Tis the Season to Give: Creative Fundraising Ideas

During this time of economic recession and increased financial worry, at-risk youth and those who work to empower them need your support more than ever. Thankfully, seeking assistance for your programs does not necessarily mean asking for monetary donations. This day and age, there are a variety of innovative and helpful ways to encourage community members to support meaningful and positive programs at your organization, while simultaneously promoting your message and cause. The use of the internet and social media tools have opened the door for a new wave of giving. Fundraising special events supplement local, state and federal grants, individual giving campaigns, and business contributions. In addition to raising money, they help raise awareness about your organization, which can be invaluable when it comes time to apply for funding or ask for donations. Here are some creative and innovative fundraising events that have been done by fellow YIPA members:

For 12 years now, YIPA member Bolder Options has been hosting a Bolder Dash where participants can choose to run a 5k or 10k. This year’s race was on September 18th, 2010, and was a huge success!

This year, Elpis Enterprises is participating in the Twice the Gift Store in the IDS Center in downtown Minneapolis. Take a few moments to stop by and see some of the products that youth in their program have made, and make sure to ask how your non-profit can get involved!

Last month, YIPA member, DARTS launched an online auction through Biddingforgood.com, which is something any non-profit can do! They were able to get members of the community to donate items for auction and for the last several weeks have been inviting people from all over the state to bid online. One of the great things about this type of fundraising endeavor is that you can reach a much wider audience than most local events.

Another YIPA member, YouthLink was recently featured on Pepsi Refresh’s website, where they highlighted a need for enhanced space at their nonprofit organization, and sought votes and essentially funding. Each month, Pepsi gives away $1,300,000 to fund great ideas, and it doesn’t cost voters a cent!

The nation's largest Giving Day is coming up on November 16th in Minnesota! Join the wave of generosity by taking part in Give to the Max Day. Hundreds of nonprofits will offer the opportunity to double your dollars over the course of 24 hours on November 16th. Every donation you make gives your favorite organization the chance to win even more money. Make sure to donate to your favorite organizations, and for YIPA members running early intervention programs, make sure to create a personalized account!

And last but not least, I'd like to recognize Patty Halvorson from the Lee Carlson Center for Mental Health and Well-Being. She was recently presented The Innovative Funding Leadership award which is for given to individuals, foundations, corporations, civic groups or other entities that have set an example for innovative funding to youth intervention programs in the state of Minnesota. To quote Paul Meunier, "rather than simply absorb the economic hits, Patty has been busy crafting new and fun ways to raise much need revenue." One such event is their annual Roofraiser. It began three years ago with one local mayor sleeping on the roof of a high school for an entire weekend; while up there, he made phone calls to raise money. The next year it expanded to 7 mayors from the local area and the fundraising totals increased. The most recent year there were 8 individual "roofraisers," including a director of chamber of commerce, a county commissioner, a candidate for sheriff and the mayors.

Another unique idea for fundraising was Dancing with the Stars. Patty Halvorson researched the idea and recruited local leaders to dance at a fundraiser. These local leaders were taught new dance steps with the help of a local dance studio, which donated their time and skills. The event was successful at both raising awareness and much need financial resources.

If you know of any creative or innovative ways non-profit agencies in Minnesota can fund early intervention programs, please leave a comment and spread the word! ‘Tis the season!