Fundraising for Non-Profit Preschool: Ideas & Suggestions Needed

[beepampered]

I'm hosting a fundraiser for a non-profit preschool where the moms are low income. I can't depend on the parents and/or teachers to bring in a lot of orders but I would like to involve the board members. Several work in big offices so I thought they could pass a catalog around the office. Does anyone have a form to put on top of the catalog? What have you given the parents in the past (might not do it but won't to see it all). Any other suggestions of how to encourage them to get more orders?

Thanks.

 

[Tropicalburstqt2]

Do a search for fundraiser. I pulled up alot of usual documents when I did mine. I would give the parents the same catalog that you are giving the adults. Stress that they can earn the products FREE if they host a show. That atleast gives the organization $3 just because they booked. Encourage them to get bookings. You can offer the organization a little money ($10??) for each recruit that you get. Maybe you can recruit the mothers. Also, tell them about the bridal registry. Maybe someone they know is getting married, or maybe they are. Also, I'd offer the parents and the child an incentive. Many wants something for doing a fundraiser, and especially kids. Maybe offer the high selling child a large stone for the mom and a $15 gift card for Toys R Us for the child. Or maybe have incentives for the most recruits or the most bookings. You might even want to off the board members something for having the highest sells- like a free cooking party where you bring the ingredients. I'd also use your website if you can.

Remember, just because the parents are low-income doesn't mean that Aunt Betty & Grandma Mary are.

 

[beepampered]

Thanks for your thoughts Amy. Unfortunately, many of the parents are from chronically poor families - single moms who are still teenagers and marriage is no where in sight. However, some of the parents are immigrants struggling to make ends meet but have potential to break the cycle.

I will look again through the files - I didn't find anything that I thought would be ideal but I'll try again. Thanks for your encouragement. It's out of town so I'm mailing everything. I'll have to have the host (my mom) decide who gets what. Thanks.

 

[Tropicalburstqt2]

Oh, ok. Well, I'd definitely have a letter in there about the business opportunity. They might be able to purchase the kit and break that cycle. Especially since its income tax season. It sounds like if they have their kids in preschool, they are trying to do better for their children. In the mean time, I'll try and find some good posts for you.

 

[beepampered]

They have their kids in preschool because they are working. The nonprofit was started by a Catholic nun who wanted to help low-income kids have better childcare rather than being thrown with distracted grandma in front of the tv. With a state program that pays for 4 year old kindergarten, the nonprofit is losing the students that require the lowest ratio and give the most profit. They are having a hard time making ends meet. The PC fundraiser won't be the solution but it will provide money for much needed supplies. Thanks.

 

[Tropicalburstqt2]

I just bumped a fundraising letter with info. Hope that helps. I used Scott's stuff for mine.

 

[beepampered]

Thanks Amy, I'll go look at it and come up with something. Having my somewhat reluctant mom as a host doesn't help matters. Thanks...

 

[GeorgiaPeach]

They have their kids in preschool because they are working.

Don't write them off just because they are low income. I am the PTO co-president of my son's middle school. 54% of the student body is on free lunches. I was shocked at how many of the lower income families participated in the big fall fundraiser....and sold LOTS of stuff! (They don't come to PTO meetings but they sure can sell!) If the parents are working, they are in offices or places surrounded by people. I'd definitely think about offering incentives (gift cards) that appeal to them...Walmart, restaurants...something that they might consider a luxury. While it's easier for us to give the parents PC stuff, it might not be as much of an incentive. OR give them the option of choosing from a short list of incentives.I'm soon to be in the same position. I'm doing a fundraiser for the chorus at my son's school and as I've said above, about half are lower income. I've got to come up with incentives that will appeal to everyone.

 

[cathyskitchen]

I agree with Lisa - get everyone involved in raising funds by giving them packets and a goal (5 orders per person) and share what they'll get if they each reach their goal. Give regular updates and have a major kick-off or ending to the fundraiser by doing a live cooking show demonstration for everyone. Good luck and let us know how it goes!

 

[beepampered]

So, I've re-created a few documents that I'm posting here. I'm going to let the host (my mom) decide on who to give this stuff to. She'll probably skip the parents but might give them an option. I'm too cheap to give incentives since I don't know how it will work or if they will do it.

This is our second fundraiser and hopefully it will be better than the last which was basically a cooking show in her home. Thanks for letting me know if there is anything I'm missing or if something isn't clear.

 

[Tropicalburstqt2]

I think that those are good!! I hope all goes well with your FUNdraiser!!!