Why schools work with fundraising companies.
Deciding on the best product to sell can be a difficult task. You have many things to consider, like what and how to sell it. You may even consider going in a completely new direction from what you've been doing in the past.
Your group needs money, so you're trying to decide if you should create your program or work with a school fundraiser company. Perhaps you've been working with a company but aren't completely satisfied for various reasons. Or, maybe you're tired of the work involved in making your sale from scratch and getting less return than you hoped.
Here are five reasons you might want to consider working with a company:
1. No Up-Front Fundraiser Costs
Often when a school decides to have their sale, they encounter several obstacles. For example, if you plan to have a carnival, unless you're creative and have several connections, there will be costs associated with bringing in food and supplies. You may keep most of the profit, but you must also factor in the up-front costs to realize your net profit. Most companies provide the supplies and promotional materials needed to plan and promote your sale at no cost-effectively.
2. A Built-in Sales Consultant
Groups with their sale don't consider several things that must be done to make their venture worthwhile. For example, they recruit and delegate responsibilities like buying food or what types of age-appropriate games should be used. With a company, you'll work with an experienced professional who will ask questions to determine your specific needs. They will also be able to answer questions and address issues as they come up. This will help ensure that things run smoothly and efficiently.
3. Companies Make Things Easier
Anyone who has done their campaign will tell you it's a lot of work. From recruiting volunteers to deciding on the food and games is only the beginning. You have a built-in system designed to run smoothly and efficiently when working with a company. We provide every school-wide group with a school fundraising guidebook that spells everything out for you.
4. An Always Available Cheerleader
Outside companies can be beneficial because they can provide moral and emotional support and needed accountability to help your group reach its goals. For example, we check in with our schools multiple times during their sale.
5. A Proven Fundraising Method
We have schools that have worked with us for many years and occasionally tell us they would like to try something different for their next sale. They inevitably return once they've tried it, whether asking for donations or having a carnival. The reason is brochure sales are a proven method that works. It raises decent money while minimizing the amount of time and effort required. Companies also provide various prize program options that provide opportunities for every student to win instead of just a couple of top sellers getting acknowledged.
Author Bio
Clay Boggess has been designing fundraising programs for schools and various nonprofit organizations throughout the US since 1999. He’s helped administrators, teachers, and outside support entities such as PTAs and PTOs raise millions of dollars. Clay is an owner and partner at Big Fundraising Ideas.
