Fundraising & an Interview

One of the things I LOVE about having my own business is that I can choose to give away a portion of my sales to worthy causes, such as I did earlier this year for Relay for Life.

Awhile back, I was approached about getting listed on a Fundraisers site, called ADH Fundraisers. I happily submitted my information to the site owner, who was at the time still working on the general layout and design of the site. I then kind of forgot about it. You know how it is…you get busy, emails get pushed aside, etc. Well anyway, just a few weeks ago I was contacted by the site owner, Angie, and told the site had launched. She did a great job with it, and it’s a valuable resource if you’re someone searching for the next great fundraising idea for your organization or club. Angie graciously agreed to be interviewed for the blog and tell us all more about the site.

Beth: Angie, thank you for agreeing to be interviewed for the blog.

Angie: You’re welcome! I really want to get this site growing and get more exposure to the public.

Beth: What made you decide to start ADH Fundraisers?

Angie: I am an Independent Sales Representative with Avon and I have worked with friends and families setting up and running Avon fundraisers, as well as small groups such as Cub Scouts.  I had a chance to see how simple and beneficial these fundraisers were and wanted the opportunity to help others in need of fundraising.

I own www.ADHSites.com which is a division of www.ADHEnterprise.com, Business Solutions.  I decided to create a website dedicated to Fundraising, www.ADHFundraisers.com. ADH Fundraisers is a place for individuals and business that offer a fundraising opportunity to list their opportunity and information for free.  It is then a place for individuals and groups looking for fundraisers to locate a fundraising opportunity that will benefit them.   The individual or group may then contact any or all of the fundraising opportunities directly to get more information and to get a fundraiser set up. 

I, along with ADH Fundraisers and ADH Sites, also donate websites to individuals and groups running a fundraiser.  The website is beneficial for the group or individual because they can post all of their information about their group or the individual, what their fundraiser is for, they can share pictures, stories, etc.  They can add a News section, Blog, Message board, Donate Buttons, and most importantly, links directly to the fundraiser or multiple fundraisers.

Beth: For non-profits, charities or individuals reading this who may be considering organizing a fundraiser to support their cause, what tips would you give for making a fundraiser successful?

Angie: I would offer the following tips for a successful fundraiser:

1. Find volunteers to help plan, setup and organize your fundraiser. 

2. Decide how you will raise money, whether you will be holding a benefit or selling products for profit.  There are many options available and a list of fundraiser opportunities can be found at: www.ADHFundraisers.com

3. Schedule enough time for the actual fundraiser sales.  If you schedule your event with too small of a timeframe and deadline, you and your organization will not have enough time to reach as many people as you would like.  But, also don’t schedule it for too long as the people ordering their products will be looking for them in a timely manner.

4. Get the word out!  Get as many volunteers and participants as you can, have them tell everyone they know.  Spread the word on facebook and other online avenues.  Contact your local newspaper, as most have an event section and usually will make note of a fundraiser or non-profit organization.

5. Customer service – even though this is a fundraiser and not a business, your fundraiser will benefit from treating people with great customer service.  Be professional and polite, give them information about the group, organization or individual and what the funds are being raised for.  Provide them with a benefit worth their money and/or a good quality product worth their money.  Be sure to Thank them for participating in your fundraiser and deliver their products in a timely manner.

Beth: If there are additional business owners reading this, are they still able to get involved with your site?

Angie: I am accepting more fundraiser ops.  I don’t have any limits – I think the more there is to offer the better.  I also don’t have a limit for Reps with a company, although some fundraisers can be set-up online, some will be in person and if there is a list of Reps, they can find one in their area.

If YOU are a business owner interested in getting listed on ADH Fundraisers, contact Angie and let her know – the more the merrier!

Thanks for tuning in for my first-ever blog interview!!