Fundraising is an excellent way for organizations to raise much needed capital. We’ve all been subjected to fundraising in one form or another. We get requests in the mail and on the phone. Our children sell items for school and who doesn’t love Girl Scout cookies?
A challenge for these organizations is keeping fundraising fresh and not putting too much of a burden on those who support them. I don’t know anyone who likes getting telemarketing calls at home, especially when registered on the Do Not Call List. Yes, charitable organizations and political groups are exempt from DNC rules, but that doesn’t mean the phone owner wants that call and just not others. There are so many worthy causes that are competing for donor dollars too.
Bake sales are always big hits. Members of the organization donate their time and baked goods so the proceeds can benefit the organization. Car washes are fun, especially when the weather is warm. The ones doing the washing get wet and soapy and the supporters get clean cars. Carnivals can raise good funds, but they’re expensive to host. Non-profit radio and television stations hold pledge drives on a regular basis.
In 2003 we were introduced to the film Calendar Girls, starring Dame Helen Mirren. The movie portrayed the true story of a group of women in their 40s who posed nude for a calendar to raise funds for a hospital. The calendar became quite a success. Enough money was raised to buy a wing for the hospital.
Some San Francisco women are following this same model to raise money for Autism. The women are in their 40s to 80s and avid knitters. Instead of being draped in flowers ala the Calendar Girls, the knitters wear modest pieces they’ve knitted. Look for the Knitting Naked for Autism Calendar in 2011. You can connect to the knitters on Facebook too.