***Unique Fundraising Ideas During an Economic Crisis

Finding unique fundraising ideas during an economic crisis can be challenging. Are you tired of the old boring fundraisers? Are you wondering why parents and supporters aren't giving as much? What can you do to have a successful fundraiser during an economic crisis?

No matter what your political views are, everyone agrees that jobs are scarce and the economy is tight. People don't give as much for fundraisers because they don't have as much. Yet, the schools and clubs still do them and it almost seems as if they are requiring more of the children and their families because the schools themselves are tight on funds. It's a catch 22. With 5 children believe me I have helped them with all kinds of fundraisers - overpriced and under-filled boxes of candies or fudge, gift cards that no one remembers to use, magazines that cost more than what you pay on your own, and then just asking for money - we've done it all and then some.

Well, let's take a look at what can perk a supporters interest to participate once again in these unending fundraisers. Below we will list 5 critical things that successful fundraisers need during this economic crisis.

Five tips that will not only help your cause but also help your supporters. That's right, no more selling just anything and no more begging for just cold hard cash. People can't do it and don't do it. Believe me, I have 5 children and am doing a local telethon for cancer. The donations just aren't there like they used to be. Yet, money is still circulating.

The key is to have unique fundraising ideas. For instance, home businesses are up, green businesses are sky rocketing, and nutritional businesses are growing exponentially.

1. Focus on products that help the supporter - ideally in 2 or more ways. People love to help a cause they believe in, however, not everyone has spare cash to donate.

* Tax deductible
* Improve their health
* Improve their wallets
* Better yet, all of the above

2. Focus on market avenues that are growing during this economic crisis

* Green products
* Nutritional Products (Be careful to use on qualified ones, lots of bad nutritional products are out there so go with a company that has an excellent reputation that has been time-tested)
* Offer business avenues that can lead into insurance assistance programs so if people are off work, they can still help and most importantly, you can help them

3. Don't spend your hard-earned fundraising money to raise more money. Look for reputable companies that want to help nonprofits and that don't charge an arm and a leg (better yet, look for one that doesn't charge)

4. Furthermore, make sure the money is going to go toward your organization. It is OK if the fundraiser is designed to grow with time and people, but don't give all your funds away to other branches of the organization that don't even support you. Ideally, go for a plan that can grow (contribute more) as you grow with more sponsors.

5. Lastly, choose something that will keep working for you. Why stop with just raising money 1 time? Offer something of value that people can continue to use and the profits will roll back to your 501C3.

By aiming for these 5 critical tips in your next fundraiser, you will raise the funds you need during one of the hardest economical times our country has seen. Remember the key is to offer unique fundraising ideas because people don't want over priced cookie dough, wrapping paper, and another phone call requesting just $20... I'm sure you know what I mean. We've all been there and done that. Time to move on to selling things of value to the supporters so everyone benefits.

Barb Lulay, an Education Health Specialist and owner of Health and Harmony LLC, focuses on helping others improve their health within their budget. By partnering with the #1 Natural Nutritional Company, Barb offers unique fundraising ideas that focus on health, green products, filtered water, home business opportunity with insurance discounts and much more by partnering with a top rated company that has been time tested for over 56 years. To find out if your 501C3 qualifies for this exceptional fundraiser where the supporter benefits and so does your nonprofit even during this economic crisis, Email Barb or visit Unique Fundraising Ideas.