Fundraising can be an effective way to obtain additional funds for your playground project. However, before diving into any fundraising efforts, it’s crucial to establish a comprehensive playground project plan. Since there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to fundraising, diversifying your strategies will increase your chances of success. By diligently following a solid plan, you’ll stay on track toward reaching your fundraising target. Begin by addressing key planning and preparation questions.
Planning and Preparation
- How much funding do we need to secure?
- Which fundraising methods are most likely to engage our community and generate significant contributions?
- How many fundraising initiatives should we undertake?
- What is the fundraising goal for each initiative to meet our overall target?
- Which local businesses are potential donors, and which have supported similar causes previously?
Committee Formation
Establishing a playground fundraising committee is crucial. While a main committee can oversee the project, consider forming sub-committees for individual fundraisers. It’s vital to involve a core group of volunteers with diverse backgrounds. Committee members need not be fundraising experts; rather, they should share a passion for the cause and a willingness to contribute.
The first tasks of your fundraising committee involve budgeting and setting timelines. A detailed budget ensures expenses are managed effectively, while a timeline maintains focus on meeting fundraising goals. Begin by determining your build date and work backward, noting key milestones such as grant deadlines and events. This comprehensive timeline minimizes oversights and sustains momentum towards your playground fundraising goal.
Playground Fundraising Ideas
Below are several playground fundraising ideas and support tools to help maximize your fundraising efforts. By implementing a combination of these fundraising ideas and actively engaging the community in the process, you can successfully raise the necessary funds to build a playground that will benefit generations to come. Contact us to hear more!
Online Auctions/Raffles
Many local and home-based businesses may be willing to donate items and services. Items could include gift baskets, services, artwork, or gift certificates. Promote the auction through social media, email newsletters, and community websites.
Coin Drive
This is often called a penny wars fundraiser. Most people will raid their home drawers, closets and piggy banks for pennies when it will give them a chance to win a prize or beat their rivals, in turn raising funds for your organization.
Crowdfunding Campaign
Launch a crowdfunding campaign on platforms like GoFundMe, Kickstarter, or Indiegogo. Create a compelling story about the importance of the playground and share it with friends, family, and supporters through social media and email.
Community Events
Organize community events such as bake sales/cook offs, carnivals, festivals, or fun runs to raise funds for the playground. Charge admission fees, sell tickets to games and activities, and offer food and beverage sales. These events can also help raise awareness about the project and generate excitement within the community.
Sponsorship Opportunities
Reach out to local businesses, corporations, and organizations for sponsorship opportunities. Offer various sponsorship levels with corresponding benefits such as signage at the playground, logo placement on promotional materials, or recognition in press releases and media coverage.
Restaurant Sponsored Nights
Many local restaurants will offer nights where they will donate a percentage of sales. You send customers on a designated night and they’ll send you a check.
Brick or Tile Fundraiser
Sell personalized bricks or tiles that donors can have engraved with their names or messages. These bricks or tiles can then be used to construct a pathway or wall within the playground, providing a lasting tribute to donors.
Scratchcards
Whirlix Design Inc. offers scratchcards where each fundraiser gets one scratchcard and asks friends and family members to donate the total amount scratched off. The supporter receives a coupon sheet for discounts from local vendors. Scratchcards can be personalized with a picture of your specific playground project. This 100% profit program is the perfect way to gain funds for your playground project. Learn more by contacting us.
Partnering with Fundraising organizations
We partner with fundraising organizations such as FundMonkey to bring additional savings and greater returns for your fundraising efforts.
FundMonkey is web-based, campaign management software designed to accept online donations, communicate with participants, improve participation and increase overall donations. Fundraising groups use our technology, marketing materials and know-how to get started, save time and raise more money, as much as 30% or more than a DIY fundraising event.
