The biggest part of the K-Kids experience is service. Clubs do service by organizing hands-on projects, conducting donation drives for resources people need, advocating for issues and raising money for causes they care about. To plan fantastic fundraisers, move beyond the bake sale. Find a business that will donate cool products or experiences and sell raffle tickets for the prizes (such as headphones, a game store gift card or a meal at a restaurant). Plan an event (such as a talent show or a pancake breakfast) and sell tickets to it. Host a car wash at your school. Here’s a list of fundraising ideas.

Whatever fundraiser you choose, make sure to follow these 10 important steps to accomplish effective fundraising. They are: 

  1. Define the fundraiser’s purpose. Clearly describe the cause or community need your club wants to address and identify which charity or organization works on that need.  
  2. Set goals and a budget. Determine how much money you want to raise for the cause and list the items/supplies needed to carry out the fundraiser. Make sure to account for expenses in your budget. Determine from whom and where to fundraise and gather donations. Also, if you’re hosting an event, decide how many members and parents/adults are going to be working at the event and who will invite adults to participate. 
  3. Identify the audience. Decide who will be interested in supporting the cause and giving to your fundraiser and how to best reach them.  
  4. Set a timeline and deadlines. When will the fundraiser be held? When will you need to start promoting it? For an event, when will you need to finalize event logistics?  
  5. Assign responsibilities to club members. Decide who will lead/be primarily responsible for sponsorships, advertising, getting supplies and recruiting volunteers. If you’re holding an event, who will take the lead on that day?   
  6. Get donations. What will you need for your event? Are there local businesses that will donate to this fundraiser? Would your sponsoring Kiwanis club be interested in this cause and willing to help get donations and supplies? Use the K-Kids “Donation Request Script” to request donations from businesses or individuals. 
  7. Promote. Where can you hang or distribute fliers to attract people who can donate money? How can you use social media to get the word out about the fundraiser?  
  8. Execute. It’s time to put on the fundraiser. Before getting started, make sure you have all the necessary supplies and, for an event, that the location is set up properly. Point out the main contact for the fundraiser activity or event to members and volunteers.   
  9. Thank everyone. A successful fundraiser only works if everyone helps, so make sure to thank all members, volunteers, chaperones and the people who donate! Use the K-Kids “Acknowledgement Letter.”
  10. Track your earnings and success. Report to your club, the sponsoring Kiwanis club and the school/organization how much you raised from the fundraiser, how the funds will be used and how the event went.