FastTrack Fundraising Tips and Articles

The purpose of these notes is to serve as a guide to anyone planning a casino party fundraiser event. There are certain points listed that might not be applicable to your event. However, we have attempted to address the typical scenarios an organizer will likely encounter.  For a more detailed guide, grab a copy of “Casino Night Fundraiser Secrets” at http://www.fasttrackfundraising.com/casino-night-fundraiser.php.

Table of Contents
1. Goal
2. Revenues
3. Expenses
4. Determining Ticket Price
5. It will be all right on the night if…

1. Goal

Generally when asked the question, “How much money would you like to raise at this event?” most hosts realize that they haven’t given it enough thought. Having a realistic goal of how much money you would like to raise is the key starting point. It should determine the price of your entrance fee and the limit of your expenses.

Decide how much money you would like to make from this event.
Draft a statement of your proposed Revenue and Expenses.

Obviously the key is to maximize your revenue and minimize your expenses. As fundamental as this concept is, most organizations disregard it when running one of these events.
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As society moves further towards a green-centered lifestyle, Earth Day has changed from a simple idea to one of the most celebrated and recognized days of the year. Now, you can do your part while helping out your organization with fundraising. Here are some simple but effective Earth Day ideas:

Reusable gift bags: FastTrack Fundraising is proud to offer earth-friendly reusable gift bags. These heavy-duty bags are great for birthday gifts, holiday events, or just plain fun. More importantly, they’re reusable and cut down on the unnecessary waste of gift wrap. They’re the perfect fundraising tool in a month when we should all be extra aware of our impact on the environment. Click here to learn more.

Aluminum can drive: Did you know that most states still collect aluminum cans for cash? It’s true; even though your weekly recycling truck hauls away your cans and bottles, you can still get money for cashing them in. Now you can use this to fundraise by partnering with local businesses and neighborhoods in a can/bottle drive. Simply contact the HR department of your local businesses and explain what your organization does and that you’d like their employees to drop off their cans and bottles in designated collecting bins and boxes that you provide throughout the company. It’s that simple — employees recycle their cans and bottles and you can cash it in for a great fundraiser. Want an even easier version? Just go door to door and start collecting!

Trash clean-a-thon: Here’s a simple thing to do: get sponsors to pledge an amount per bag of trash you pick up. A clean-a-thon such as this can be done anywhere — neighborhoods, parks, shopping centers, schools, or anywhere else. In fact, you can even enlist the help of the local parks and recreation department in seeing if there are any areas they’d recommend cleaning; not only will they appreciate the help, they’ll probably publicize your event too!

Compact fluorescent light bulbs: Energy saving is on everyone’s mind these days, and changing traditional light bulbs to compact fluorescents is a simple way to do this. Now, you can tap into this popular trend by offering compact fluorescent light bulbs in a door-to-door fundraiser that’s as good for the earth as it is for your organization. First off, you’ll need an inventory of bulbs, and chances are if you talk with the manager at your local hardware store, they’d be willing to offer a bulk discount or even a sponsorship in your drive. Second, arm your volunteers with CF bulbs and a list of benefits they can tout to each person they speak to. Third, send them out and about to celebrate Earth Day while raising funds for your organization.

We asked an expert for his top 10 tips on the nuances of email marketing for nonprofits and ways to increase conversion rates. One simple change he made lifted response 66%. Nonprofit organizations have different relationships with their members than businesses do with their customers. Those differences need to carry over into their email programs.“Part of the whole overall fundraising program is realizing that your newsletter that’s keeping people aware of your activities is really fundraising. Nobody will consider it that, but it really is the cultivation side of a fundraising program, not just asking for money once a month,” says Jeff Herrity, Internet fundraising professional.

When your list is ready for an appeal — or a donation request — Herrity follows a long list of best practices he has developed over the years for clients, including Amnesty International and the American Red Cross.

Here are his top 10 tips for putting together an email fundraising campaign:

The Email Itself

-> Tip #1. Put your request in the subject line

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No other fundraiser brings a community closer together than a discount card fundraiser does. Aimed at attracting residents within the neighborhood of your school, discount card fundraisers serve another purpose besides helping your cause; they assist in the development of a sense of community between all parties involved: you, your supporters and your sponsors. Continue Reading…

So your school has decided to begin fundraising for the essentials towards higher education, leaving you to make a very important decision:  which course of action to take. There are more traditional methods, such as selling chocolate bars or magazine subscriptions; however, keep in mind that there is a possibility of other schools within the area doing the same. Continue Reading…

So you have your cards, are ready to raise some money, but are unsure what the best approach is to selling your cards? Below are some hints, tips, and strategies that have been collected that will help make selling your Pizza Cards a breeze! Continue Reading…

So you have your cards, are ready to raise some money, but are unsure what the best approach is to selling your cards? Below are some hints, tips, and strategies that have been collected that will help make selling your Sandwich Cards a breeze! Continue Reading…

So you have your cards, are ready to raise some money, but are unsure what the best approach is to selling your cards? Below are some hints, tips, and strategies that have been collected that will help make selling your discount cards a breeze! Continue Reading…

It wasn’t too long ago when fundraising just involved car washes and magazine sales. After the internet revolution of the past decade, things have changed, and a brave new world is available for fundraising. Online fundraising comes with many benefits including a worldwide reach, instant communication via email, and more choices than ever before. Continue Reading…

1. Increased Reach
Email makes it possible to contact supporters, family, and friends from different geographic locations as well as those only within close proximity. Fundraising campaigns can now reach potential supporters from coast to coast and not just those at arms length. Continue Reading…