Fundraising Idea of the Month:
Tours

Arrange tours for those who don't have the access to or the ability to move about freely in their own vehicle or normally get to discount warehouses. These tours can be of any sort that appeals to the local residents or members. Tours can range from shopping tours (for clothes, alcohol, anything) to areas of interest like sporting events (ie grand finals). Tours help share the costs and thus reduce them to each individual and maximise the experience by doing it with others of a similar mind.

Shopping tours can take many forms. Maybe monthly shopping trips from country area to city mall to bulk buy and save money that not only pays for the trip but helps raise funds ( you the fundraiser take a percentage of the savings). You might want to organize a day trip to several warehouses or flea markets. Another idea is to organize a bus to transport revellers from one night spot to another so they don't have to worry about drinking and driving.

By travelling in groups not only do you save but everyone will have a great time. Friendships can be made or renewed. Plan to have some fun, simple contests to pass the time driving from one place to another. Maybe include finger foods or a snack.

If you decide on the shopping trip notify the shopping centres you intend to visit in advance so they can expect you and maybe help you add to your raised funds by them donating either money or goods to your event. Donated goods can be used in raffles or the games to help pass the travelling time. You can also use them as a door prize to help boost ticket sales by enticing more people to join in. This way you can maximise the benefit of bulk buying and bulk bookings.

There are many reasons that bus trips or organized tours can be fun, helpful and cash raisers all at the same time.

Canvass the idea, get your bookings confirmed by a deposit before the day of the trip then you can decide the size of the bus you will need and if the event will do financially. This is critical, you will want to have some idea if you need to cancel so that you don't loose money. By letting the hirer of the bus know the number of people expected you can better plan the hiring of the bus. This may lead to a discount for the bus or maybe get a free bus for the day. (This is more likely if your donations to your organization are tax deductible.)



 Subscribe in a reader

Doug Nash lives in Logan City in Queensland, Australia. He has graciously consented to share a fundraising idea with us every month. Although many of the ideas aren't new, each of them has a unique flair that comes from being developed and refined half a world away from ours. Visit his web site at http://www.home.gil.com.au/~dnash/ for more fundraising ideas.