After a rough winter’s end, spring is finally here.
For do-gooders committed to making an impact on the world and giving their favored organizations every opportunity to thrive, spring means one thing: fundraising season.
With spring sports seasons in full swing, the summer travel season about to begin, and the back-to-school rush waiting in the wings, now’s the time to break out the fundraising tactics you may have mothballed after the holidays.
No matter where you live or which groups you’re raising money for, you can use these six tried-and-true spring fundraising tactics to collect the funds your targets so richly deserve.
- Table at Spring Sporting Events
You don’t have to be a parent to appreciate a good high school soccer or lacrosse matchup. Nor do you need to have a kid on the field to hit up moms and dads on the way in and out. If your organization’s mission is age- and setting-appropriate, secure the necessary public permits and set up a table near the bleachers. Or, forgo high-stakes high school games and camp out at your local playing fields on weekends, where youth teams and parents cluster.
- Debut Branded Warm-Weather Clothing and Gear
Break out branded or custom warm-weather clothing and gear to sell at a (charitable) markup. According to the experts at ABC Fundraising, summery attire like flip flops and t-shirts are fantastic warm-season fundraising tools. Bonus points for emblazoning your favorite charity’s logo on your apparel.
- Align Fundraising With Your Community’s Outdoor Event Calendar
Before spring really kicks into full swing, scan your community’s outdoor event calendar for promising fundraising targets. Think May Day, Memorial Day, Fourth of July: basically, any major holiday or event day that finds lots of your friends and neighbors out and about with wallets at the ready.
- Make Appearances Outside the Grocery Store
This is a tried-and-true fundraising tactic for independent fundraisers and large organizations (Salvation Army, anybody?) alike. Speak with management (and public permitting authorities, if necessary) to secure permission to table, then identify peak shopping times (generally, weekend mornings and early afternoons) to ensure you get the most bang for your buck.
- Host a Fundraiser Picnic
If you host it, they will come — particularly if it’s a low-key fundraiser picnic in a centrally located park. Reserve a pavilion and grill, then get cooking! You can charge admission at the “door” or use a traditional a la carte menu. To maximize your earnings, ask local businesses (such as grocery and hardware stores) to donate food and equipment.
- Offer Seasonal Prizes and Giveaways
Nothing says “summer” like a beautiful day at the ballpark. Boost your fundraising figures by offering seasonal prizes and giveaways, such as tickets to your local pro baseball team or all-inclusive passes to the nearest major amusement park. Work your schmoozy magic to secure free tickets and passes from these organizations. If you making a convincing case and feature their names and logos prominently on your fundraising collateral, it’s hard to imagine they’ll say “no.”
What’s Your Spring Fundraising Secret?
Don’t see your preferred spring fundraising tactic on this list? That’s okay; you do you. Though it certainly wouldn’t hurt to share your secret with your fellow fundraisers. After all, the less time you need to devote to fundraising this spring and summer, the more time you’ll have to spend enjoying the lovely weather.
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