Fundraising Tips for Schools, Sporting Teams and Community Groups

So, you’ve been asked by the committee of your club to help raise some much needed funds? And you want to do something other than the usual lamington drives and chocolate sales? Here’s some ideas to get you started.

HOST A FAMILY DAY

If your club/team has its own club rooms, then a family day is a great way to fundraise for your club. Sausage sizzles and soft drinks are great money spinners in the summer months, or coffee and other hot drinks for the cooler  months. Bring in a couple of attractions for the kids, such as face painting, bouncy castles and rides, and it’s sure to be an enjoyable fundraiser for everyone involved. Promote it through your local newspaper & radio stations’ event guides. Put up posters in local businesses and shopping centres. Who knows? You could even end up with some additional members joining the club at the event if you set up a membership/club info tent. Be sure to check your public liability insurance policy to see if an event like this is covered, and if your insurer places any restrictions on it. 

RAFFLE

If your team has sponsors, you may be able to get them to donate some of their products or services for a raffle. In return for providing the product for the raffle, they will gain the opportunity to advertise on the tickets. If your club or team doesn’t have sponsors, seek out local business owners who may be willing to donate prizes in return for recognition/advertising on the ticket. Make sure that you research the legislation in your local area to ensure that your raffle complies with laws related to licensing of raffles, methods of conducting draws, etc.

DISCOUNT BOOK

This is a great way for any sort of club or school to conduct fundraising, which also benefits its members. Approach club sponsors, as well as other local businesses in your area to offer vouchers in the club’s discount book. Charge them a small fee ($10/$20/$50/$100 - you decide) upfront or collect a commission on each sale from your club’s book. You could even do both to raise extra money, depending on how generous the business owner is or the pricing structure you put in place. After you’ve collated the offers, print the book and then either give them away to your members, or charge $2-$10 per copy to raise additonal funds. If the offers are good, and your local business community is willing to support it, you could do this on an annual basis and make this a successful fundraiser that benefits all parties.