Fundraising Catalog

Joy is Found in Giving“It is more blessed to give than to receive.” — Jesus, in Acts 20:35

“Think of giving not as a duty but as a privilege.” — John D. Rockefeller, Jr., American industrialist and philanthropist

Playhouses

Auctions

Home Runs

Concerts

2011

Non-profit fundraising is all about multiple streams of income and that’s where you can help. Every dollar you collect for Habitat’s cause will help house a deserving family in our community. Less than ten cents on every dollar is used to help pay for the costs of Habitat’s operations. That means for every buck you bring in, 90 cents goes into housing families. Remember, fundraising is not only about the money; it’s also about spreading the message of affordable housing through Siouxland’s Habitat for Humanity. We want to give you a step by step guide on how you can create a successful, fun-filled fundraiser for our organization.

First, pick an event that suits the talents and size of your group. Take into consideration the timing of your event; what time of year the event will happen, how long it will last and availability of teammates and participants. Also, think about how much money, if any, you will have to put forth to conduct the

fundraising event. Your venue will also be a factor in determining what type of a fundraiser is going to work best for you.

Second, contact Habitat’s volunteer department to inform them of your event and schedule for the fundraiser. Some ideas may not be acceptable to link with Habitat’s name, so it is important to pass all information regarding the planned fundraiser through Habitat’s volunteer department. You can contact

them at 712-255-6244. Make sure to keep Siouxland Habitat for Humanity involved throughout the planning.

Third, focus your energies in getting your message out to your potential audience of supporters. These fundraiser events will do the rest. Make sure to keep your fundraiser centered around Siouxland Habitat for Humanity so that supporters will feel compelled to participate in your fundraiser. Also, don’t forget to tap

into Habitat’s resources. Many homeowner candidates who are currently going through Habitat’s program and those who have already moved into their homes are willing to participate in fundraisers by sharing their story with a group. If you feel this would help enhance your fundraiser, please call and we’ll put you in touch with a homeowner or homeowner candidate willing to help. Siouxland Habitat for Humanity also has several photos and displays that can also be used by your group to help get the message across.

Lastly, remember to have fun with your fundraising event! Look to create a positive experience for everyone. You can do this by including food and entertainment with your fundraiser. Or work with local merchants to expand into offering silent auction items of donated goods and services. Hold a follow-up meeting with

Habitat’s volunteer department after the event to give a summary of your fundraiser.

Siouxland Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit organization dedicated to eliminating substandard housing in the community. Since 1992, the affiliate has provided nearly 30 families with a safe and affordable place to live.

Through the use of volunteer labor and donations of money and materials, Habitat builds simple, decent housing for families who otherwise could not afford it. Homes are sold to the homeowners at no profit on an interest-free

mortgage, making homeownership an affordable reality.

1150 Tri View Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106 P: 712-255-6244 F: 712-255-7203 www.siouxlandhabitatorg

Fundraising Ideas

Decorate Birdhouses Contest•Charge for birdhouse entries, with entry fees going to Habitat•Allow for birdhouses to be on display in a high traffic area for at least one month•People could win birdhouses by bidding with bid money going to Habitat•Donate decorated birdhouses to local resorts and inns•Competitors vie for prizes in categories: Adult, Teen (13-17) and Youth (12 & under)•The entries are judged on four criteria: Overall Appearance, Originality, Creativity and Precision•The entries must have size limits: not be larger than 30 inches high, 24 inches wide and 24 inches deep including the base•Entries should be constructed of non-perishable materials•Within each category, prizes could be awarded to a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner based upon the overall highest scores from the judging categories. In the event of a tie, the Competition Call Judge would make the final decision •Example prizes can be awarded as follows: Adult Category: 1st Place Winner receives $1,000 and a two-night stay at a local Hotel & Spa; 2nd Place Winner receives $750 and a one-night stay at local hotel; 3rd Place Winner receives $500 and dinner for two at a local restaurant•Teen Category: 1st Place Winner receives $250; 2nd Place Winner receives $150; 3rd Place Winner receives $100•Youth Category: 1st Place Winner receives $150; 2nd Place Winner receives $75; 3rd Place Winner receives $50

Mothers Day Tea & Treasures•Unique bags, purses and containers filled with gift certificates to hotels, restaurants, local theaters and other items related to theme of bag are auctioned off•Tea and refreshments offered•Light brunch available•Door prizes for attendees•People buy tickets for event

Battle of the Bands•Bands play for free and battle against other bands for donated prizes•Cover charge goes directly to Habitat •Winners of the contest could be determined by audience vote in the form of cash donations•A Guitar Hero contest sponsored by a retailer•Local celebrities could be present to emcee the event•Local businesses can donate door prizes, food and drink for event

Barbeque & Bicycles•Ride for Humanity•Bikers could register to bike for Habitat in teams or as individuals•Routes/trails would be outlined throughout the community•Riders would also collect donations or sponsorship money for each mile they rode•A barbeque could be waiting for participants at the end of the ride•Live music and drawings could enhance the barbeque celebration

1150 Tri View Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106 P: 712-255-6244 F: 712-255-7203 www.siouxlandhabitatorg

Art Auction

•Feature artwork from local artists•An artist reception could be offered an hour before auction as a meet and greet•Live entertainment by local bands/individuals with door prizes• Include a wine/dessert tasting/hors d’oeurves•Tickets for the auction could be purchased at $25•Ticket sales and proceeds go to Habitat

Flower Power•Deliver “flower grams” for a holiday •Check with floral companies for a discount on flowers•A “Carnation Celebration” could be hosted by a school business class•Leading up to the event, teams could post fliers and handmade posters advertising the sale “Spread The Love”•Throughout the week of the event, teams could have a table in school or church halls, where buyers could purchase flowers for $1 each and write personal notes to their friends, faculty or family •College students could visit dorm rooms for door-to-door sales, others could walk their neighborhoods•The team is then responsible for delivering the flower grams the morning of the holiday

Habitrot• Host a 5k, 8k or 10k run/walk• Sanction event through the Missouri River Runners Club to get additional help with registration•Companies could sponsor run and in return get their logo on t-shirt for athletes on race day•Restaurants could provide meal for after race•Live entertainment at finish line •Registration fees would go to benefit Habitat

Dinner Dance• It could be a formal affair - Utilize a school’s prom or homecoming decorations the day after an event to host your own dance and dinner•Bring in catered food or have a team cook for the crowd •Use a one price covers all approach, then add games or raffles to raise extra funds•Use a school/church band to perform live music for dance or DJ the event yourself

Doors to Homeownership• Art students could hand-paint doors that would be sold in a silent auction at the Home and Garden Show•Visitors to the show could place bids throughout the event, the winners would be announced on the last day when the Home and Garden Show closes.•Proceeds would benefit Habitat’s ReStore, which sells new and like-new building materials with proceeds benefiting families in need of housing

1150 Tri View Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106 P: 712-255-6244 F: 712-255-7203 www.siouxlandhabitatorg

Mini Golf Tournament•Arrange a place to play •Offer attractive price variations like a flat-rate family ticket or discounts for advance purchases•Get local businesses to sponsor a hole. Keep the prices reasonable, such as $25 to $75 per hole. Sponsors would get signs acknowledging their contribution beside each putting tee •Encourage sponsors to offer a two-for-one coupon to all players that will bring business•A business could offer a prize to everyone who beats a certain score or gets a hole in one on the 18th hole•Ask businesses to donate items or services to use as prizes for lowest score, best bank shot, etc.•Sell raffle tickets for a donated prize or conduct a 50/50 cash raffle•Offer food and drink sales, with course owner permission, you could even run your own concession stand offering grilled hot dogs, hamburgers, sodas, etc. •Offer silent auctions of donated goods and services•Ask for donations from players

Mystery Murder Dinner•Book a reserved dining room at an inn or a large restaurant that closes during season or ask a theater to donate an evening•Negotiate a flat group rate that includes dinner and dessert•Set the ticket prices at double the cost.• If you include other fundraising activities, then you can reduce your ticket markup and keep prices lower•Work with a local theater group to get performance at a low cost or create your own murder mystery script (you can also find mystery dinner theater scripts online at a reasonable price) and have your group perform•Get silent auction items and services donated by local businesses and place them on tables for bids•Offer a wine tasting along with dinner by working with a local wine merchant. Charge extra for the wine tasting and seat those people in one area•Sell sponsor ad spaces on your event menu/program or look for corporate contributions to help offset costs

Bake Sale•A holiday sale (ie: Christmas cookie day, a Mother’s Day pie event)•A seasonal sale (ie: harvest/citrus theme)•Have local bakers or cooks donate goods to bake sale

Bingo Night•Family Bingo Night, Young Adults Bingo Night, Youth Group Bingo Night•Find bingo game forms online or buy them from party supply stores•Charge a small admission fee plus a dollar or two per game•Keep things moving by using an experienced caller and a PA system so they can be easily heard above the crowd noise •Make extra money through food and beverage sales, silent auction items, or raffle tickets •You may need a license for this event, so be sure to check local regulations

1150 Tri View Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106 P: 712-255-6244 F: 712-255-7203 www.siouxlandhabitatorg

Playhouses•Shop students could build playhouses to raffle•Compete against other schools/students in catagories Best Looking, Most Original Design, Earth Friendly•Collect donations to build designs•Set parameters for playhouse size•Voters could donate dollars for each vote cast

Yard Sale•Choose a high-visibility location like a school or church parking lot. Put up signs around area•Group your items together by category - kids’ clothes, tools, toys, books, pictures, music, etc. Place general price signs around items instead of pricing everything individually; this will save time and work•Recruit outgoing types who can be enthusiastic about these odds and ends. Make it a fun time with some helium balloons for small children and have coffee and doughnuts available for adults

Online Yard Sale•A variation on the yard sale fundraiser is to sell the items online. The best place to sell large quantities of lower-priced items is on eBay or Craigslist•You’ll get more for books, music, and consumer electronics that way, plus it’s easier to do for very small groups•You’ll need to spend some time creating the listings. Having online pictures posted seems to help with higher-priced items

Pancake Breakfast•Charge for all-you-can-eat tickets•Offer raffle tickets and sell ad space or sponsorships on your place mats•Hold on a Saturday morning and schedule sponsors to say a few words during breakfast hours1150 Tri View Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106 P: 712-255-6244 F: 712-255-7203 www.siouxlandhabitatorg

Car Wash•Line up a location with good main road frontage •Ensure it has suitable water access •Assemble supplies list – hoses, buckets, wash towels, dry towels, squeegees •Assign each volunteer an item from the supplies list •Make 8-10 poster board signs in high-contrast colors •Arrange your volunteers in 2-hour shifts •Organize your group into teams - Promotion, Sales, Wash, Dry •Promotion team attracts new clients with signs •Sales team explains offer (use flyer for quick info) and up-sells clients with extra features or secondary offer•Wash team soaps, scrubs, and rinses each car - Dry team gets water residue off, vacuums, does tires, etc. •Use at least two lines and wash two or more cars at once•Wash cars for six to eight hours (Saturday 9:00 to 3:00 preferred)•Remember to put together a quick flyer that includes the reason why you’re raising funds and clearly states the price. You can even offer some extra services for an additional charge such as providing high-gloss tire treatment or vacuuming interiors•Sell car wash fundraiser tickets in advance •List all prices concisely in large, bold type •Partner with another group to get more workers• Increase revenue with an extra offering such as a 2-for-1 pizza savings card or selling boxes of doughnuts•Play upbeat music. Provide soft drinks and snacks to keep the energy level up•Keep safety in mind when trying to attract customers. Be sure to get volunteers to hold and wave signs toward passing traffic, not just volunteers to wash cars

Raise Money to Reuse•Raise awareness about Habitat’s ReStore and educate the community on the advantages of reusing items•Teams will pick items from Habitat’s ReStore and make them unique•Set the items up in a place with lots of traffic, could be at a fair, in a shopping center or parking lot; pass out fliers through shopping center or fair to bring people to items•Bystanders can enter a raffle for one of the items by paying a certain amount or pay to vote on the most unique item they would like to take home• Include music and food and other raffle prizes centered around the thrift store creations to draw people in

Chair Affair Chair-ity Event•Supporters put together a unique chair for your group to auction off. Donations can be rocking chairs, kitchen chairs, children’s chairs, computer chairs, recliners, car seats, bar stools, etc.•Each chair should have a theme and be decorated and accessorized accordingly; its chairs with flair•A computer chair could have a new monitor, printer software or other accessories with it. A kitchen chair could have a cookbook, a grocery store gift certificate, a new blender, or Tupperware collection, a child’s chair would have a teddy bear, a rocking chair could have an afghan, family photo album, case of lemonade, or new slippers. A car seat could have baby food, diapers, play toys, or baby store gift certificate. The bar stool could have drink recipes, a box of assorted liquor, drink glasses, bartending lessons, or similar items. The recliner could be accompanied by a case of soda, pretzels, deluxe remote control, or big screen TV•Arrange your chairs around the perimeter of your room in an attractive display and place silent auction bid sheets next to each one. Note the retail value of each package on the bid sheet•Give award ribbons to top award-winning chair packages to increase bids. Give the creator of each category’s winning chair a gift certificate donated by a sponsor• Consider doing a live auction of the most desirable chairs or auction off donated items unrelated to the theme. Have a central focus of the event that keeps people at the event and bidding right up to the deadline (ie: live entertainment)

Cookoff•Could be chili cookoff or a general dish•Cost of a ticket could be a free-will donation or a standard $5 for all you can eat•Tasters could give tips for favorite foods or favorite chefs•Prizes could be awarded for Most Original, Hottest, Tastiest, Meatiest

Fashion Show•Charge admission and show off a retailer’s new line•Get a few people within your group to make articles of clothing or reach out to a local seamstress•Add silent auctions for clothing and other donated items or services such as spa treatments or private lunches with top designers.

1150 Tri View Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106 P: 712-255-6244 F: 712-255-7203 www.siouxlandhabitatorg

Walk-a-thon•Walk throughout a local mall to raise awareness and money•Walkers are sponsored to participate•Walkers could take shifts in walking throughout the day

Talent Show•Sign up groups from local schools• Include raffles with one big item (ie: a trip worth $1,000.00)•Book a local or national celebrity to perform or host the event•Have dinner available, face painting and a silent auction to encourage more participants who may come just to watch the performers•Consider creating an ‘American Idol’ type show

Read-a-thon•Get friends and family to pledge donations for every book read or every page read during event•Have school staff work curriculum into the challenge•Get a local restaurant to provide lunch for the participating students•Get the staff involved by having them pledge to color their hair blue for the day

Lego Blitz Build•Set up at a mall or shopping center•Ask a toy store like Toys-R-Us to donate the Legos for this fundraiser•Have people build their own Lego dream homes during a weekend when there are many people in the shopping center•This could also give kids something to do while parents shop•Each builder would pay an entry fee, such as $5, to build a house with Legos and enter the creation in a contest•Shoppers can pay $1 to vote on their favorite Lego home

Create Your Own Shantytown•Raise awareness of homelessness while also raising money for Habitat by living on the streets in cardboard houses, best done on a weekend•Participants create cardboard/paper homes using materials they find on the streets•Get people to pledge donations for number of hours participants stay in their houses or get a donation for the entire weekend, rain or shine•Or teams of people could compete in a ‘creative shack’ contest using just cardboard and duct tape•Hold the contest in a shopping center parking lot to draw crowds•People could pay to vote on the most attractive, most durable or saddest looking shack

1150 Tri View Ave. Sioux City, IA 51106 P: 712-255-6244 F: 712-255-7203 www.siouxlandhabitatorg