TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER

First, Select a Coordinator...

• Appoint a person responsible for communication between your group and The Discount Card (TDC).
• Provide TDC with a cell phone number and an email address for seamless communication.
  
  

Start Early

• Begin fundraising preparations 4 to 6 weeks in advance.
• If TDC is securing sponsors, use this time to plan marketing and sales strategies.
• If you are securing sponsors yourself, work on your sponsor outreach and sale preparations simultaneously.
  
  

Appoint Chairpersons for Key Functions

• Assign individuals to coordinate various aspects of the fundraiser.
• Engage parents, members, and students to share the workload and boost enthusiasm.
• Keep energy levels high—your excitement sets the tone for the whole group.
  
  

Create Competition & Incentives

• Set up a contest with prizes or incentives for top sellers (individuals or teams).
• Encourage businesses that didn’t participate as sponsors to donate prizes instead.
• These businesses may want to become sponsors next year.

Organize a Kick-Off Event

• Treat your fundraiser launch as an event!
• Schools: Announce it over the intercom or hold a kickoff in the gym.
• Churches: Promote the fundraiser during announcements or with a fun skit.
• Consider partnering with a sponsor’s location for your event.
• Check if a local radio station can offer a free live remote promotion.
  
  

Advertise Your Sale

• Create posters featuring a copy of your Discount Card and fundraising details.
• Request a camera-ready proof of your card from TDC for promotional materials.
• Display posters in participating businesses and around the community with permission.
  
  

Use Media for Promotion

• Post on social media, school publications, websites and any online community boards.
• Many newspapers offer free ad space for non-profit and community groups—call and ask!
  
  

Recruit a Sales Chairman & Track Sales

• Assign a Sales Chairman to oversee the fundraising sales process.
• Keep a detailed paper trail: Record names, addresses, phone numbers, and the number of cards signed out.
• Stay in touch with sellers to monitor progress and provide motivation.
• Boost sales: Remind customers that each card is for one person only—a family of four needs four cards.
• Consider offering a discount for multiple card purchases to encourage bulk sales.
  
  

Set Up Sales Tables at High-Traffic Locations

• Many retailers, such as Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club, allow fundraising groups to set up tables outside their entrances.
• Having kids make the sales pitch increases sales—it's harder for customers to say no!

Be the First Fundraiser of the Year

• Start early in January or at the beginning of the school year (August/September).
• People are more likely to support your cause before being approached by multiple fundraisers.
  
  

Maximize Your Marketing Reach

• Encourage parents, students, and members to sell at their workplaces, clubs, and meetings.
• Ideal locations include banks, offices (real estate, insurance, car dealerships), college campuses, and civic clubs.
• Many people are willing to support school or community fundraisers—it’s often easier than you think!
  
  

Understand Your Profit Margins

• For a minimum order of 500 cards (when TDC secures sponsors), selling just 150 cards covers your cost.
• Every card sold beyond that is pure profit.
• Cards remain valuable even with a shorter expiration period—customers can easily recoup their investment through savings.
  
  

Reach Out for Support

• TDC is available to answer questions and provide guidance throughout your fundraiser.
• Their goal is to help you run the easiest and most successful fundraiser possible!