How Much Money Does a 31 Day Calendar Fundraiser Raise?

A 31-day calendar fundraiser is a charitable giving method where supporters pledge a donation amount corresponding to a specific day of the month. Participants select one or more days on a calendar and contribute the dollar amount associated with that date. Organizations often incorporate daily or periodic prize draws to incentivize participation.

Understanding the Fundraising Model

The core of this fundraising model is its progressive donation structure. Each day of a 31-day month represents a dollar amount equivalent to its numerical value. For instance, a donor might contribute $1 for the first day, $2 for the second, and so on, up to $31 for the thirty-first day. If every day from day 1 to day 31 is sponsored, the cumulative total amounts to $496.

If a supporter chooses to sponsor days 15, 16, and 17, their total donation would be $48 ($15 + $16 + $17). Some calendars also include “bonus” or “any amount” days, allowing for larger, flexible contributions. The total funds generated are influenced by the number of calendars distributed and the average contribution received from each participant.

Planning Your Fundraiser

Careful planning sets the foundation for a successful 31-day calendar fundraiser. While standard donation tiers range from $1 to $31, organizations can adjust these amounts, perhaps by introducing higher tiers or fixed donation options. The chosen amounts directly impact potential revenue. Selecting appealing prizes is important, as daily, weekly, or grand prizes can incentivize participation. These prizes can be sourced through donations from local businesses or purchased.

Designing the calendar involves including the fundraiser’s name, dates, donation amounts, prize details, contact information, and the organization’s logo. Organizations choose between physical calendars, which offer a tangible reminder, and digital versions, which are easily shared online and have lower distribution costs. Defining a realistic financial target for the fundraiser is important, often guided by reviewing past fundraising data. Identifying the target audience helps tailor the fundraising appeal. A clear distribution strategy is needed to outline how calendars will reach potential donors, whether through volunteers, social media, email campaigns, or online platforms.

Executing the Fundraiser

The execution phase focuses on actively engaging participants throughout the 31-day period. Calendars must be effectively distributed to reach potential donors, facilitated through volunteers or automated digital platforms. Maintaining daily promotion and engagement keeps the fundraiser top of mind. Strategies include consistent social media posts, email reminders, and regularly announcing daily or periodic winners. Sharing stories about the organization’s mission and the impact of donations can also encourage continued support.

Managing prize draws requires a clear and transparent process. Organizations should establish a fair method for selecting winners and promptly notify them. All prizes must be awarded by chance. Simple methods for tracking participation, such as noting which days have been sponsored and by whom, help monitor progress and identify areas needing more promotion.

Collecting and Managing Contributions

Collecting and managing contributions involves various methods for participants to submit donations. These include online payment platforms like PayPal, Stripe, Square, or Givebutter, which offer secure and convenient options. Organizations can also arrange for cash or check drop-offs at designated points, or accept mailed checks.

Maintaining accurate record-keeping for all received funds is important for transparency and accountability. Records should detail financial resources, volunteer hours, and income generated. Safeguarding collected cash and checks through secure handling procedures is a prudent practice. Promptly acknowledging contributions helps build donor relationships and can be a requirement for tax purposes. For donations of $250 or more, the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) generally requires a contemporaneous written acknowledgment from the organization for the donor to claim a tax deduction.