Brick & Mortar (non internet) Fundraising Ideas:

Here I would like to share with you ideas that people write to me about and other original fundraising ideas.  Note:  This is a new feature to this site, so if you would like to ad your ideas please email me, thank you.  

Selling used Video games, movies, DVD's and CD's:

I like this idea a lot.  Here is how it works:  Send out a letter home that you are collecting the items above in order to resale at the school.  We all have tons of video movies and games that our children grow out of.  Most of us just donate them periodically to thrift stores.  These items are perfectly good and cost a fortune to buy new.  Organize a safe place at the school (library or office) where people can come a buy the used films.  Sell them for $3-$5 or more.  At our preschool we just put a money box where parents paid on their own, so you don't need someone attending to it at all times.  At the same location have a donation box for your used ones.  Families will be happy to purchase the video's for the price of renting.  This is an all year round fundraiser and can raise much funds if it is advertised and run properly.  

I talk about recycling inkjets on my inkjet page but here is a company that also will recycle cell phones and their services are very impressive:  

Here is a really cool idea submitted by a reader:

Our school several years ago held a great fundraiser that brought into our school thousands of dollars.
Each class was responsible for creating a basket. Not
just a "basket" depending on what your class chooses to put in their basket. Example.....How does your garden grow basket could be a wheelbarrow full of anything that could  be used out in a garden....birdfeeders, chairs, fountains,  stones, gazing balls etc.

Each student in the class is  responsible for at least one item for your 'basket'. That  is asked of the students but we all know that it is not  always possible but you will be amazed at what some will  run out and get donated or purchase on their own.
Some suggestions for baskets could be.......

• How does your  garden grow?
• 'Out on the town'....tickets to the movies, mall,  restaurants etc.
• 'NASCAR'....items to do with Racing 'Sports'....all sorts of sports items and tickets to  upcoming events.
• 'Out to eat'...coupons to resturants etc.
• 'Pamper yourself'.... bath and body items...massages, hair  salon coupons, tanning coupons etc.
• 'Money' which could be just simply Money that is donated  to a basket.
• Each class prepares their baskets and lists each item in their basket on a page and what it is worth. Some baskets could be worth as little as $50 while some could be worth  hundreds or even close to a thousand, depending on what is contributed. Sometimes parents work at places where they can get an item and donate to baskets. (example may be working at Linens and Things and able to donate a bedspread or towels. Be willing to share what you can get with other classes making baskets that could use what you can get.
  We had one company donate tons of Christmas items that did  not sell. With that one class made a Christmas basket  with wrapping paper and decorations etc.
  Anywayyyyyyyyy.....Make your basket list on a page that
  can show the total of what it is worth and then number your baskets in a booklet form that is  printed showing ALL baskets and then sent home with  parents to sell tickets for a chance to win. Example .....basket #3 NASCAR and under that would be a list of all that is in the NASCAR basket and what each item is worth... and the total worth of the basket printed at the bottom of the page.
  Parents are sent a book showing all baskets so they can see what is being raffled. They show these booklets to all their friends and family and sell tickets for whichever basket that their choice....That money is sent  in with tickets and tickets for that basket is placed in  n envelope labeled for example Basket #3. After a couple  of weeks of selling tickets we had a hotdog dinner at our  school and then drew for the winning tickets. The baskets  were awesome. Some took up an area 10 ft by 10ft..like  the garden ones. Maybe some of you have tried  this....maybe its a new idea and something different from selling candy and wrapping paper. Good luck!
   

Community Auction: 

If you are considering an auction at your school here is a tip of how to solicit from your community.  This is a letter that I received for my son's school's auction committee which raises thousands a year and is very successful.  BTW, the event is an adult only event that costs money to attend.  It is usually at someone's beautiful home and tickets are sold way in advance.  Here is the letter:

"Thank you to all of you who jumped right on the phone or email in response to our email calling for volunteers for the BASH committee. We still need more of you but it is very exciting to see your enthusiasm and willingness to support this important PCS Fundraiser.

Some of you have already started inquiring about how to donate auction items! As you can imagine, the solicitation of auction items is a huge endeavor and such a vital part of the success of this fundraiser. We have an excellent Procurement committee (and more members are needed) but if every PCS family could consider donating or soliciting even one item, just imagine how many items we would have! Plus, it will greatly add to your own personal enjoyment at the event to see folks bidding and fighting over YOUR item(s)!

And it does not mean you need to go out and spend money buying an auction item. We have an amazingly CREATIVE community of both students and parents. Your talents and professional services are very valuable!

Ideas are limitless but here are a few to get you thinking:

Knit a scarf
Frame a piece of art that you or your child has created
Cook for a party
Provide musical entertainment for a party
Paint a mural in someone's home
Offer a sailing excursion on your boat
Go in with a few other PCS couples and host a party
Provide a few hours of graphic design consulting
Golf
Vacation home rentals
Music and voice lessons
Tutoring
Wine basket
Theater tickets
Baseball or football tickets
Gift certificates
Scrapbooking
Quilts
Home Services
Health and Beauty services and supplies

If you have a talent that you can share or you own a business that can donate, we welcome your donation. Auction Item Donation forms are available in the school office.
If you know of a business that may be interested in donating but you feel shy or afraid of rejection then please pass the name on to our Procurement committee. They are fearless!"

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