There are two ways to increase your net fundraising total: raise more money, or spend less. Both are equally effective — but cost reduction is often faster and easier.
Here are the most effective ways to reduce costs across your fundraising activities:
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Getting things donated instead of bought
Before spending money on anything for a fundraising event, ask yourself: could I get this donated instead?
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Bake sale ingredients: Ask parents, family, and friends to donate baked goods rather than buying ingredients yourself
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Raffle prizes: Write to local businesses asking for a product or voucher as a raffle prize donation — most are happy to help
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Printing: Ask your school if they will print posters and flyers for free as part of a school project
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Venue: Community halls, school rooms, and church halls are often available for free or at very low cost for charitable fundraising
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The ask: When asking for donations, always explain who you are, what you are doing, and what the donation will be used for. Most people are generous when they understand the cause.
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Free tools that save money
You do not need to spend money on design, marketing, or administration tools. Here are the best free alternatives:
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Canva (free plan): For posters, social media graphics, and fundraising materials
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Mailchimp (free plan): For sending updates to a list of supporters
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Google Sheets: For tracking income and expenses
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WhatsApp: For free communication with your supporter network
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ChatGPT (free plan): For writing letters, captions, and plans
✏️ Identify three costs you could eliminate or reduce
Look at your next planned fundraising activity. Write down three costs that you could potentially eliminate by getting things donated or using free tools instead. Even saving £20 on a bake sale is worth doing.
Every pound you save on costs is a pound that goes directly towards your trip. In Lesson 5, you will learn the most common money management mistakes teen fundraisers make — and how to avoid them.