How do I get a fundraiser started at my school?

Question

Okay, So I've seen so many sad videos on youtube, the news, and tv about Billions of children in Africa and other third world countries that desperately need help....ranging from shelter, water, food, clothes, etc. I've felt really moved to try to do someting like a fundraiser right in my own school to raise money to help, even if it's just a little bit, these children as much as I possibly can. I've got absolutely no idea where to start or what to do to get my idea out there and how to promote by I don't know what to do. Does anyone have any tips??? Perhaps a link to a website or something.

I'm only 15 and I have a feeling like I wouldn't be able to promote my idea to the administration and principal and what not.......I just really want to do SOMETHING. Anything if I can help those poor children.....Please, give me anything you can tell. Everything is appreciated......

Thanks!!!

Answer 1

First I'd make sure your raising money for a reliable charity source like World Vision, Christian Children's fund, or the red cross.  The idea is all up to you, but what my school did recently is a 30 hour famine to raise money for African Children.  Its through World Vision and you can find there website on line if you type in 30-hour famine, you ask friends and relatives for funds before the famine, and then during it you do fun stuff and go around to peoples house and ask them for money.  You have a fun time, raise money for kids, and get an appreciation for what its like to go hungry, but it goes faster then you think.  Check out their website if your interested, http://www.30hourfamine.org/

Answer 2

I love your passion.  Why don't you get a group of your friend together and take a trip to South Africa this summer and see first hand the living conditions that the people living in squatter camps have to deal with everyday.  

You and your friends could be a part of "helping" the poor but planting gardens, running a soccer clinic, repairing shacks or just being their friend.  Join our mission group in July 2008, I guarantee it will change your life.

www.buildthefutureusa.com

Answer 3

Hey there - wow...great cause!!

I've been heavily involved with nonprofit fund raising for years....so here are some ideas I have that could be relatively low in cost for your cause...

1) Consider a mail campaign - depending on how many mailing addresses you have, you never know how many people might respond to your cause and just write you a check! This works amazingly well for several organizations that are short on time AND resources.

2) Consider running an online auction - this is an AWESOME way to get to the people whose mailing addresses you don't have (ie you've got their EMAILS)...your email base can feel like they're using their expendable income on great stuff AND its going to their community at the same time!

I've included a link of one of the online auction companies that I've worked with...cMarket. They also have another website, BiddingforGood.com, that opens your auction up to all their members so that people who you don't even know can donate to your cause and bid on your items!

3) Instead of having a garage sale at your home, try having a "garage" sale on eBay! Think of it as a virtual way to get rid of some stuff AND make a little more money...(make sure you include the cost of shipping those items online or else you'll end up losing money!).

4) Have a fundraising event - give people in your community something to look forward to, and host a gala....you can sell tickets, have an auction, raffle prizes, etc that will give your church something to look forward to AND a perfect opportunity to donate to something they care about.

5) One last tid bit - consider selling sponsorships for your event...this can help off set some of your cost INCREDIBLY. You'd be surprised how many local businesses want to be a part of your cause-minded event! You can ask for anywhere around $500 per sponsor, and if you put your auction online, you can ask for even more than that because they'll be getting just that much more exposure through your website and event emails!

Best of luck with all of this! :)

Answer 4

Talk to your principal! He/She should give you the thumps up, help you set it up in the school and whatnot, and then look online for organizations you can donate to. You can accept donations or go about doing it however you'd like. Good luck.

Answer 5

tell the student councils your idea , like go to thier meeting Or tell your teacher your idea i am sure they be glad to help and get support from your friends too :)