Tips for a Successful Campaign

Communication:

The key to the success of any project is good communication among those involved. Make sure there are clear, open lines of communication between the campaign organizer(s) and group leaders, teachers, parent helpers, etc. and – most importantly, the participants, who will be your salespeople. Effective two-way communication keeps everyone interested, informed, and enthused.

Organization:

As in most endeavors, the degree of organization can make the difference between success and failure. Setting up a sequence of events for your fundraising project – what happens and who is responsible – will make your campaign run smoothly and without confusion, since everyone will know exactly what is expected.

Recruiting Help:

Recruiting the assistance of parents and/or other adults has proven to be extremely beneficial for fundraising activities involving children. Such volunteers typically provide help with organizing, coordinating, calculating total orders, and distributing cheese to participants.

Motivation:

One of the biggest motivators for fundraising activities is making the participants aware of the purpose of your campaign. When they know why you are raising funds and why their participation is important if the campaign is to be successful, they are far more motivated to go out and get positive results. When younger children are involved, sending an informative note or newsletter to parents is also very effective. Doing so may result in the parents providing assistance by reinforcing the importance of each and every participant and encouraging sales efforts. Children are typically very proud when they are able to say that they did their part in achieving the group’s fundraising goal.

Product Knowledge:

We believe that it is important for the participants to be able to tell their customers a little bit about the product. They should therefore be informed that the cheese that they are selling is of the highest quality and comes with a satisfaction guarantee; cheese is a wholesome and nutritious food that is consumed in most homes, which is a good source of calcium and protein; and cheese gifts are popular with relatives, friends, and/or clients. Letting customers know the benefits of purchasing the product, as well as the purpose and worthiness of your project, tends to lead to a positive response.

Pre-sell:

We recommend that your participants pre-sell the product. This requires that orders be taken by each participant and totaled by the fundraising organizer(s) prior to placing your group order. Some groups also collect payment as orders are being taken. Participants should inform their customers of the expected delivery date of their individual orders.

Younger participants should be told to have each customer complete the information on the order form (name, telephone number, number of pieces, and amount). Parents or older siblings can assist in calculating totals.

Using the Telephone, Text Messaging and/or E-mail:

The telephone, text messaging and/or e-mail can be excellent sales tools for your participants, particularly younger ones who are not expected to make their sales in person. Inform the participants of how they can contact friends and relatives to ask for their support. Parents can be helpful in preparing an appropriate list of names and telephone/text numbers or e-mail addresses.

Set Individual Targets for Participants:

Let participants know how many pieces of cheese and/or the number of gifts each should try to sell in order to meet the group’s total goal. Tell the participants what the total goal is and how, if each attains the personal target set, the group will be successful. They will then be able to see the link between individual contribution and the success of the campaign.

Rewards and Recognition:

Establish a system of rewards and/or recognition for achievement. For example, awarding prizes, special privileges, etc. or mentioning successful achievers at school assemblies or in group meetings establishes a sense of accomplishment and pride, and fosters friendly competition between participants. Also, recognizing the assistance given by parents, community business representatives, teachers, organizers, etc., makes a positive impression that will foster willingness to assist again in the future.

Suggestions and Comments:

We are always pleased to receive comments and suggestions regarding fundraising experiences, since we like to pass along helpful hints that we receive to future fundraising groups.

We are available to you by telephone or e-mail to provide assistance or answer any questions that may arise during your fundraising project:

OUR TOLL-FREE FUNDRAISING TELEPHONE NUMBER IS

1-800-265-1973 Extension 26

WE CAN ALSO BE REACHED BY E-MAIL AT fund@springbankcheese.ca