With constant reminders of the economic downturn in the news, it’s easy to understand why so many nonprofit organizations and schools have trouble fundraising via traditional methods. Many people are buying fewer fundraising items and donating less than before, but that doesn’t mean school and nonprofit fundraising efforts are inevitably headed for doom. There are fundraising ideas out there that can survive any economic situation, and in fact, even give the economy a boost.

Tips for Effective School Fundraising

Schools are constantly in need of money to cover the cost of textbooks, sporting equipment, or activities. Parents and students alike are well aware of the effort and time commitment that goes into school fundraising, such as door-to-door selling, bake sales, car washes, and asking friends and family for donations. The school fundraising methods listed above can be effective, but they have their time and place. For fundraising success in a down economy, it’s essential to take a unique approach. Rather than just receiving funds, why not give back to the community and local economy in return?

Local and national discount cards are a great way to raise much-needed funds for your school while giving the local economy a boost. In a recession, all businesses are looking for cost-effective ways to advertise and joining a discount card program allows them to do just that. Businesses set their own discounts or incentives for cardholders, encouraging them to become customers. This serves as valuable advertising for businesses, not only because it provides visibility, but also because it builds positive relationships within the local community.

In addition, people are more eager to support their local schools when they receive great benefits in return! Discount cardholders can receive great benefits such as year-round discounts on food and shopping, hotels, automotive service, emergency contact support, roadside assistance, and discounts on prescription drugs.

Nonprofit Fundraising Online

Nonprofit organizations have felt firsthand how a down economy can affect charitable donations. Donations are declining as donors become strapped for cash and many nonprofit organizations are simply postponing their fundraising campaigns, because they have been unable to meet their fundraising goals. The economic downturn has led many nonprofit organizations to shut down, but that doesn’t signify that there is absolutely no hope for nonprofit fundraising campaigns.

In today’s economic climate, both local businesses and nonprofits can benefit significantly from online fundraising efforts. There are some innovative fundraising programs out there that allow nonprofit organizations to register and receive a fundraising website at no charge. Local businesses purchase advertising space on these websites and reach out to organizational supporters. Not only does this fundraising method enhance relations between local businesses and community organizations, it gives businesses a cost-effective method for advertising to their target market. Supporters of nonprofit organizations are regularly given incentives to visit the websites, ensuring that the advertising is seen.

With news of economic doom and gloom surrounding us, it is easy to become reluctant about fundraising. Schools and nonprofit organizations alike have felt the trickling effect of the economic downturn, but the ones that continue to adapt and apply innovative fundraising ideas will survive and thrive in their fundraising efforts, regardless of the economic situation.

Marvin Yakos has been the vice president of SchoolHeart® from its inception. SchoolHeart is a fundraising resource site that helps provide schools, churches and other non-profit organizations with different fundraising ideas. Their hCard fundraising program has been very successful in not only helping communities but also helping people earn money from home.