer flew past you without the opportunity to plan the rest of your fundraising goals for 2010, take this opportunity to do it. Fall and winter are rich with chances to hold holiday themed fundraisers. So, get the gang fired up for a fantastic fundraising fall. Remember the old adage “those who plan to fail simply fail to plan.”
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So, let’s plan. September and October usually mean local street fairs and county carnivals. Appoint a team within your group’s structure to set up table space and feature easy fundraising products, like Fasttrack’s Fundraising Bracelets. Contact the community’s chamber of commerce for more information on renting booth space. Here are a few points to remember:
• Many fairs have their own rules and requirements. Follow these carefully; you may be invited back next year based on the relationship you build now.
• For a nominal fee, you are usually provided with a space large enough for a folding table and a few volunteers. Make the most out of your space.
• Set up a tasteful, decorative space that will draw fair browsers to your table. Limit the amount of helpers to those who are essential. Too many bodies make a cramped space look unprofessional.
• Encourage members and volunteers to promote your events on their social networking sites.
Halloween is another great opportunity to bring in donations. Many communities hold safe trick-or-treating celebrations. Check with area churches that hold fall celebration carnivals. School and community groups hold a “trunk-or-treat” get together to provide area kids and parents with a safe alternative to door to door trick or-treating. These activities provide your group with a readymade audience. Most groups are anxious for sponsors and volunteers to help the event go smoothly. Take advantage of the chance to pass out your group’s literature along with a small treat. Attaching a small note to the treat almost guarantees that your message will end up in the hands of an adult.

Do not let the dog days of summer put a damper on your fundraising efforts! Take advantage of the sunny days left to raise a few more dollars with a mid-summer fund drive, starring our featured product. Before you know it, your core volunteers will be back to the busy lives a new school year brings. Sit down during the summer downtime to plan your strategy through fall and into the holidays.

