With so many things up in the air these days, we are hoping this helps you nail down safe social distancing fundraising ideas, while still having fun.
Fundraising has traditionally been a hands-on, face to face experience. It’s a different world now, so we have to get out of that old box and into our new reality. Fortunately, there are simple ways to do just that. We will cover how to execute fundraising with social distancing practices, focusing on selling, collecting money, and distributing the product.
As usual, the top three recommendations are:
- Wear a mask
- Stay 6 ft apart
- Sanitize. Wash your hands regularly.
After those, the most beneficial tip we have is to plan as much as you can in advance and be as organized as possible.
Selling
First, let’s address the face to face challenge. How can you sell if you can’t get in front of someone? We all know that personal encounter, especially with kids, is a huge part of fundraising. Here are a few ways to replicate that experience.
Go Virtual! Have your child, or members of your group make a quick 20 – 30-second video explaining what they are selling and why. Being authentic and off the cuff will get the best response even if you have a few bloopers! Post the video to your group’s Facebook page or Instagram story. Participants can also email or text the video to friends and family. All of our brochures are available on our website. Send your customers the link, or post it with your video, and ask them to text or email their order back to you.
As an example, check out our $10 Cookie Dough Tub Fundraising brochure.
Collecting Funds
There are several secure funds transfer applications available. Venmo and Zelle are simple to set up and very user-friendly. Of course, there is Paypal, which also allows people to use credit cards. It is also safe for people to mail in a check. If you have customers that prefer to pay with cash, give your team this saying to help that process.
“Grabbing Cash? Wear a Mask. Then Be Wise. Sanitize!”
Distributing Product
The process of sorting the products once they arrive presents another opportunity for change. Depending on the size of your group, you may want to find a large space to work. Ask for volunteers to help sort on behalf of younger kids or members who are in a high-risk population.
Option A – Designate areas for individual products 6 feet apart from each other and mark which item is in that spot. Have volunteers follow in a line, stopping at each station to collect that product for the order they are assembling.
Option B – Arrange all the goods so they are clearly marked and easily accessible. Have each volunteer go in one by one, to collect the items for their order.
To get the products to the customers, you can offer curbside pick up or no contact delivery. For no contact delivery, simply drop that person’s box or bag of goodies at their door, ring the doorbell and leave. Text your customer to let them know you’ve delivered their order.
Curbside pickup requires setting a date and time-frame then notifying participants. Let them know that when they arrive, just pop their trunk, and a volunteer will place their box in the automobile. Have you people make signs with their name on it to help the distribution team can get the right packages to correct person. If you want to go for extra fun, tell everyone it’s a parade and have them decorate their cars. Play music and take 6 ft separated selfies to celebrate your safe, successful, socially distanced fundraiser.
