FastTrack Fundraising Tips and Articles

Candy bars, magazines, coupon books, gift wrap, discount cards, pizzas, cookie dough, fresh fruit, desserts, greeting cards and raffle tickets.

This may sound like a grocery list, but it’s actually a partial litany of items my two children have been asked to sell – all for good causes, mind you – over the past decade.

While the products and services my kids have pitched to support schools, music programs and youth sports leagues are diverse, they’ve all had one thing in common: They cost money.

By definition, fundraising involves raising funds.

Mark Gilbertson, owner of Gilbertson Financial, has a son, Hank, who will be a sophomore at Regis High School in the fall, so he knows the game well.

“Every single season, I don’t care if it’s fruit, calendars, candy bars or that gold card you forget you have in your wallet, there’s always something you’re pulling money out for,” Mark Gilbertson said.

That’s why he got excited a few months ago when John Nelson, a manager at Eau Claire Automotive Group, told him about a fundless fundraiser, one in which people were asked to donate five or 10 minutes instead of $5 or $10 – or more.

The unusual fundraiser, which came to fruition Friday in support of Regis-McDonell-Bloomer hockey, offered a painless twist on the sometimes-tiresome trend of youth organizations constantly asking kids to beg their friends, neighbors and family members for money.

The event, which ran for four hours, involved participants taking test drives around a few blocks in one of six new Dodge vehicles provided by Eau Claire Automotive.

Hundreds of people were encouraged to participate, but the money came from Dodge, which agreed to donate $20 to RMB hockey for each person – up to 250 – who took a test drive during the event. While drivers were asked to reach into their pockets, it was only to present a valid driver’s license.

The idea is that participants were happy not to be asked for money, and the folks at Dodge and Eau Claire Automotive were hoping one of the cars might catch somebody’s eye. Thankfully, no sales pitch was involved, and the only person riding along on the test drives was an appreciative parent of an RMB hockey player.

Bill Miller, a Wisconsin field representative for Dodge, said the company’s booster club fundraiser concept has proved extremely popular, in large part because it raises “some serious money” for youth athletics.

In the case of RMB hockey, the proceeds will be put to good use buying hockey equipment and a camera system to film games, said coach Guy Brown, who hadn’t heard of the test drive concept previously.

Recognizing it’s hard for today’s busy kids to find time to sell stuff but also that funding for school activities is getting tighter all the time, a grinning Brown concluded, “This is a great way to go.”

Osseo Ford has participated in four similar fundraisers in the past two years through Ford’s Drive One 4UR School program, and co-owner Spencer “Spec” Pederson said the events have been well received in the host communities – Osseo, Augusta and Whitehall.

“It doesn’t cost you anything. That’s the appeal,” Pederson said. “The money actually comes from outside the community and goes toward something in the community.

“The schools get a nice donation, we meet some new customers and Ford gets exposure. It works well for everybody. It’s a win-win-win.”

Gilbertson, director of operations for the nonprofit support group RMB Hockey, event coordinator Lynn Nelson and other volunteers at Friday’s event made what they dubbed the “friend-raiser” an even sweeter deal for participants by handing out free food, courtesy of several other local businesses. They also gave away 200 free T-shirts with the slogan “Put some hemi in your hockey” on the back.

Despite a steady rain Friday that put a damper on planned outdoor hockey skills games, the event still nearly maxed out, falling just $140 short of organizers’ $5,000 goal.

That’s a lot of bang for kids’ pucks – without costing participants even a buck.

Lindquist can be reached at 715-833-9209, 800-236-7077 or eric.lindquist@ecpc.com.

We all know how a bra worn underneath a shirt supports us. A pink bra worn on the outside of a shirt however not only supports us, but all of the women around us too. That is the idea behind The American Cancer Society’s new symbol for the fight against breast cancer; the wearing of a pink bra on the outside of a shirt. WEAR IT OUT . It is a statement of awareness and the devotion to the eradication of one of the worst diseases to plague our society. Together with designers Kevin Downes and Patsy Sciacca, Joanne Hampton, an active fundraiser for the American Cancer Society and breast cancer SURVIVOR, has created a t-shirt to express this new symbol. The t-shirt, depicting a life-like pink bra, is designed to raise funds for breast cancer research and provide an exciting new modern symbol for showing support. The more people we see Wearing It Out, the closer we will be to finding a cure.

Joanne Hampton was diagnosed in 2003 with BRCA1 Positive Stage 2 Breast Cancer. Hers was a struggle shared by thousands of women every year. In 2010 alone, there were 207,090 new cases of breast cancer, carrying a 20% mortality rate, higher than any other form of cancer besides lung cancer. Over their lifetime, 1 in 8 women will develop breast cancer. These numbers are staggering. Our goal is to significantly decrease these numbers in the next generation, our children. Since her harrowing battle and victory over breast cancer, Joanne has made this goal her life’s pursuit. A mother of 2 and carrier of the BRCA1 gene, which increases the risk of breast cancer by up to 60%, Joanne is a tireless fund raiser and full time advocate for the American Cancer Society. In a recent news interview, Joanne was quoted as saying “Our success is measured by the number of those we have inspired. As a breast cancer survivor, I’ve been on a mission to raise funds to bring us closer to finding a cure. Together, we have made fundraising and support a family endeavor. It’s not only about us today, but also about the children of tomorrow.”

Proceeds from the sale of Wear It Out t-shirts, both online and in stores, will go to the American Cancer Society’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer. As head of her fundraising team, Joanne also encourages other teams to purchase and use the shirts as a tool in their own fundraising endeavors. Requests can also be made to provide the donation to a team or individual’s foundation of choice. Says Joanne, “Our vision is to educate by providing the tools to individuals so they too can join the fight. We are making a difference by donating a portion of the proceeds to those who continue to support us.”

Wear It Out T-shirts are available online at http://www.BreastCancer-WearItOut.com and in select stores.

Joanne Hampton can be reached by email at : info@breastcancer-wearitout.com

If you were asked to name the most powerful political fundraising industry in the U.S., who would you list?

Big Oil?

Big Pharma?

Attorneys? Defense contractors?

We can almost guarantee that you’d never guess what profession contributed more to House and Senate candidates in 2010 than any other: Retirees.

Individuals who labeled themselves as “retired” contributed almost $279 million to federal candidates in 2008 and over $159 million in 2010. By comparison, the next-largest industry, lawyers and law firms, donated $234 million in 2008 and almost $138 million in 2010.

Political fundraising has turned into a multibillion-dollar industry. And it’s no secret why: In a country with an increasing number of special interests vying for the favor of only 100 senators and 435 representatives, the stakes have never been higher.

We’ve used information gathered by The Center for Responsive Politics to list the top-20 industries by amount donated to federal elections (as of April 25, 2011), along with an approximation of which party the industry tends to lean toward:

source: http://www.investinganswers.com/a/most-powerful-group-political-donors-america-2979

Yoga can be a tremendous aid to cancer patients, survivors and family members as they battle the disease. Physically, mentally, and emotionally yoga provides the care, security, support, acceptance and rehabilitation needed during these crucial times. Breathing techniques, visualizations, and gentle asana practice all contribute to a healthy lifestyle and help cope with the ravages of cancer.

We’ve all been touched in some way by cancer. My grandparents have died from it, numerous friends are survivors, and a high school girlfriend’s little boy continues to fight brain cancer. I encourage you to show your support of these brave individuals by getting involved with your favorite cancer charity in the coming months. Kids and teens are often especially willing to lend a hand or help raise money and awareness demonstrating a high level of empathy and understanding. Get them involved in serving in the community. Here are a couple of my favorites.

Yoga Bear, an organization which aids and supports cancer patients & survivors, is encouraging an awareness campaign which encourages people to wear yellow on October 2nd to recognize the anniversary of Lance Armstrong’s cancer diagnosis. Learn more about Lance Armstrong andLIVESTRONG here.

Movember, a world wide movement which started in Australia, is bringing back the ’stash’. Men begin clean shaven on November 1st and grow a moustache throughout the month to increase prostrate cancer awareness. Learn more here.

The St. Valentine’s Day Hair Massacure, an annual event to raise money for the Stollery Children’s Hospital. To date this annual fundraiser has raised over $3 million with celebrities, families, 24 participating schools, even dogs participating by dying their hair vibrant pink and/or going bald.

Show your support. Get involved. Make a difference.

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Back to school night is the official end of summer. This time-honored night of getting to know your school and staff has been going on for years. You might be tempted to miss it, but don’t!

Every year, our schools are expected to provide more with less. Every school, whether public or private, greatly benefits from the help of parent volunteers. At Back to School Night, this is the time to sign-up to give 2-4 hours of your time to help out your school.

Represented at every Back to School night is the Parent Teacher Organization or Association (PTO/PTA). There is a small fee to officially join the PTO/PTA. This fee goes towards the national PTO/PTA organization which in turn usually provides insurance to your local group. I strongly recommend you join the PTO/PTA or similar parent group. This volunteer group of parents works hard to raise money just for your school for necessities outside the school budget or fun events for the kids. While you are fresh off of summer, also make it a goal to attend at least 3 PTO/PTA meetings. They usually meet once a month during the evenings. You do not need to officially join the PTO/PTA to attend. The meetings are also the best place to bring up new ideas or learn more about the way things are done.

Also at Back to School night, many parents that chair an event (teacher appreciation or a school fundraiser) will be there to solicit volunteers. Although you may be weary of committing your time to help with a school event, please find one that you like and sign-up! Parents are much more likely to volunteer at the beginning of the year than during the year when school is in full swing. The benefits of volunteering, such as making new friends and learning more about your child’s school, are very rewarding.

Lastly, you will have a chance to talk with your child’s teachers. This is the best time to ask about volunteering for the classroom. Don’t worry if you work full-time, there may be some volunteer work you can do at home that does not require you to come into the school. This can include anything from cutting paper for an elementary to running off mailing labels for a high school.

This year, make a commitment to volunteer some of your time to your child’s school, whether attending a meeting or helping with an event. The best time to cash in on that commitment is at Back to School night, when school momentum is at its peak.

- Denver Educational Volunteer Examiner Lori Hampton

The recession has led to more reliance on these and other groups to save school staff jobs.

Press Release Service – Wired PR News – More and more organizations such as parent-teacher associations (PTAs) are increasingly being utilized to help save essential services and staff jobs in public schools. As reported by TIME, the recession has triggered more reliance on parents, school foundations, and community groups to supplement costs of operating schools.

California state PTA president Jo Loss is quoted by TIME as stating of the matter, “The state is supposed to provide the black-and-white essentials of a good education, and the PTA fills in the color… But our state has increasingly fallen far short of providing even the essentials. So PTAs are having to step in.”

Some, however, strongly oppose the idea of PTA fundraisers and related means of raising money by private entities being used for school funding. National PTA President Charles J. Saylors is quoted in the report as stating, “Parents should not have to raise money to underwrite staff salaries… That’s the responsibility of the local government. They should not be balancing their budgets on the backs of parents.”

WiredPRNews.com – The latest in Education News

Photo Credit: Wikipedia User Fagles

We all want to do what we can to protect and improve our living environment. As we have only one planet to share with all current and future generations, it is important that we create and help promote products that are highly sustainable.

Currently there are thousands of eco-friendly products in the market that you can use to raise funds. Most of them are made of recycled or recyclable materials, or aim at encouraging individuals and businesses alike to develop habits and practices that are environmentally friendly and socially responsible. With a quick search on the Internet, you can find a wide range of companies and groups who are keen to provide assistance in selecting products that suit your organization’s fundraising needs.

Meanwhile, selling can hardly be as good as sharing. How can your organization conduct fundraising events that are environmentally friendly as well? Here are some useful tips:

• Use recycled stationery. While some recycled products can be slightly pricey, their long-term return on investment is considerable and will boost your organization’s environmental credibility.
• Reduce usage of paper and copy machine. Electronically distribute all internal documents and as many external ones as possible. For permanent storage, use CDs and DVDs.
• Reuse public relations materials. Carefully design your organization’s promotional items to present its long-term visions and targets. Yearly updates can be featured on supplementary pages when necessary.
• Act as role model. Establish partnerships with businesses that are eco-friendly and socially responsible. In all fundraising events, use recyclable and reusable advertising materials.

Caring for our planet is a task that is easier done than said. Every small step counts in a long journey as it brings the achiever closer to his or her goal. By working together, we can have a direct positive impact on our environment.

When it comes to October, most of us are thinking ghouls, goblins, and the fun of Halloween. While there are non-Halloween holidays in October, they’re not exactly the best theme for fundraisers (Columbus Day just doesn’t quite work out when it comes to fun). However, October is also known for a critical health awareness issue, and it’s something that your organization can tap into while raising funds.

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This topic has touched the lives of so many people worldwide and it’s a good topic to engage the community with. Even if your organization has nothing to do with health-related issues, the universal nature of breast cancer concern can always use more exposure.

The simplest way to get involved is by contacting your local breast cancer organization. There are national groups, local groups, and educational classes at local health centers. It could be as simple as getting in touch with a local group and saying you’d like to do a joint fundraiser that is mutually beneficial to both organizations. These groups might have partner programs or outreach events where a little bit of synergy can take place. You might even be able to get bulk pink awareness ribbons to sell. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.

Of course, you can take matters into your own hands too. By publicizing any fundraising event – from a World Series watching party to a Halloween-themed fundraiser – as a breast-cancer awareness special where you split the profits or provide education, you’ll almost certainly get more attention from a wide range of audiences.

There’s no doubt that your organization’s cause is important, but there’s no reason why it can’t share the spotlight to join in on National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Because at the end of the day, it’s an issue that affects every one of us to some degree.

Laws and Legislation

Abstract:

Mandates food standards for all schools in the state of California. Food sold in all K-12 schools must have limited fat, calories and sugar.

Author: Escutia, Martha
Publication Date: Dec/06/2004
Source: Sacramento, CA: State Senate
Contact Info: California Center for Public Health (530)297-6000

Full Text:

SB 12 (Escutia) – School Nutrition Standards
SB 12 Summary
1. FOOD STANDARDS FOR ALL SCHOOLS K-12
• Strengthens and implements the competitive food standards
originally described in SB 19 (Escutia, 2001).
• An individually sold snack may have no more than:
• 35% of its calories from fat (excluding legumes, nuts,
nut butters, seeds, eggs, vegetables that have not
been deep-fried, and cheese packaged for individual
sale).
• 10% of its calories from saturated fat (excluding eggs
and cheese packaged for individual sale).
• 35% sugar by weight (excluding fruits and vegetables).
• 175 calories (elementary schools)
• 250 calories (middle and high schools)
• An individually sold entree may have no more than:
• 4 grams of fat per 100 calories
• 400 calories
• And must qualify under the federal meal program
2. FUNDING: SB 12 does not contain a requirement that the state
increase funding to the federal meal program before
implementing nutrition standards for competitive foods.
3. IMPLEMENTATION DATE: All food standards become effective
July 1, 2007.
4. SALE TO PUPILS: Nutrition standards apply only to the sale of
items to pupils and do not apply to foods brought from home. All
groups selling or serving food on campus to pupils are required
to follow the standards.
5. FUNDRAISING EXEMPTIONS: Foods that do not meet the
standards may be sold at least one-half hour after the end of the
school-day or off the school premises
August 2005

URL: http://www.fasttrackfundraising.com/documents/sb12-fundraiser-summary.pdf

Notes:

Related Names: Alquist, Elaine|California School Board Association|California Center for Public Health Advocacy

Contact Info: California Center for Public Health (530) 297-6000

SB12 Compliant Fundraiser