Fundraising without selling products

You’ve done your research and found out that a great way to raise funds, is to offer products as an incentive. From school bake sales, to charity christmas cards, through to ticket events and even handmade jewellery or art work – everyone seems to be doing it. This sounds great – but what if you don’t have anything to offer? Or selling just isn’t you. Can fundraising still be successful?

The answer is; most definitely, yes!

Being You:

Sometimes people simply want to donate because it’s you. They don’t need any other reason – and that should make you feel good. Your happiness may be all the reward they need. And who knows, next time you could be making someone you love, feel good too.

Look at this small campaign. Originally hoping to raise $300 for a retirement gift, they smashed their target by over 800%!

Or what about the support shown  for this family? Over 750 backers helping to make their life easier as they come to terms with a serious illness.

 

Services:

Offering services can be an incredibly easy way to raise funds. If you are a business, can you offer discounts on services in exchange for donations? What about Skype tutorials? Are you a dab hand at DIY, or do you speak another language? You could offer 30 minute personal Skype tuition for donations. Closer to home, what about grass-cutting, car-washing, baby-sitting, dog walking, sewing services etc? Who knows, you may even discover a business opportunity along the way.

Challenges:

Donors love to see a challenge – that is often rewarding enough. Planning to lose weight or get fit? These are great opportunities to get donors to help you reach your target, by motivating you with donations. Sponsored events are still hugely popular but you need to ‘reward’ your donors with regular updates and photos to maintain interest.

Being Different:

Always wanted to explore Mongolia or sail around the world? Make it your passion. Create a blog and great social media profiles. Keep your followers updated. Who know’s they may be living their dream through you and are willing to help fund your dream to experience theirs.

Special Occasions:

This is a perfect opportunity to raise funds and still let donors feel like they are getting rewarded for it. It’s your birthday? Ask for a donation instead of that glass of wine. Donors tell us over and over that they prefer to be helping towards a bigger goal that can really make a difference, plus, you don’t get a hangover the next day.  It’s a win-win!

Getting Married? Wow – big opportunity to ‘give something back’. Brides, consider showing sneak photos of just parts of your wedding dress in exchange for donations (the ladies love this, trust us).

So what are you waiting for? the crowdfunding world is ready for you!