Have you ever thought about setting up a community fundraising program for your business to support local causes? There’s a growing need for new fundraising opportunities in many communities. Whether it is school PTAs and PTOs, youth sports teams, performing arts programs, science and tech initiatives, sustainability projects, shelters, or churches, nonprofits are always looking for ways to raise funds. Your business can play a meaningful role while building relationships in your community.
We’ve outlined a few steps to help you kickoff a successful community fundraising program for your restaurant, car wash, or other local business.
1. Research Other Giveback Opportunities
Look at what other nonprofits are doing in your area. Is there a gap you can fill? Do local nonprofits frequently ask for giveback fundraisers or donations? Understanding the landscape allows your business to provide meaningful support while building community goodwill and customer loyalty.
2. Determine Fundraiser Giveback Amounts and Requirements
Most community fundraising programs offer a percentage of sales as a donation, typically around 20%. You should also set a minimum sales threshold that the fundraiser needs to hit, often around $150, and decide if the program will be available for dine-in, online orders, or both. Clear parameters help your team manage expectations and ensure that every fundraiser is profitable for both your business and the nonprofit.
3. Identify a Fundraising Champion
Decide who will lead the charge at your location(s). This could be the general manager, or a nominated “fundraising champion.” This person will serve as the main point of contact for local organizations and will be responsible for coordinating efforts within your business.
4. Leverage Your Existing Community Connections
Do you already have strong relationships with organizations in your community? If so, that’s a perfect starting point. Your existing network can help spread the word and get participation early on. If not, now is the time to start making connections by reaching out via calls, emails, or even dropping off food to local nonprofits, schools, or sports organizations to introduce your new program.
5. Build Relationships and Connect with the Community
Make a list and start engaging with local nonprofits and organizations. Call them, send personalized emails, or drop by to introduce your program. Let them know how they can participate and the benefits of hosting a fundraiser with your business. Personal outreach goes a long way in building trust and establishing lasting relationships.
6. Establish a Marketing Plan
Once your program details are set up, make sure people know about it! Aside from leveraging existing community contacts, here are some additional ideas:
- Flyers and posters: Include flyers in to-go orders and posters in your store.
- Social media: Share your program on your platforms to encourage participation.
- Digital marketing channels: Email newsletters, website banners, and local community boards can amplify your reach.
- Website page: Create a dedicated page with program details and participation instructions. (Platforms like Force4Good can help create this and streamline scheduling.)
7. Set up an account with Force4Good to Stay Organized
Managing multiple fundraisers can get messy without the right tools. Platforms like Force4Good help you:
- Block your calendar for available fundraising dates
- Allow organizations to schedule fundraisers online
- Keep all your fundraising data in one place
- Handle payments and payouts efficiently
- Automate messaging to nonprofits
This makes it easy to run a professional, organized program whether you operate a single mom-and-pop location or multiple corporate-owned or franchise stores. Learn more about Force4Good here.
Final Thoughts
Starting a community fundraising program doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right planning, communication, and tools, your business can make a positive impact on your local community, drive traffic, and create lasting goodwill.
By identifying a champion, setting clear guidelines, marketing your program, and utilizing software like Force4Good to manage operations, you can run a professional, organized, and impactful fundraising program, whether you’re a franchise, corporate-owned brand, or a local mom-and-pop shop.
