Money Saving Tips
fab
fundraising
3
If a charity raises lots of money it can help lots of people. So let’s try and make as much money as we
can. You need to remember two things:
• Costs - remember to keep your costs down wherever possible and spend less money.
• Income - find ways to increase your income and make more money.
These tips aren’t just relevant for fundraising. Businesses are always looking at ways to
reduce costs and increase income. It’s also important for you to start thinking about your
costs and your income. This will be really important later in life when you leave home.
Spend less
Spend nothing! - you don’t always have to buy things. Why not plan things
that are free e.g., sponsored walk or get sponsored to be a slave for the day.
Buy things cheaply - if you need to buy things look for special offers or buy a cheaper variety where
possible* e.g., if you’re making cakes look for cheaper ingredients. Remember though if it’s a posh cake
sale you can’t sell poor quality cakes, people won’t be prepared to pay!
* F airtrade or organic products are often more expensive. What are the pros and cons of spending more for
these products?
Ask for donations! - ask local shops/businesses and the people you know to
give you items for free or at discounted price. Make sure you tell them it’s for
charity e.g., if you’re doing a ‘count the jelly beans in a jar’ ask if a shop could
donate some sweets.
When businesses help the community they often benefit too. More people hear about the
business and customers respect them for helping others. Why is this good for business?
Buy in bulk! - it’s often cheaper to buy one big bag of something than lots of little bags. So if you need large
quantities buy in bulk. Look out for labels which show the price per kg. e.g., when you buy cake ingredients
it’s probably cheaper to buy two big bags of flour than four smaller bags.
Re-use don’t buy new - before you go shopping have a look at home or ask
someone you know if they have what you’re looking for, e.g., do you need a
collection bucket? Ask at home or a neighbour.
Be creative - make your own items to save money. Invite friends over to have some fun
at the same time e.g., make your own fancy dress outfit. Draw pictures and sell them.
page
1
Money Saving Tips
fab
fundraising
3
Make more money
Spread the word - the more people who know about your fundraising the more
money you’ll raise. e.g., carry your sponsor form wherever you go! Use Facebook,
Twitter or YouTube. Speak to the local press and get an article in the paper.
Work as a team - it’s easier to get a big idea off the ground if you’re working together. Share the workload
and get together with some friends. You’ll also come up with loads more ideas!
Be prepared! - the best ideas are well thought through. When designing
a product do some research to make sure people want to buy it.
Give away a prize - sometimes it’s worth spending a bit of money on a prize
to encourage people to take part. e.g., have a Wii competition and ask people
to pay to enter. The person with the best score walks away with the Wii game.
You’ll have to pay for the game, but more people may want to take part.
KISS - Keep It Short and Simple - keep any message short and simple. Make it
really clear what is happening where and when and what you want people to do.
Think big - you don’t have to stick to one idea. Why not combine a few. e.g.,
If you’re putting on a concert why not sell drinks at the same time? Create a
programme and sell that too.
Ask the experts* - when you think about it, you probably know lots of people. If you need help,
don’t struggle alone remember to ask the experts around you.
* Complete the Community Spots activity and write down all the people who could help you.
Gift Aid - have you heard of Gift Aid? Basically when someone donates money
to charity the Government actually gives another 25%. So, if someone donates
£100 the charity actually receives £125. This only happens though if the person
donating the money pays tax here in the UK. So, make sure you ask people to
read the Gift Aid info on your sponsorship form or online.
page
2