Afraid    Aiding   Drain   Draining   Fair   Find   Finding   Fun   Funds

Gain   Grains   Grand   Grin   Guard   Raid   Rain   Rains   Raising   Raisin

Ring   Sand   Sing   Snag   Unafraid

Taking it further, study the italics – finding funds, fund raising -these are words to take to heart. Raising funds has to have a certain element of fun or no one will participate. Gain is the end result so be unafraid to take fundraising to the ultimate level.

If you hit a snag, you may need a changing of the guard. Perhaps you should let someone else in your organization who has newer ideas and thoughts put the fund raising back on track. These days, raising funds is a tougher, more difficult competition. It’s a desert, everyone’s money is shifting around like grains of sand. Donate here, donate there, what’s in it for me?

People want more value for their money, want to know their dollars are making a difference, no matter how small. You have to appeal to a broader and more savvy audience that ever before. So don’t be afraid, keep your volunteers happy, keep your donors happy, and remember to play fair.

CJ found 24 words – how many did you find?

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Coffee Joe Says: The easiest way to describe organic foods would be to say its Food not played with.

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1)      Fairly Traded

2)      Fresh from the Roaster

3)      Gourmet Blends

4)      Well-Priced

5)      Online ordering, forms and brochures

6)      Shipping arranged to your convenience

7)      Re-orders keep funds coming in

In addition, give your donors important information about reusing coffee grounds, recycling paper filters and compostable coffee bags, letting them know they are helping the organic farmers to lift their families and communities out of poverty, and making for a greener planet overall.

CJ thinks this type of fundraiser will appeal to high schools, bands, and church groups. It’s easy to run, attracts volunteers, offers a popular product, is sustainable and helps others. What could be better?

Volunteers:

1. will join a fundraising group that gives a conscious choice.
2. need a viable reason to help raise the funds you require.
3. could be doing something else, but chose your fundraiser.
4. have heart and enthusiasm – two valuable assets.
5. need support and training – guidelines are essential.

Your recruits will come through the door willing and enthused, ready to start. Treat them like family – make sure they are not overworked, their area is peaceful and pleasant, incentives are offered, expectations are written down, and above all, communicate. Find out their likes and dislkes, and use this information to place each volunteer in a position guaranteed to bring out the best in each of them. This will increase productivity and make their fundraising experience a good one.

After all, you do want them to come back for your next project. 

“Snowflakes melt alone – but together they can stop traffic! Teamwork allows common people to attain uncommon results. Some people want it to happen, some people wish it to happen, some people make it happen. Volunteers aren’t paid; not because they’re worthless, but because they’re priceless.”

Pistol and Burnes provides an easy to administer fundraising program selling sustainable, fairly traded and organic coffee, tea and chocolate. Make the best use of your volunteers, raise money for a good cause and help the planet at the same time. Contact us now to get started at 604-946-5767 or toll free: 1-888-547-9309 or visit our fundraising information page.