Does anyone here have experience with fundraisers?

[notsmart]

If you have used a letter to ask for companies to donate to your parish fundraiser would you feel comfortable sharing it here? And your method of follow-up? What the best time of year to ask businesses to contribute? Any strategy that has worked for you is what I would like to know about. Advertising- I have 2 publications that take ads for free for events that are catholic so far. If you know of any please let me know. Or, any christian publication, or other means that will work well. I am thinking about surrounding parishes and their bulletins as well. Any tips, please post them.

 

[dconklin]

We usually ask the owner’s personally. We have a member of our Parish Life Commission that has no fear of asking for companies to donate to our basket raffles. Most of the companies we ask are parishioners. If you go right in and ask, it is much harder for them to say no.

 

[notsmart]

We usually ask the owner’s personally. We have a member of our Parish Life Commission that has no fear of asking for companies to donate to our basket raffles. Most of the companies we ask are parishioners. If you go right in and ask, it is much harder for them to say no.

Good point, I am fully prepared to do this and can speak with confidence. I am not sure how many large company owners there are in the parish, but I am looking at big hitters now, like Abbott, ITW, you know. All companies of course, but you don’t get what you dont ask for so I am shooting for the big ones first.

 

[Phemie]

The people who do our ‘begging’ usually do so in person and follow up with a letter if the business requests one – some businesses require a paper trail. Usually, family businesses won’t ask for a letter but franchises or businesses based outside of town do.

 

[notsmart]

The people who do our ‘begging’ usually do so in person and follow up with a letter if the business requests one – some businesses require a paper trail. Usually, family businesses won’t ask for a letter but franchises or businesses based outside of town do.

Yes, I would think before they can get a sign off on a check, and for tax purposes they need some paper.
Hopefully someone will post a good letter here for me to use as a frame to fine tune to our specific needs.

 

[HouseArrest]

Are you asking for a one time monetary donation, ongoing support, or merchandise for an auction? I agree that starting local is best and asking in person or over the phone will get you more positive responses than sending a letter. If it’s merchandise you want, going straight to the manufacturer is better than asking retail stores. Let them know how many people will attend your event and mention the advertising they’ll get with a donated item. I also find it is better to give them your non profit Tax ID number up front. Maybe that shows them you’re a legitimate non profit? I also find that smaller businesses are better to ask for donated merchandise. Just my experience.

 

[gmarie21]

Good point, I am fully prepared to do this and can speak with confidence. I am not sure how many large company owners there are in the parish, but I am looking at big hitters now, like Abbott, ITW, you know. All companies of course, but you don’t get what you dont ask for so I am shooting for the big ones first.

I’m guessing that you’re from Chicagoland (the Abbott gave it away). Anyway, at least with them, if you don’t know anyone on the inside, good luck even getting in the door (they have major security for obvious reasons). Heck, the Target Distribution Center in DeKalb has some serious security that you could NEVER get past unless you had an appointment…

As another poster stated, it depends on the donations you’re looking for. If it’s for an auction, go directly to the stores for gift certificates. If it’s for a fair of some type, ask the local eateries. If it’s monetary, ask the company but you must promise to promote their company to the attending audience. Also, never underestimate the support of small businesses. I have worked for a restaurant chain and we received letters all the time. The company policy was such where any donation would have to be approved by the general or regional manager (depending on the size of the donation requested). also, we did NOT donate to every cause, but were selective, so having a face to the donation helps a LOT.

 

[Lariena]

As far as locating potential donors… A great place to start is with the businesses that advertise on the back of your bulletin. Good luck!

 

[lizaanne]

Be very careful with raffles. In Michigan at least they are very heavily regulated by the state. You can’t just print up tickets and have a raffle, you could jeopardize your tax free status and all sorts of stuff.

Just something to be aware of when thinking of fund raising opportunities.

~Liza

 

[notsmart]

Taking all this in, thank you. Now, I have already gotten 2 donations from local restaraunts today. I did this in person, but now I want to do a follow up confirmation letter (CYA type of thing, confirming their verbal donation, and commitment to have them by a certain date, with a one year expiration date for the end user, ect.) These are solid businesses that won’t be out of business in one year.
I am also going to send a thank you letter (seperately, for a reason) I want them to see our name as often as possible, so it will be easier to do this with them again in future. Name recognition. Also, yes I did tell them the value of what they were contributing to. This will be an auction, and I told them where the funds were going to. I also assured them of their exposure to all attendees. I asked if they would also honor coupons? (like a coupon they print for us, that if we bring in to their business, they kick us a buck) for kicking in a dollar for every person who bought a dinner from them to the fund. I also asked for them to give us regular coupons for all attendees.
I got all yesses for all requests from both restaruants.
It was that easy!
But, that won’t work for the big dogs out there I am aiming for.
I need to know tips that work to get those.

 

[kage_ar]

Give us an idea what you are raising the funds FOR, and it will be easier to give you targeted ideas.

 

[notsmart]

Give us an idea what you are raising the funds FOR, and it will be easier to give you targeted ideas.

Is going to be split between the school and parish, but its mostly going to the school.
The doors on the church facing a busy road, that lead into that room where the priest gets vested up, well its almost off its hinges, very weathered and worn. That needs to be replaced, and with a security code lock, (keyless entry type). Might be other things there (and there are a few, but I am focused on the school issues, which are the large ones financially)
Overhead projectors.
Bathrooms in two locations downstairs are not fully functional. Bathrooms upstairs have major problems.
We need at least 2 computers that work, to replace the ones that are no longer operable in the lab to accomodate a full class. Old is fine, as long as it works!
That’s what I have seen listed and seen in person as being a need. There is a mightly long list of things for the school, and they are mostly replacement requests for broken stuff. Library needs window replacements, the leaking is rotting the wall boards.
Lets not get into the cafeteria problems… I just hope they can pass inspection next time.Some Fridges leaking inside causing standing water on the food! Its been looked at by an appliance company, and they are saying its better to buy a new one at this point, as repair is going to be very costly. Right now, they simply cover the food, and hope the water does not get in it.
There are many other items on the list, but they all seem to be need based, and not wishing and dreaming based.
The parking lot needs some work. Its been put off too long.
Other maint items on the outside also. Mostly roof, window type thing. But, I am sure anything will help.
I know this sounds like a really run down place, but its not. Its just that these things can add up and its an old building. Luckily they built them much better at that time. Otherwise, we would be in serious trouble now.
They want an auction because thats more popular now here.
That means, I need to work the big ones.

 

[HouseArrest]

Sounds like you’re off to a great start, and God Bless you for taking on the most difficult task of getting donations!

As far as the big name places - some of them have forms to fill out to get donations. I know Crate and Barrel and American Girl both have rather simple forms to fill out - we got an AG doll once (you can choose tickets to a show instead I believe which might be great since you live in Chicago) but cannot get Crate and Barrel because they don’t have a store where we are. (We don’t have any stores where we are…). Go to some of the large retailers websites and click on the “About Us” button and it will tell you how to go about getting a donation. A lot of them will say they don’t give to religious organizations for religious purposes BUT sometimes school repairs are ok with them. Try Chicago home based businesses first as they’ll be more likely to give. I also had an easy time getting CD’s, DVD’s, books, and the like from Fr. Corapi, Dr. Ray, Bethlehem Books, etc. as you are a Catholic school and parish. Also try to call all the local college bookstores to get college sweatshirts or other apparel. These kids will be looking at colleges soon…

Show them how they will benefit - from the advertisement - tell them how many will be at the auction and what the evening will be like… Good luck!

 

[notsmart]

Sounds like you’re off to a great start, and God Bless you for taking on the most difficult task of getting donations!

As far as the big name places - some of them have forms to fill out to get donations. I know Crate and Barrel and American Girl both have rather simple forms to fill out - we got an AG doll once (you can choose tickets to a show instead I believe which might be great since you live in Chicago) but cannot get Crate and Barrel because they don’t have a store where we are. (We don’t have any stores where we are…). Go to some of the large retailers websites and click on the “About Us” button and it will tell you how to go about getting a donation. A lot of them will say they don’t give to religious organizations for religious purposes BUT sometimes school repairs are ok with them. Try Chicago home based businesses first as they’ll be more likely to give. I also had an easy time getting CD’s, DVD’s, books, and the like from Fr. Corapi, Dr. Ray, Bethlehem Books, etc. as you are a Catholic school and parish. Also try to call all the local college bookstores to get college sweatshirts or other apparel. These kids will be looking at colleges soon…

Show them how they will benefit - from the advertisement - tell them how many will be at the auction and what the evening will be like… Good luck!

I did not even think of talking to the Catholic Colleges here! There is Loyola, and wow! So many! Yes, they are ones I need also…
I had no idea about AG or Crate and Barrel.
I had no idea that repairs are okay for places that normally don’t give to religious schools!
As far as religious materials, I did think of that, but I did not know who to ask. You gave me a good start there too. I am going to be busy.
I just want to do this, because I… can’t help it I guess.
Once I am official, I want to do what it takes to teach CCD, because I have the passion for it now, love kids, and want them to learn and feel just as loved and equal as ones not able to go to the parish school. They deserve the best, and when I can pass whatever classes, or things I must do I will do that as first priority.
For now, this is okay for me to do and the other things I do in the school.
Thank you for the new ideas. It helps to get ideas that go beyond my own. Better get myself spiffy for tomorrow then.
I left a message on Father’s voice mail telling him I need tips, and he (called back - phone tag) and said “just keep asking God to help you do your best, and he will stand with you when you go out there”
I will do that too. I know I am not alone doing this, I do it for his loved ones, so he is with me.

God bless you also!

 

[kage_ar]

From my experience, you get better response from a targeted campaign - for instance Saint So and So’s School needs to raise 10,000 to repair the parking lot. You get donated sweatshirts/t-shirts and caps from schools, businesses, sports teans and name your fundraiser “tops for blacktop” - then, you do a silent auction for the donated shirts.

Next, tackle the computers. I’d imagine you could get a business to donate computers and projectors without any big fundraising campaign.

When you take a shotgun approach “we have so many needs and just need money”, I’ve not seen as good of results.

Try to pick a target - then, do one per quarter or per year.

 

[notsmart]

From my experience, you get better response from a targeted campaign - for instance Saint So and So’s School needs to raise 10,000 to repair the parking lot. You get donated sweatshirts/t-shirts and caps from schools, businesses, sports teans and name your fundraiser “tops for blacktop” - then, you do a silent auction for the donated shirts.

Next, tackle the computers. I’d imagine you could get a business to donate computers and projectors without any big fundraising campaign.

When you take a shotgun approach “we have so many needs and just need money”, I’ve not seen as good of results.

Try to pick a target - then, do one per quarter or per year.

That makes sense. Why try to nickel and dime and never have a compelling enough reason when you ask?
Good idea on how to focus my energy and budget my time correctly.

I am feeling a lot more hopeful now that I can do the best I can.

Merry Christmas! You certianly got me more motivated. And better prepared.

 

[puzzleannie]

first check with your pastor to find out if parish or diocese has rules that govern fundraising for parish organizations, and follow them to the letter. Nothing gets Catholic groups in trouble faster than not following financial accountability rules.

second try to network with others in the diocese who do the kind of work you are doing (pro-life, whatever) and see what has worked well in the past, what not so well.

I would be very leery of unsolicited mailings, email and direct phone contact from fundraising companies. As a rule working with 3rd party fundraisers means more profit for them than for you. Check them out every which way you can and insist on referrals to parishes or groups in your area who have used them in the past.

also find out who is doing what in the parish or community. Don’t schedule your craft show when you parish school has an event the same weekend, or schedule your silent auction to conflict with the big community fair. If you are selling candy bars, don’t do it when a bunch of kids in the parish are selling girl scout cookies or band candy.

If you have children or youth who will be selling something or making contacts with strangers make sure you and all the adults involved know the diocesan policy, and get the required child safety training.

your local band boosters, sports boosters, PTA president, scout leader may also have some good feedback on fundraisers.

If you are going to be contacting organizations for donations of prizes or cash, make sure you coordinate this with the parish as well. They won’t respond well to 3 people in one week calling from St. Mary’s for a raffle prize for the school, ad in the parish bulletin, and cash to sponsor youth group softball team. Our parish has a standard letter to use to ask for donations, which gives tax info and other info they need for their accounting. Also get to know the person at walmart, your local grocery store etc. who is the go-to guy for donations of merchandise–school and craft supplies, food etc.

also check out the Christian radio station, they may post a free announcement for your event, and check out the diocesan paper or website. If you are looking for funding for a big ticket item, call the diocese anyhow, and speak to somebody in charge of purchasing or accounting, as many dioceses have deals with manufacturers for computers, school furniture, church equipment etc., and have or participate in a clearing house for used stuff.

 

[gmarie21]

Also, do the parishoners and parents know about Target’s program where they donate a percentage of your total purchase to the school of your choice? If not, get the word out. And remember, for the long term, Jewel, Culver’s, etc. do have FUNd raiser nights for schools.

 

[notsmart]

Puzzelannie,

I get the impression you have done this before somehow.



Its mind numbing thinking about all the details, but I have time thankfully. May be a logstical nightmare to even try to contact all the area churches to find out if they will be competing…but it must be done, I see your point. The date will NOT change anyway, there is a very powerful woman in charge of this one. Not even the pope would make her budge on the date.



Gmaire, I will check that out. I did talk to Target but I got the wrong person on the phone and knew it right away. I am going to try again, but this time I will go higher up.

 

[puzzleannie]

. The date will NOT change anyway, there is a very powerful woman in charge of this one. Not even the pope would make her budge on the date.

and people complain women don’t have any power in the Church. she is either a nun, a former nun, or a DRE