Defining a Successful Fundraiser

If you are leading a school PTO/PTA, church group, non-profit organization, dance troupe, or athletic group then you have experienced both successful and not so successful fundraisers. Each year brings with it a renewed need for money to cover expenses. The football team needs new uniforms, the dancers need new music, the classrooms need iPads etc. One thing that does not change is the need to raise money. In previous posts, we’ve shared ways to achieve fundraising success in 3 steps, how to choose a successful fundraising product, and ways to equip your sales team  and many other posts related to fundraising success. Clearly this is an important topic. However before you an achieve success it is vitally important that you take some time to define what a successful fundraiser looks like for your group.

What does a “successful fundraiser” mean for your group?

While the answer to this question is as varied as the types of groups we work with, the definition of success is not. At the risk of over-simplifying it, a successful fundraiser is one that yields a profit that meets a financial need. One of the first things we recommend groups do prior to starting their fundraiser is to carefully assess their abilities. Consider the amount of help and support you have before making plans. And then tailor your plan to your resources. When choosing a fundraiser, be sure to look for one that is proven and can be executed well with the number of volunteers you have currently serving. Choose your organization’s fundraisers based on your current resources and volunteer skills, not on what you were able to get done last year. The most successful groups focus on achieving what they can without burning out their volunteers. Set clear and achievable goals.

Does your school or non-profit need to raise money? Could your group benefit from an easy to run fundraiser with a product that practically sells itself? If you answered “yes” to either of these questions, then you’ve stumbled on the right track. Find out more about our fundraising program and let us help you run a successful fundraiser. We are passionate about helping groups reach their goals.