Fundraising is an Art Form!

Planning a fundraiser for a school is a daunting task. There are many things to consider. When will it take place? Where will it be held? How much do we need to raise? How can we properly advertise? These are all examples of the many things that need to be addressed when planning a fundraiser. However, the most important question can make the most difference. How can we maximize our profits?

Maximizing the profits of a fundraiser is the most important factor in determining what fundraiser to hold. There are many types of fundraiser, all with their own challenges and advantages. There is the catalogues with a variety of products for sale. Cookie dough, magazines, calendars, coupon books are all examples of the variety available. All of these fundraisers will give the school or program a profit of 30%-60%. While not a horrible profit, not nearly the 95% profit our school is looking for. That is why we are holding an Art Show! The children will be given time to create art using crayons, markers, clay, popsicle sticks, and many other craft supplies. We will advertise our Art show for 3 weeks before giving the community plenty of time to get excited and plan schedules. We will charge a $1 entrance fee which will help cover the costs of light refreshments of cookies and punch. The art will be displayed throughout the room in an "art show" style. Each piece will be labeled with the artist name and grade and given a dollar amount for sale. Each will be priced reasonably from one dollar to five dollars with donations larger accepted.

Estimates for the cost of this fundraiser are between $100-$200 for all craft supplies and refreshments. Estimated profit stands between $900 -$1200. That is estimating that each of the 180 estimated attendees spends only five dollars including the entrance fee. With proper community advertising, we should be able to get many more attendees. The percentage profit in this scenario is staggering. Compared to the many other fundraisers that offer less than 60% profit, this fundraiser is the better choice. While it will require the teachers assistance to create the art and volunteers to set up the room, the potential for a large profit make this fundraiser worth while.

Fundraisers are a tricky business with so many options around. With dedicated volunteers, creative ideas, and proper planning, the potential for a successful fundraiser is outstanding. Fundraising is an art form, but any type of artist can find success