Profit With Evergreens fundraiser basics

We have so many ideas for things to write about we are having a hard time picking a topic to start with.  So we thought, let's begin at the beginning and cover basic fundraising advice.  This advice will hold especially true for our Profit With Evergreens® fundraiser.  Some of these steps might seem a little obvious, or seem obsessed with the minutiae involved with fundraising, but humor me here.  We just want to be sure we cover it ALL!  We'll just hit the high points this time around, and then concentrate on each step in more detail in future posts.  We'd also like to have additional posts about basic best practices in fundraising as well.  Those will come in the very near future. To start with, good planning and dedicated volunteers are at the heart of a successful fundraiser.  Good communication and record keeping certainly doesn't hurt either!  So, here goes;

1. Once you have decided on a fundraiser, use a binder or folder to keep track of all important documents and communication.
2. Begin planning your fundraiser from start to finish early.
3. Line up volunteers.
4. Know your target audience.
5. Discuss and implement advertising.
6. Meet with sellers to discuss sale and pass out sales materials.
7. Motivate your sellers when you kick off your drive.
8. Check in with your sellers during the sales drive.
9. Collect payment in advance for items you are selling.
10. Wrap up your sale.
11. Keep track of customer information.
12. Turn in your order.
13. Receive your order.
14. Distribute your order.
15. Pay promptly.

This is the basic framework of our evergreens and wreath fundraiser.  You can add complexity to it and tailor it to fit your nonprofit organization, whatever works best for you and your fundraising needs.  See you again soon with more details on using a folder and binder to keep track of everything important!  Have a great day!