Help me with some fund raising ideas...

[Jann in TX]

As I mentioned in previous posts I will be going to Uganda (Africa) this summer with a small team. We will be providing teacher training at a children's home (and to teachers in the surrounding community).

My assignment is to write lesson plans--and then teach the teachers how to develop their own plans (focusing on manipulatives and similar supplements). My subject area is elementary math. They must use the national 'curriculum' as a base but it is VERY basic and this school hopes to be a leading 'college prep' school by the time the children leave. Teacher training there is about the same level as a USA high school grad--and they do not have any training on how to teach--just general subject knowledge.

The lesson planning is the fun part for me... the HARD part is the fund raising that I need to do as the group I am going with prefers that you do not pay for yourself--but 'allow' others to help fund this vision...

I have a close friend who suggested that I give cake decorating and candy making lessons for 'donations'. She has some friends who are very interested in participating. Now I need to find some creative way to 'market' this fund-raiser.

Should I schedule a class/classes and list a suggested donation? Or should I just let the 'students' donate whatever they want?

The cake decorating instruction would most likely be a 2 session event. The focus the first day would be on HOW to bake a moist/level cake and the secrets of a good icing--and then some practice on some cup cakes. The second day the 'students' would bring in a cake to decorate and we would go over some basics. (Character type pans and transferring patterns). Supply cost would be around $5 for basic tips and 'goodie bag'.

The candy making class--is really a CHOCOLATE lovers class. Each student would make a chocolate basket (I'd like to hold this one before Easter!) to fill with candy. I would also demo other treats that are fun and easy to make with the same type of chocolate. Supply cost is around $5 for a 6 inch basket (close to 1 pound filled).

Anyone who knows me would testify that I LOVE teaching--and that I hate charging for doing something I LOVE so much. I still only charge $10 an hour for tutoring--the same I charged 25 years ago!

Any ideas on how I can promote these 'classes'--and the fund-raising aspect?

Thanks for any input.
PS-- My DH it is weird to teach classes that involve SUGAR when I can't have any sugar without getting sick (nice side effect is the 20+ pounds lost since October!).

[Claire]

You could make up flyers on your computer and post them on supermarket cork boards. Be sure to include those little pull-off strips with your phone # on the bottom. A good quality photo would help attract attention.

It's fairly inexpensive to make or have made a box of business cards. Pass them out to everyone you know, plus see if some businesses would allow you to place a small stack (in a plastic holder) next to the cash register.

In both cases, include the donation information aspect of the classes but don't not mention costs. Determine some base cost for the class and give that information out over the phone to those who call. (They can always donate more than the class cost if they want.)

If you don't mind the gambling aspect, I always think that raffling off a quilt (or other large donated item) is a good way to raise money. If you sew, you could make the quilt yourself. Take a good photograph and ask friends to sell raffle tickets.

[mysticamethyst]

Not sure if you have a neightboorhood flyer but what about that option. We also have people who come and leaves flyers on our doors. I am not saying I like it but good way to get out your information. There is always flyers at the local high schools, some of the girls would love to learn this skill. Even the YMCA might let you put up a flyer or even a blub on their website. I am sure you could get your pastor to make an announcement at the next service. Starbucks also will let you put up flyer for fundraising. HTH a bit, if you are looking for more of a sponser type thing; I would make a letter and then mail it to the small mom and pop shops and then follow that up with a visit carrying your flyer. Money is out there go get you some. On a side note, I think what your are going to be doing is just fantastic; what an oppertunity for you to help others and see the world. :)

[Brindee]

A consideration for the classes might be where you are holding them. I wouldn't invite just anyone to your own home! If you have a public type building to hold the classes in, then you could certainly invite the community with flyers, making sure to say it's a fund raiser for your trip to Africa!

I went to Kenya for 3 weeks in 2006. What a wonderful experience it was, and I know you'll have a great one too! I'm not sure if you're religious or not, but I'm just telling you what we did. A friend from church and I met others over there to do meetings and work on buildings, etc. She and I went to local churches, and presented the project, the needs, why we were going and what we would be doing once there, how much it cost, etc. Then the churches took up voluntary offerings. One church with about 100 people gave $556! We also wrote letters to family and friends about the project, including a stamped envlope inside for them to send donations if they chose.

Those two methods and a LARGE yard sale, with help from friends to set it up and watch it, raised the money we needed!

I hope you'll let us know how your trip goes!