You have permission to publish this article electronically
or in print, free of charge, as long as the bylines are
included. A courtesy copy of your publication would be
appreciated.

This is the Fundraising Connection newsletter which begins
with the Free Special Report: How To Run A Successful
Fundraiser.

----------------------------------------------------------
How To Run A Successful Fundraiser
by: Keith & Rema Smith

A step-by-step fundraising guide
-----------------------------------------------------------
(This is the first article of a multi-part series on this
topic)

Part One of this SPECIAL REPORT is about:

Organizing Your Group

Would you agree that it's easier complete a job when you
have a blueprint to follow? Yes?

Also, the exact opposite maybe true which brings us to
the old axiom:

"Fail to plan, plan to fail"

Usually most groups avoid planning because they view it as
difficult or tedious or may be in a rush to get going. Don't
let this happen!! What appears to be unpleasant far exceeds
the dismal results you will have without a plan.

Fortunately, the exact opposite is true when you have the
necessary tools at your disposal.

That is why this report was written. To give you an idea of
how easy it is to plan your fundraiser and to stay focused
on your goals.

Shall we begin?

*First of all, I cannot stress this point enough: You need
to know why you want to fundraise. You do this by answering
fhe following questions:

1)Why do you need to raise money?

Answer the above question and you will have the source of
your group's motivation and the community's effort to help
you acquire the funds you need.

2)What will you do with the money you raise?

Find out what you need. Survey those who are active
participants within the your organization or group.

Example: The PTA/PTO may want to ask teachers what is needed
in the classrooms or administrators what is needed in the
school as a whole. Then choose from the list of items that
appear in the majority or allow the fundraising committee to
decide amongst the available choices.

3)How much will you need?

This is where you create a goal.

For instance, if your goal is to raise money to purchase
computer equipment, research all the costs involved
(hardware, software, installation, etc.).

Also,don't forget the annual costs of maintenance and repair
if you are purchasing equipment.

4)Who will be your fundraising personnel responsible
for:

1.Choosing a fundraiser

2.Making sure order forms get to the sellers

3.Getting information out to the public about your
fundraiser

4.Collecting orders

5.Tallying orders

6.Counting Money

7.Depositing Money

8.Handling delivery

5)How are you going to raise the money?

Will you use the direct sales approach? Brochure sales such
as cookie dough, cheesecakes, candles, etc.

What about community service activities? Auctions, car
washes, leaf raking, concessions at concerts or sporting
events, etc.

As you can see, getting organized is not that difficult, isn't
it? Once you have answered the questions relevant to your
group, you are on your way to earning those profits you
desire which leads us to the topic of the next newsletter:

Choosing A Fundraiser

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved
-----------------------------------------------------------

About the Author

Keith and Rema Smith educate schools, sports teams, clubs,
youth groups, etc. regarding fundraising.
mailto: info@rhkfundraising.com
703-691-8863 http://www.rhkfundraising.com
Authors: FREE newsletter: The Fundraising Connection and FREE
BONUS SPECIAL REPORT: How to  Go to SITEMAP