Teens who want to make a difference often start their service right at home in their own communities. It’s a great way to start small while making a big impact. But many community service projects require some backing to get going. That is where the community service fundraising come in. With help from others, these teens can make even greater gains towards the projects they are passionate about.
Fundraising is not always easy. But with the right mindset and motivation, success can be reached, even surpassed. These tips for teens will aid in getting their fundraising efforts flying high, so the community can be better served by their selflessness.
Have a Specific Community Service Project Planned
Before seeking funds from family, friends, and others in the community (or further away), it is important that the mission is mapped out and clearly understandable. When the project is describable and tangible, others who are potentially willing to give will be more inclined to go for it. Teens are smart and savvy, so with organization and an objective, they can set a goal, then raise the funds to meet or exceed it. Whether it’s via word of mouth, email, simple pamphlets, or an assembly at school, the details must be deliberate and the action attainable. When others understand the principal and the positive outcome expected, the funds will flow more freely.
Not All Fundraising Means Money
There may be more than dollars needed to get a community service project underway. Goods, services, time, and effort are also essential. For those who want to do something but can’t afford to offer anything financially, it is nice to know they can still help take the teens to the next level. Before teens hop on the fundraising train, they need to fully grasp what their service project will require to run at full speed.
This can mean anything from a few tools to a space to meet. Donations are important too…not money, but other necessities geared towards the project in question. For instance, if the teens plan to visit sick children in area hospitals, new donated toys and games would help out tremendously. Homeless shelters always have a need for socks. Perhaps the project is a beach or park clean-up. Rather than raising funds to purchase garbage bags and rubber gloves, there are surely locals who would gladly donate such items. Protecting endangered species may be the teens’ mission. An animal expert can offer up their time and expertise to get the teens better-prepared for this specific service.
Even when you do ask for money, keep in mind that small donations have a big impact: a hundred five dollar donations is just as helpful as one five-hundred dollar donation. To the average donor, the total amount needed to see the project through may seem daunting. Remind them that all donations count no matter how small, and thank donors regardless of how much they gave.
Don’t Be Shy
Teens may feel awkward asking for help. But without sharing their strategies and plans for service, fundraising becomes a far-fetched notion. Speaking up, being strong, and telling their stories makes people perk up and pay attention. Here are some tips teens can follow to make them feel more comfortable during this process. People do want to help. They just need a reason to do so. Teens make a bigger impact than they know, it just takes some practice and perseverance to get their “pitch” down pat. And as the fundraising starts to snowball, teens will become more confident, leading to more aid from others and in turn, more funding to make their community service project something to be proud of.