Any fundraising wizards out there? Need ideas.

[Their Other Mother]

My daughter has been on 2 trips, one to New Zealand and one to Uganda, Africa. She asked everyone and their brother for a donation. She collected $2700. for her Africa trip and most of it came in from school mates. The average donation was $20 bucks. It adds up..... The school paper did an article on her and the students were so supportive.

 

[AussieSharon]

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Wow that is great. I bet she had an incredible time. I'm hoping my son's school will be supportive too. (haven't talked to them yet)

 

[NMbirds]

Get local businesses to contribute to a local boy with a mission.
It's a matter of having a good proposal that you can put in front of the owner that shows an enterprising young man with a vision. A lot of local business people are often willing to make a contribution - try such folks as car dealers, banks, and such. That's where the money is.
Other ideas for creative fund raising is having your son offer to work for his cause, odd jobs, cleaning up lawns, etc and let them know his purpose. Covert hours to dollars! Likewise, friends and family members are also often willing to make a gift. Honor a relative via birthdays, anniversaries and special occasions by contributing in their name to the send a boy to Japan as an ambassador of good will, global understanding and world peace. Something like that. And good luck.
Email me your address and I will send a gift.
Finally, make sure that your son follows up each gift with a note of thanks and a promise to report on his trip. Get some local press coverage, yes, good ideas all.

 

[debilorrah]

Your child can go around the neighborhood and take corders for holiday cookies...... Pay upon delivery kind of a thing.

 

[Chicken Salad]

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Where exactly in Virginia? I love a good cause.

 

[chickbea]

Has he presented his case to the local Rotary, Lions, Elks, Moose, etc.? They may be able to kick in a few dollars.
A family that lives near me has several teenagers who have all done trips to Europe, and they have a collection bin outside their house for people to drop cans and bottles off (I'm not sure if your state has a bottle/can law deposit...). It must make some amount of money for them because the bin has een out there for years.

 

[AussieSharon]

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Where exactly in Virginia? I love a good cause.

Jenna we're just West of Richmond. A bit far for you to travel I'm sure

 

[AussieSharon]

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He posted in the local Freecycle asking for aluminium cans and even went as far as to say we'd pick them up. So far 3 responses.

I know we have a local Moose Lodge. Will have him check into contacting them and any other local groups. Thank you for the great ideas.

 

[Leah-yes I know I'm crazy]

Check out the possibility of novilty shopps in your area. Last summer for scouts we bought tubes of light up necklaces. Paid $.30/unit and sold for $2/unit. Did this at the fireworks and made $500 in 2hours. With the support of his school at events like football games/basketball games he could make a good amount.
Popcorn machines and cotton candy machines are good money makers too but boosters usually do that and you don't want to compete dirrectly with those organizations.
Moose, Eagles, VFW, American Legion, Masons. Sometimes will let you serve a meal and keep the proffits. Usually works best when you talk to someone in charge well in advance and can provide labor (your son an ten of his friends and family members) for set up, serving, and clean up. Try sending a letter first, follow up with a phone call after two weeks. If they say no, ask if they have any other suggestions to offer.