Crafts For Less

Your youth group has decided on a local charity to support.  Now it’s time to raise the funds.  Here are six easy steps…

Pick an appropriate time and place.  A Christmas bazaar should be held sometime in November before most people hit the malls.  If you have a car wash on a side street, make sure you have signs on the major roads that lead to your fundraiser. 

Use a theme.  In a sea of other crafters, one with a unique theme will always attract more attention.  For example, a Disney themed table might have signs that say The Little Princess would have loved to have had these handmade bracelets.  Play Disney music at your table.  A toga or Hawaiian car wash will attract more attention (and perhaps tips) than a group of kids in shorts.

Advertise, advertise, advertise.  If nobody knows about your wonderful plans, then nobody will support them.  Put up posters and flyers.  Screen print bags for your local grocery store.  Use the high school TV club to promote your event. Remember to begin advertising at least two or three weeks before your event.

Schedule group participants.  Nobody wants to stay at the event all day long.  Create a schedule for the adults and the young people who will stay at the table or car wash.  You’ll get more participation from your group that way.

Double dip.  If you have a craft bazaar, consider raffling a quilt at the same time.  If you have a car wash, think about having a flea market while the cars get washed.  Bake sales work well with either fundraiser.

Promote your charity.  Post pictures of the people, place, or animals that your fundraiser will support.  Engage the empathy of your customers as they browse your craft table and get their car washed.  Decorate a can for direct donations if someone has no need for a hand-crafted item or a clean car!

So, there you have it.  Six steps to a successful fundraiser.  Are you ready to help your cause with a little creativity and hard work?  For more ideas about fundraising and examples of young people engaged in charitable efforts, read my book, Helping Kids Help: Organizing Successful Charitable Projects.

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