 
|
Fun Fundraising Tips
The number one reason people do not donate is that no one ever asked them! This page is designed to provide you with ideas and hints for helping you and your Relay team exceed your goals.
Think positive - you can do it! Remember, you are not doing this alone. Hundreds of thousands of women, men, and children will participate in Relay For Life this year and spread their passion for the cause.
Double your Impact
Many companies offer matching gift programs that will double,
even triple the value of a donation or volunteer time that you give.
Here's how:
- Visit www.matchinggifts.com/acs to view a list of companies that participate.
- Download and fill out your company's matching gift form, send it to us, and we'll take it from there.
- Our Address:
American Cancer Society
Attn: Relay For Life
1710 Webster St.
Oakland, CA 94612
- If
you don't see your company, don't worry, you might still be in luck.
Simply contact your human resources department and ask if they offer a
matching gifts program. If they do, simply get the form, fill it out,
and send it to us.
- Encourage your teammates to do the same.
|
Check out our fundraising prizes!
|
|
Reach for the Stars... and get there via the sun and moon
We've all donated a buck (or more) to purchase a paper "something" that symbolizes a cause. Local businesses can support your team by selling Relay For Life Suns and Moons to create a Wall of Hope at their establishment.
Here's a template letter and samples you can use to make it happen!
|
|
Get People Feeling Comfortable
TGIF takes on a new meaning when you ask your workplace to allow employees to "dress down" in return for a contribution to your Relay team. Work out an acceptable dress code in advance - jeans are usually the casual garb of choice - then sell stickers to be worn on the appointed day. Here's a poster and sample stickers to get started or create your own! |
|
|
Plan your Work, then Work your Plan
Step one is already done if you follow this one-month FUNdraising plan. Tweak it to fit your goal then work it one day at a time.
|
|
|
What Could Be Better Than a Back to School Bake Sale?
Summer flew by and everyone is back in school. Why not rustle up your team and consider putting on a Back To School Bake Sale! Have everyone buzzing by making all your favorites and selling them to benefit your Relay team. Friends and neighbors will be glad to pitch in some dough for a handmade sweet treat and it's way better than the store bought stuff!
|
 |
|
Mini Relays are Mighty!
Now is the perfect time to approach the teachers in your area about hosting a Mini Relay to involve students in the fight against cancer. Check out our Mini Relay kit and other resources available to see how easy it is to get classrooms and entire schools involved. Implementing a Mini Relay can be a great team fundraiser and can engage more people in your community to Fight Back!
|
 |
|
Bowling for a Cure
A $10 donation gives you the chance to throw 2 balls. If you strike, your name is entered into a drawing 2 times. If you spare with your second ball your name is entered once. You can even host a Wii Bowling Tournament for the video gamers on your team. Get a nice bowling themed prize donated and bowl away cancer!
|
 |
|
Hair Raising Fun
Agree to have someone shave their head or dye their hair purple at the Relay once a certain amount of money has been raised. Be sure to set a high goal and get the clippers ready!
|
|
|
Penny Wars
Compete against another Relay team or between departments in your workplace to see who can collect the most pennies for Relay. All silver and paper money in the penny jars count against the total number of pennies, so each team tries to sabotage each other’s jars with bills and large coins. Plus they raise more dough in the process!
|
|
|
Questions for a buck
One individual raised money by having her boss, who was constantly being asked questions by everyone to start charging a buck for each question. Word spread and everyone started asking questions and paying up.
|
|
|
Have you gotten your Bark on?
We shared about Bark For Life back in May and many communities across California are seeing success with these mini fund-raisers- from $200 to $5,000! Bark allows you to engage a whole new group of people in the fight against cancer and a whole new group of furry friends! So go on...get your Bark on!
|
|
|
Jail & Bail
For a suggested donation participants can have someone “arrested.” Participating “jailbirds” will be hauled into a jail cell for a one-hour term. During that hour, they call their friends & family asking them to make the donations they need to meet their (suggested) $500 bail. If they do not meet their bail, they are required to sit in the “can” for another hour. It’s great fun to watch local celebrities dressed in stripes and incarcerated, begging to be bailed out!
|
|
|
Do Real Men Wear Pink?
The ladies have Fight Like a Girl tees, but what about the guys? Teams across the country are pulling in big profit by selling these tees. Teams make the initial investment, recoup their minimal expenses, and turn in the remaining profit. Recommended retail price is $15. You are sure to be the talk of your Relay with these fabulous shirts! Are you man enough to wear pink?
|
|
|
California E-Mall is Open!
Are you looking to buy great Relay items from Relay approved vendors? Well, look no more! Visit the CA E-Mall and find easy access to all our Relay vendors. A percentage of proceeds comes right back to the American Cancer Society, so go ahead...shop for a cure!
|
|
|
Food Bar Fun
Are you and your co-workers tired of another PB&J sandwich in a brown paper bag? Spice up lunch and raise money for your team at the same time. Salad bar, build your own potato bar, nachos, desserts, fruit bar, taco bar, sundaes...the list could go on and on! Your co-workers will gladly donate $5-$8 for a super tasty lunch or afternoon treat for a great cause!
|
|
|
Make Some Noise with Silent Auctions
Try this to get everyone talking! Silent auctions are a great way to fundraise: you can host one at your campsite or at an event prior to your Relay. Ask local businesses to donate items or services. You could also build baskets of goodies to get more bang for your buck!
|
|
|
Connect with other Relayers on our Facebook page!
Looking for more ideas or support? Become a fan of American Cancer Society California! Find out all the latest happenings and extend your network with other volunteers across the state. Share tips and tricks, post photos, meet friends, and show your Relay pride!
|
|
|
Fight Like a Girl T-shirts
Who wouldn't want one? Teams across the country are selling these like hot cakes, pulling in big profit to increase their team fundraising totals. Teams make the initial investment, recoup their minimal expenses, and turn in the remaining profit. Recommended retail price is $15. You are sure to be the talk of your Relay with these fabulous shirts!
|
|
|
Party with a Purpose
Get together with family, friends and co-workers while doing something both fun and meaningful...host a Party with a Purpose! You can set a suggested donation amount, or ask that attendees donate the amount they would typically spend on a night out. If it's a birthday party, declare us the official sponsor of your birthday, and have attendees donate in lieu of a present.
Fun activities include auctioning off homemade crafts or baked goods, or selling and decorating Luminaria or Sun & Moon Cards. This guidebook and sample invitations will help you quickly and easily plan an amazing party of your own to benefit your Relay team.
|
|
|
Farmer's Market Fun
Many local markets offer non-profits the opportunity to set up a table and share information about their organization. Farmer's Markets are great places to promote healthy habits and to make connections with community members.
Collect donations, recruit new teams and local business sponsors, sell Luminaria, or sell Fight Like a Girl tees! Add these healthy cooking tips to your Relay Flyer to make your table a success!
|
|
|
Team Sponsorship Recruitment
Teams have connections and connections can equal sponsorships! Did you know recruiting a sponsor of $500 or more can go toward your team's fundraising totals? Download our official sponsorship packet and start asking your local businesses to sponsor your team and the local Relay.
|
|
|
Speaking of celebrities......
Round up some local celebs (the mayor, principal, a local CEO) to work as waiters for a night of FUNdraising. Use this guide to set up an excellent evening of dining, entertainment, and BIG tips that go right to your Relay team
|
|
|
It's show time
Set up your big-screen TV in the back yard (or put up a sheet and borrow a projector) and host a neighborhood movie night, charging an entry fee plus concessions.
Put your own spin on it! Here are 3 ideas:
- Make it a date night for parents by charging $20 to drop off their kids for a movie and pizza.
- Ask the local firehouse to set up a screen with a family-friendly feature and throw in a tour of the firehouse for an extra $5.
- Have a movie night at a local community or high school pool... there's nothing like watching "Jaws" while floating on a raft.
|
|
|
It's hot out. What could be better than a refreshing summertime drink? Are there upcoming summer events in your community? Get permission to set up a Purple Lemonade Stand at the event or parade route. One community stand made $5,000 in just a couple of days.
Kids can make a great impact, so round up some irresistible cuties who can ask for a $1 donation. Make sure there's plenty of American Cancer Society signage at your booth so people know it is for a great cause and why the lemonade is purple.
|
|
|
One Man's Trash
You know how the old saying goes. Summertime is a great time to host a Relay Garage Sale and everyone gets some treasure. For a few bucks you can purchase this kit to make your Relay Garage sale a hit!
|
|
|
Happy Birthday America...Happy Birthday Relay!
July 4th is just around the corner; a time for family, friends, fireworks, and fun. Why not celebrate 25 years of Relay as part of the fun and fundraise at the same time?
Consider having a community Luminaria ceremony in a local park following the community firework festivities. This ceremony can be a nice way to share Relay with your community and encourage everyone to get involved.
|
|
|
Want that Relay Bling? Don't forget about our FUNdraising prizes...
Need a boost? Motivate your fellow team members by reminding them about our Relay FUNdraising prizes to reward their fundraising efforts! Begin by raising the minimum $100 to earn a commemorative event t-shirt, but don't stop there! There are several choices of fabulous items you can earn by achieving certain fundraising milestones.
|
|
|
Never Too Young...or Old
It makes good sense to ask the businesses you frequent to get involved in your cause. So how about that compassionate, caring place you may visit everyday - your child's day care center. Here's a list of 30 ideas to get your day care-ing community involved. With a bit of adaptation, these same ideas can be applied to a senior center or retirement home.
|
|
|
Got a case of the Post-Relay Blues? We have the cure: Post-Relay Fundraising!
We have just the thing to keep you Relay Rock'n all year long. Take a look at these ideas to bump your fundraising totals and help us continue to raise money for the fight. We promise you won't sing the blues any longer!
|
|
|
Toss Some Bags into the Mix
Give your FUNdraising that competitive spirit by organizing a "bean bag" tournament with entry fee proceeds going to your Relay team. If you're a little bit handy or can commandeer someone who is, use these plans to build your own bag boards. Paint the boards purple or use other Relay-themed decor and sell chances to win the set at the end of the tournament.
|
|
|
Celebrate the 25th year of Relay For Life...25 cents at a time
Take American Cancer Society coin cans or create your own, print this sign, then ask businesses to help you celebrate Relay's 25th anniversary. How many business partners should your team find? That's right...25. Remember to label the bottom of the can with your name and phone number in case the can fills up before you check back.
|
|
|
HATs On to this Idea
You've probably seen the people who shave their heads in support of someone going through chemo. Here's a twist: HAT Day - where people wear hats to Honor All Touched by cancer. You can slate HAT Day to honor someone specific or make it a general recognition event. Here's a guide and flyer to get you started.
|
|
|
Party With A Purpose
We all have busy schedules that make it difficult to balance spending time with family and friends and volunteering to make a difference. So why not do both at the same time? Have fun and fight back against cancer...it's a Party with a Purpose!
|
|
|
Packages of Hope
A team in Ripon, CA put a new twist on the old flamingo fundraiser! Purple packages were placed on lawns with an envelope attached explaining the packages and forms for donating to Relay For Life. Instructions included making your donation and then placing the packages on the lawn of a neighbor or friend. Think of the fun this fundraiser could be, before a Relay or as a follow-up to help you meet your goal!
|
|
|
An E-Mail a Day
Your personal Relay webpage has lots of tools for online FUNdraising. But before you e-mail everyone in your address book, consider this: a personalized approach works better than a one-size-fits-all tactic. Instead of "Dear Friends", take 2 minutes every day to e-mail just 1 person. Your "ask" for support will be the same, but this one-a-day approach will let you add a sentence or two that personalizes the email, so they're likely to be more compelled to respond. Here are some sample letters to get you started.
|
|
|
It’s a hole in one for Dad!
Get a local golf course to donate their space for the day. Organize a dad’s day tournament to benefit your team.
Dad gets to golf, you raise some green, and everyone fights cancer.
|
 |
|
Turn Your Favorite Casserole into a Relay CA$Herole
Everyone has one-dish meals that are real time-savers and budget stretchers. Now imagine the appeal of selling these ready-to-pop-in-the-oven meals to busy families as a healthy alternative to the fast food take-out window. And no matter how loudly your customers beg for the recipes afterwards, don't give them out. Save them for your next team FUNdraiser: a cookbook!
|
|
|
Day of Relay FUN
Beyond the memorable ceremonies and walking, much of Relay's FUN comes wrapped up in on-site FUNdraising activities. Whether you have a delectable treat to sell or a crazy, interactive game, your on-site event can add an exclamation point to the Relay and your team's FUNdraising total. Here's a sampling of on-site ideas for your team to consider.
|
|
|
Enthusiasm + Elbow Grease = Car Wash Ca$h
With April showers behind us, how about organizing a team car wash? Locate an accessible parking lot with great visibility, gather some hoses, buckets, a pile of rags and window cleaner, set up an assembly line and you've got a quick and easy event that gets your entire team involved. Sell advance tickets and position enthusiastic sign-holders to encourage drop-in business.
|
|
|
Eat for Success
In this fast-paced, take-out world, how do you get the family around the table to share a meal? Try a community spaghetti dinner or pancake breakfast. Think of it as your extended family dinner. Try adding a bake sale for dessert; calories don't count when they're consumed for a good cause.
|
 |
|
Go Green and Raise Green
Done with that water bottle? Rinse it out, apply one of these labels and voila... you have the perfect vessel for collecting dimes (or dollars). One 16 oz. bottle filled with dimes yields about $90 for your team.
|
 |
|
Hey Batter, Batter
Take your Relay team out to the ball game. The concession stand is the perfect place to try these ideas.
- Volunteer to work concessions in exchange for setting out Relay donation cans.
- See if the league will set up a special "split the pot" arrangement for a cancer awareness game.
Expand the usual menu for a Saturday or weekend tournament by offering one of your food specialties for sale with a percentage going to your Relay.
|
 |
|
Free Publicity!
Get help promoting your team FUNdraising by working with your Relay Committee to get your fundraiser posted on your Relay web site. Just provide details like date, time, and any coupon or tickets needed.
|
 |
The Friends and Family Plan - Relay Style
Check out Two weeks, $200. Easy and fast fundraising without venturing out of your existing social circle.
|
 |
|
Combine your fundraiser with something people enjoy
Look for ways to piggyback so that everyone benefits. Many people like to eat out, but they may be cutting back. Partnering with a local restaurant to help fill the restaurant on an "off night" can earn you a percentage of the restaurant's receipts. Here are some resources to help you get started.
|
 |
May 10th will be here soon. Beyond making your personal Mother's Day plans, consider a way to honor mom and raise money for the cancer fight. Whether it is a Mother's Day brunch FUNdraiser, fashion show, tea party, or a flower sale, giving back to your community is the best way to make Mom proud. Don't forget to partner with our National Corporate Team partners, PartyLite and Tastefully Simple, to make it easy.
|
|
|
Paws for the Cause
Cancer affects our furry friends too. Our Bark For Life guidebook will help you start an event in your community to include Fido, Spot and Fefe in the fun! Encourage dog lovers to involve their pet stores too!
|
 |
|
Energize Student Relayers
These ideas are especially suited for classroom or campus settings. Share with students and channel their energy for positive results.
|
 |
This isn't English class...go ahead and look at someone else's paper
Personal letters remain the most effective form of fundraising for your Relay team Don’t start with a blank sheet of paper (or computer screen); steal these letters instead! Find a sentence, paragraph or maybe even an entire letter that captures your feelings, then add your experiences to make it truly yours. Download Sample Fundraising Letters
Be the ray of sunshine- 2 entertaining ideas
Offer an escape from the gloom-and-doom that dominates the news these days. These two entertaining ideas package low cost fun with high value entertainment to create a winning FUNdraising combo. Ladies Night Flyer Craft for a Cure Night Flyer
Put Hope in the budget
We've all "saved up" for something special by putting aside a little bit each month. Online Recurring Gifts allows folks to donate a little each month or on a schedule that works for them. Every month adds up, so ask early!
Remember, you are not doing this alone. Whether you are an individual fundraiser or are fundraising with a team, the goal is to reach out to as many people as possible. Hundreds of thousands of women, men, and children will participate in Relay For Life this year and spread their passion for the cause.
Looking for more tips? Check out all our tips for individuals, teams, and day of event/campsite fundraising!
Fundraising Tips for Individuals | Fundraising Tips for Teams | Day of Event
Download the Fundraising Tips booklet (pdf, 2.31 MB) for more helpful hints.
Don't forget about our fabulous fundraising recognition prizes!
|
