Keeping the "Fun" in Chapter Fundraising

By Holly Miller and Don Parker

Usually out of the limelight, those involved in a local Right to Life chapter soldier on even when there is no immediate payoff to the cause to which they've devoted their lives. Projects come and go, and sometimes we just don't see the fruit of our work.

Then, unexpectedly, one day you hear about a child whose life was saved because your chapter was there with needed pro-life information and assistance. Suddenly everything you've done is worth it -- all the hours of work, the many, many fair booths, the numerous meetings.

Yes, even the fundraising.

I know, for most of us, it must seem like some kind of cruel joke that the word "fun" is found within "fundraising." Raising the dollars to make pro-life work possible can appear to be anything but fun.

But what you may not know is it doesn't have to be that way. Trust us, there are certain things a chapter can do to make fundraising not only enjoyable but successful, rewarding, and an important part of your lifesaving work. Here are a few simple tips:

1. A chapter's fundraising work should incorporate other important chapter functions. For example, any project that combines fundraising with pro-life education, or with chapter membership recruitment, will not only accomplish two important functions at once, but also will not waste one of the most precious commodities your chapter has: labor.

For example, many chapters host a banquet, dinner, or luncheon that raises money and also gets many in the community out to hear a pro-life speaker or see a pro-life video. Often the most successful chapter banquets bring in a speaker from the state Right to Life office who gives locals an update on pro-life legislation or other items of keen interest. The chapter gets its needed funds, and local citizens are the beneficiaries of needed pro-life education!

Another great "dual-purpose" activity is a pro-life signature ad. This project delivers the powerful message for life to your community. Here are the steps:

First, a simple pro-life print ad is designed for your local newspaper. Your state or the National Right to Life office will likely have ads you can use with little additional artwork. The newspaper selling the ad will help finish the artwork for you.

Next, send a letter, make phone calls, and publicize through your local churches that you will add the names of area pro- lifers to the ad for a small contribution (usually $3 or $5). You will be amazed how quickly one or two hundred names will pour in, raising several hundred dollars (or more!) for your chapter, and demonstrating tangibly that your community is pro- life!

What is especially nice long term is that many families and individuals will look forward to lending their names the following year. You will find your project grows from year to year. Mother's Day, January 22, and Respect Life month are all great times to run a signature ad.

2. Another pointer to keep in mind pertains to the scope of your project: Recognize that any serious fundraising project involves a fair amount of work.

Either an individual or a small group can head up your fundraising project. Either way, try to free them from other chapter work so that they have enough time to plan and execute the fundraiser. This is a very worthwhile investment. A fundraiser done well can be both rewarding and a big boost to your chapter's future. Make sure the person who is in overall charge of this is not bogged down with all the other chapter duties as well.

If you're the chapter chair and these kinds of projects always seem to fall into your lap, try to spend several hours calling on others who might consider taking on the project. These will be among the best expenditures of time you will ever make.

Too often, the chapter leadership just agrees to take on a project because no one else will. The result is an intolerable overload and eventual burnout. The extra time it takes to recruit new help will pay tremendous dividends for your chapter later on.

3. Be aware of the expectations of your state Right to Life office regarding chapter fundraising. Some state affiliates ask their chapters not to engage in certain kinds of fundraising that the state office does.

For instance, state offices most commonly do direct mail and telemarketing. There is an understanding in some states that projects like this will be done only by the state office, with other types of events done by local chapters.

4. Finally, don't forget to make the fundraising project enjoyable. Many chapters have a "cute baby contest" at their local or county fairs. Baby pictures are posted at the chapter's booth, and guests are allowed to vote for $.50 or a dollar.

Some will give your chapter a $10 bill and vote ten times for their favorite baby (even if it's a relative of the person voting!). Everyone has fun, and the baby pictures draw many people who would have never come to your booth.

National Right to Life has many more fundraising ideas in our chapter handbook. Your state office may also. Please let us know if you'd like more or different ideas, or if you have successful ideas for us to share with other chapters.

Remember, your fundraising project cannot only save a life -- it truly can be fun, too!