As we entered my favorite fundraiser of the year, Girl Scout’s cookie season, my regular customers began to ask when the order forms would be coming. This was way before the campaign officially began. If only all fundraisers would stir this much excitement, I thought.
I have three school-aged kids who are very active in extracurricular activities, so I understand many parents’ frustration from fundraiser to fundraiser as the year progresses.
It’s easy to be annoyed when the latest fundraising packet comes home from school. It’s irritating at times since it feels as if all kids from every school district are getting their packets at the same time (which they are), especially those holiday gift wrapping packets. And we look at some of the prices and wonder who on earth will even want to buy this stuff. I think that we get annoyed by these fundraisers is a good sign. It shows that we are committed to helping our schools succeed, even if it is time-consuming or taking us outside our comfort zones. However, this mentality will not help us fundraise. So we have to attempt positive thinking.
1. I mentally prepare.
Recently, my kindergartener came home with an American Heart Association fundraising sheet. This was about a week into her Girl Scout cookie fundraiser. My initial reaction was somewhat between disappointment and annoyance, wishing these could be coordinated better. I also did not want to juggle both. Yet, my daughter was very excited to help sick people, as they discussed with the children what they would be jumping and raising money for.
So first, I tried to change my attitude and realized I could donate at the very least. I then encouraged my daughter to start her own collection jar from the coins she finds lying around so she can make her donation.
I decided that I would carry this fundraiser together with the cookie fundraiser. I wouldn’t expect large donations; I would even suggest donating a dollar. Also, if someone does not buy cookies, they may prefer to donate to this other fundraiser. Or, if someone buys a box of cookies and needs change for a dollar, I might be able to encourage them to donate. Lastly, I can post to social media and email to family, and maybe I can get a donation or two there.
I believe we all know how to motivate ourselves to think positively if we need to. So if we acknowledge that we need to, we can make a conscious effort to do so.
Not to worry, this is not the only suggestion I have. I believe it’s the goal we must remember as we attempt to raise money for every fundraiser thrown our way. And the following tips should help you to maintain a positive attitude about fundraisers. Bonus: Check out the free printable at the end of the post!
2. I empathize with the nonfundraiser.
To me, this is the most difficult at times. Some people have a negative attitude towards fundraising. They want no part in it. They don’t want to sell, and they don’t want to buy.
Don’t take this personally. Imagine if you didn’t have to fundraise and never had to ask others to help, yet you were constantly being approached about buying something. Yeah, I get it. Let’s give them a break.
It would be nice if everyone could find something they would like to buy, but that is unlikely, and we have to expect and respect that and move on.
3. I do unto others and make it a popular thing to do.
So remember that person who didn’t want to be a good sport and pick something out of your catalog? Maybe one day they will be in your shoes and regret that they were so dead set against buying a $1 chocolate bar or browsing carefully for something they could use or gift from your brochure. Negativity isn’t pleasant on the receiving end, so be sure to support your fellow fundraisers however you can.
Unless I have the same fundraiser as someone else, I always try to find something I could use or gift. And I am enthusiastic enough about my purchase to encourage others to pitch in, too. Maybe kindness is contagious. And if we have the same fundraiser, I can tell them which items get sold the most for me and recommend that they boast those items. Having this attitude makes things more pleasant for you and encourages a better attitude from others when you are fundraising.
ADDED BONUS: Some fundraisers require patience on the receiving end, and I usually forget I bought anything. So when they finally arrive, I’m always pleasantly surprised.
4. I like to think of it as gifts that give back.
I look at fundraisers as opportunities to shop for gifts. PTAs are getting very creative with fundraisers. In the past, I have found some pretty cool holiday gift baskets from Yankee Candle (I also discovered that I love their car air fresheners because of that fundraiser). A tub of cookie dough or specialty princess-shaped pasta can also be a great unique gift idea.
Another idea could be to congratulate your child for their great behavior or report card by letting them pick out one item from the latest fundraiser. And the fact that the proceeds will benefit your kid is a bonus.
5. Harness your inner salesperson.
I try to find the best items or deals and start by showing that to customers. Because I also intend to buy from my fundraisers, I am usually pretty familiar with the content. I also like to note what customers get excited about and often will promote things I have seen get a great response.
Try to anticipate what your customer may like to make great recommendations. If I know someone who loves chocolate turtles, I will open the book to that page. Additionally, if they are rushing through the brochure, they are likely to miss something they might love. Most times, this is greatly appreciated and saves them time. It also is a great way to get a person curious about what else is being sold.
6. Have your kid write a thank you note.
I always have my kids write personalized thank-you notes for everyone that supports their fundraisers. It gets my kids involved in their fundraiser, helps them realize how many people are supporting their fundraiser, and teaches them not to take this support for granted. It also makes fundraising a more personal experience for those that show their support. A thank you note goes a long way.
I have often been told that people are loyal customers to my children because of the unexpected personalized thank you notes they find attached to their orders. I always try to let my kids know how much their notes are appreciated. They are well aware that people continue to show such great support for them because of this small gesture.
Some other ideas to consider:
- Volunteer your time if you are unable to fundraise.
- Donate.
- Offer your fundraising ideas.
- Consider who is willing to help.
- Set realistic expectations for each fundraiser.
