How to choose a partner
Planning is the key to a successful fundraising campaign. Here are some issues you should consider when organizing your efforts and selecting a fundraising partner:
Experience
Selecting an experienced partner is a critical first step. A company with a strong track record of proven fundraising success will be key to your campaign. Promises are easy to make however, good, consistent, profitable results are proof of a company's reliability. Surprises are not a welcome ingredient in your campaign. Ask for references and be sure to check them out.
Quality Products
A popular product will ensure support from the public this year and every year. Choose a quality product that is preferably available only through your organization.
Planning and Organization
A program that is confusing or is difficult to distribute will take up too much of your time and quickly lose its appeal for the entire organization. Look for a proven, well-established fundraiser who has a defined process in place to make your job easier.
Support
Seek out professional assistance in organizing your program for maximum results. An expense on qualified help on the front end can make a big difference on the back end.
The company you choose should have experienced people available to guide you.
Value
You are asking the community to support your cause, but your audience is looking for quality and value in return. People will appreciate and remember a quality product and positive experience from one campaign to the next. Click here to find out about the quality Hershey's can offer your organization.
Profit Level
Be sure that the product and campaign that you choose can realistically generate the profit to reach your goals. Ask for a profit formula from your prospective company. Click here for the U-Can Fundraising Profit Calculator. Be aware that percentage profit isn't the only consideration. A product with a lower percent and high volume will generate more profit than the reverse.
Reaching Out
The larger the audience, the higher degree of success your campaign will enjoy. Make efforts to involve the local business community in your campaign to boost your exposure and theirs. U-Can Fundraising can make recommendations to help you in this regard.
Generate Excitement
Be sure that the product/partner you choose is something your "sellers" can believe in and get excited about. Their participation and enthusiasm are an important part to the buying experience.
Payment
The preferable way to arrange payment to your fundraising company is the way that eliminates risk to your organization. The ultimate route is to receive the product, run your campaign, collect your money and then pay the supplier. A good partner should be flexible.
Have Fun!
Remember, this may be the first "selling" job your group has ever had and for many it can be intimidating. You want it to be a positive, educational and rewarding experience for them. Make sure you communicate the goals and results of your campaign and let your sellers feel the pride of accomplishing these goals through teamwork. If you have fun, your team will as well. U-Can Fundraising has 30 years of exceptional fundraising experience. Together, with Hershey's Canada, we are committed to providing unsurpassed customer service, quality and value to help make your campaign an unqualified success.
