Summer Fundraising Ideas:

Fundraising Corner

Summer is a season full of fun, staying up late, taking vacations, and spending time with friends. It can also be the perfect time to volunteer and give back with some simple fundraising ideas. Whether it's your kids or yourself, everyone has a cause that means something to them. Arranging a summer party with a purpose is a wonderful way to keep everyone busy and help those in need. Summer fundraisers can be easy to organize, especially during a time of year when people have more flexible schedules
Here are some summer fundraiser ideas for you and your family to try this summer:

• Have a charitable yard sale: Organize a neighborhood yard sale and donate all the proceeds to your favorite charity or community cause. Send digital invitations from The SignUp Hub with all the details.Plan a barbeque after the sale and get everyone together for some hot dogs, hamburgers, and s'mores. You can also ask a few charities to come to the sale and talk to people about their organizations. Ask people to make a personal contribution as well.

• Volunteer outside: In every community, there are public areas that always need volunteers to help with the upkeep. Talk to your town or city officials and determine where and when you and other party-goers can help the community. It may be picking up trash, building a rock wall, or planting trees. Send digital invitations from The SignUp Hub with all the details. Whatever it is, spend a few hours helping out and then regroup for an outdoor party in someone's backyard. Set up an outdoor movie theater, serve popcorn, and enjoy the warm weather.

Once you've picked a summer fundraiser theme, all the pieces will fall into place and guests will be clamoring to attend. When you plan your event on The SignUp Hub http://www.thesignuphub.com, you can add a Donations request to your digital invitation and ask guests to contribute to the cause. This is also a great option for someone who can't attend to still participate in making a difference!

End of Year Volunteer Appreciation Ideas 

The end of the school year is here and it is time to recognize all the people who have helped make this year successful for your school community.  You know how valuable your volunteers are, and you’d do just about anything to make sure they understand this, right?  What you need are some easy to organize and inexpensive ideas to make sure your volunteers feel the love.  Read on for creative ways to say, “Wow, you’re amazing!”

Low and No Cost Ideas

Thank You Emails  Personalize the email – include their name & reference the task they did and tell them how it contributed to the overall success of your organization (Great for 1-time & first time volunteers)  For special one-time volunteer events, take pictures, create a photo album on your FB, and include the link in the thank you email  

Use Social Media - Thanking Tuesday –  Take pictures of your volunteers while doing service  Highlight one of your volunteers each Tuesday and tell your social media audience how they are making a difference in your organization!  Tag that person if possible  Post group pictures on social media after 1-time events

Special Thank You Newsletter- Send out at end of year to ALL of your volunteers  Include a coupon to a local store or an invitation to a volunteer appreciation social

Volunteer of the Month -   Create a special bulletin board at your organization and feature the volunteer of the month  Highlight your volunteer of the month on your organization’s website, in monthly newsletters, on social media, etc.

Volunteer Survival Kit - Band-Aid: For all the aid you provide, Piece of Rope: For when you have reached the end of yours!  Rubber Band: To remind you to stay flexible, Crayon: To color your days cheerful and bright, LifeSaver: To remind you that you’re appreciated a “hole” lot, Mint: Because we’re thankful for your commit”mint” , KitKat: For when you need to take a break! Put this all in a small decorated bag.

Volunteer Appreciation Kit -  Puzzle Piece: Because without YOU, we wouldn’t be complete!, Paper Clip: Thanks for helping to hold us together!, Rubber Band: Thanks for being flexible!, Smarties: Because you are such a smartie! Thanks for the great ideas!,  Mint: Because we’re thankful for your commit”mint”, Tootsie Roll: Thanks for playing such an important “roll” in our organization!, LifeSaver: We appreciate YOU a “hole” lot,  Almond Joy: Thanks for all of the joy you bring to our organization! Put this all in a small decorated bag.

Movie Nights

 Movie Nights are a great low-key fundraiser for the kids or for the whole family.  You can choose to run movies weekly, monthly or even have a great big Movie Picnic in the early Fall or Springtime with a giant outdoor screen!  You can go as BIG or as simple as you like.  Best Part, everyone loves movies!  Just make sure to try and pick an age appropriate movie and best if it is just coming out to DVD. Here is a quick Guide to get you started!

Total Time to Organize:  3 Hours Total # To Organize:  1 Volunteer  Range of Earnings: $400-$2500

Start Time: 2+ week minimum before event

Items Needed: ,movie screen, movie video, snacks, speakers, money box & change

Suggested Fee: recommended pricing $5 individual or $25 a family / inside or outside movie

Suggested TIme:  Inside Movie:after school or evening /Outdoor Movie: after the sun sets!

Volunteers Needed to Help: minimum of 6 (2 at front door and 4 at concessions)

Helpful Hints:  

• Make sure all windows are blocked if inside and light out.  If outside, remember to check when sun sets.  In the summer it may be too late for an elementary school event.  DARKNESS is Important!
• Decide on setting up chairs or having kids/family bring their own lawn chairs, blankets or sleeping bags.
• Have Movie Fridays or a Movie day a Month to increase  profit.  It is an easy way to bring in fast dollars and the kids like sharing time with one another.
• Pair your Movie Night with a Book Fair or Art Show at school.  Families then think they are getting a 2 for 1 event!
• Decide whether you are asking for snack and water donations or buying them.  Create signage for sales of snacks.  It is sometimes easier to buy large bags of popcorn than to ‘self-pop’ it.
• Think about checkin and checkout procedures for younger children.  Adults should probably will be required to sign out children/s.

Instructions:

Step 1 (2 weeks before):  

Secure a venue and date for event. Book an outdoor Movie Screen rental if that is your direction. Make sure the movie is family friendly and current.  Best events work when a popular movie is just coming out to video.  Check online release dates and plan your event accordingly.  Fill out necessary paperwork.  Decide whether or not Police are needed for control or parking.

Step 2 (2 weeks before):

Download and edit the details of your SIgnUp Hub for only $5.  Email out to your group for volunteers.  Email out to your families for online ticket sales!  Ask for donations online even if the family can’t come!

Step 3 (2 week before):

Create signage for your event and display around the school or community including whom the proceeds are supporting.  Make signs large and clear!

Step 4 (Day of Event):

Arrive 1 hour early to set up concessions and ensure movie & speakers are playing correctly.

Open the doors! (Note:  Don’t allow too much time between doors open and movie starting.  You don’t want to excite or rile up the kids too much before movie time).

Volunteers should be placed at checkin/checkout, bathrooms, and concessions.

Done!  Purchase a Movie Hub 

Car Wash Fundraiser

A Car Wash is another Easy Fundraiser for your organization to earn quick money!  It's also a fun way to get all your members involved and create community goodwill!  Here is a quick How To..to get you started!

Total Time to Organize:  3 Hours  Total # To Organize:  1 Volunteer  Range of Earnings: $750-$2200

Start Time: 2 week minimum before event

Items Needed:  minimum 2 power washers, 4 hoses, water supply, 2 split attachment, 50 old towels and rags, 2 large soap, 8 large sponges, 4 buckets, 2 wet vacs (optional for interior cleaning), 12 volunteers on a shift (adults are encouraged to participate), signage, money box & change

Fun Extras: music, food and beverage for workers, uniforms or matching attire

Suggested Fee: recommended donation of $10+ and $15+including vacuum (optional more!)

Suggested TIme:  9am-2pm (schedule 2 shifts of 12 volunteers)    9-11:30am and 11:30-2pm

Instructions:

Step 1 (2 weeks before):  

Secure a venue and date for event near a water source.  Submit any necessary paperwork.

Suggestions:  school, church, temple, community club house

Step 2 (2 weeks before):

Download and edit the details of your SIgnUp Hub for only $5.  Email out to your group for volunteer sign-ups!

Step 3 (1 week before):

Create minimum 4 fun signs including CAR WASH and whom it is supporting.  Make signs large and clear!

Step 4 (Day of Event):

Arrive 30 minutes early to set up

Alternate 4 volunteers or more on the street (with signs and gimmicks) or in prime spots to drive business

Set Up Wash Stations:

(1) Pay or Donate with Table and adults and moneybox/change (always ask for addt’l donations)

(2) 2 power washers minimum to wet down cars

(3) 4 buckets, sponges & soap to wash car and tires

(4) 2 additional hoses to wash off soap

(5) optional vacuum interior

DONE!  Purchase a Car Wash Hub

A Bake Sale is the quickest and easiest way for your organization to raise fast money.  Here is a quick overview of what you will need to create a Deliciously profitable event!  Try having a few of them throughout the year or season!

Total Time to Organize:  3 Hours  Total # To Organize:  1 Volunteer  Range of Earnings: $750-$2200

Start Time: 2 week minimum before event

Items Needed:  volunteers to bake, signage, labels & markers for pricing, money box & change

Suggested Fee: recommended pricing $0.50- $25 depending on the baked good

Suggested TIme:  9am-2pm (schedule 2 shifts of 5 volunteers each minimum    9-11:30am and 11:30-2pm.

Instructions:

Step 1 (2 weeks before):  

Secure a venue and date for event. Local Grocery Stores, School, Sport & Community Events are some suggestions.  Submit any necessary paperwork.

Step 2 (2 weeks before):

Download and edit the details of your SIgnUp Hub for only $5.  Email out to your group for volunteer baked goods and shift sign-ups!

Step 3 (1 week before):

Create signage for your table including who the proceeds are supporting.  Make signs large and clear!

Step 4 (Day of Event):

Arrive 30 minutes early to set up

DONE!  Purchase a Bake Sale Hub Here

 The Good News Fairy

A Great FUN-draiser and Inspiration for Your Students!

Every parent wants to celebrate the accomplishments and important dates in their children lives.  A great idea is to have a Good News Fairy mysteriously show up in the middle of the night and leave a Celebratory Lawn Sign.  Some ideas for your School Signs might be:

• Welcome to School...We Love You!  (New Student sand Kindergarteners)
  
• Relax, We Know You Will Do Great on the Test (Before State Testing)
• Congratulations Graduate (8th grade or High School)
• I Am A Supporter of ABC PTO!
• ABC School Wishes You a Happy Birthday!
• I Can't Wait to Meet You (Teacher or School Buddy Program)

Choose to sell one type of sign or all of the signs and let parents pick.  Make sure they know whom the monies are benefiting and don't forget your school name or logo!  This fundraiser not only celebrates and excites the children, but connects your community.  Imagine how fun to drive around your town and see the accomplishments of your friends and neighbors!

 What You Should Know

Time Line: 4-6 weeks before Sign Delivery

 Volunteers Needed:1 Volunteer for Design/Ordering Sign,  Others for Distribution of Signs Only (#depending on qty)

Suggested Suppliers: www.VistaPrint.com, www.supercheapsigns.com, www.esign.com,www.buildasign.com

Profit Potential: 100 Signs Sold =  $1500 Profit (assuming $5 cost per sign and a sale price of $20)

The SignUp HUB can Make Your Job Easier!

Download a SignUp Hub for only $5 where families can

Order, Pay and Volunteer to Deliver– All Online!

Each HUB also includes a timeline, sample flyer, forms & waivers (if needed)

 Sample a SignUp HUB       Purchase a SignUp HUB

Graduation Lawn Signs

A Great FUN-draiser For Your School!

There is no easier way to earn monies for your school then with offering your families Congratulation Lawn Signs.  These signs are perfect for 8th Grade Graduates, High School Seniors, even for Welcoming in Kindergartners to your school. This fundraiser, not only celebrates and inspires the children, but connects your community. Imagine how fun to drive around your town and see the accomplishments of your friends and neighbors!

 What You Should Know

Time Line: 4-6 weeks before Sign Delivery

 Volunteers Needed:1 Volunteer for Design/Ordering Sign,  Others for Distribution of Signs Only (#depending on qty)

Suggested Suppliers: www.VistaPrint.com, www.supercheapsigns.com, www.esign.com,www.buildasign.com

Profit Potential: 100 Signs Sold =  $1500 Profit (assuming $5 cost per sign and a sale price of $20)

Download a SignUp HUB and Make Your Job Easier!

Purchase a SignUp Hub where families can

Order, Pay and Volunteer to Deliver– All Online!

Each HUB also includes a timeline, sample flyer, forms & waivers (if needed)

 Sample a SignUp HUB       Purchase a SignUp HUB