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Permalink Reply by Andrew on October 28, 2011 at 10:01am

Don't restrict yourself to a couple of different types of fundraisers - try a LOT.

 

One fundraiser that we do, which is cheap and easy, is a Boot Drive. We use a two-lane road (plus turning lane) and set up flares in the turning lane with cones. Members stand there and collect money from passing motorists. For effect, we work with an ice cream shop who gives our cheap ice cream, and we bring a bunch of vehicles and leave them in the parking lot with the emergency lights on for effect. Last year we had our newest ambulance, our new ladder truck, a Chief's car, and an engine. The kids love it, and it's effective, easy, and it shows the community that you care.

 

Other than that, try dinners, dances, auctions, barbeques, concerts, etc.

 

Also, try to stay modern. My department used to have a duwop dinner every year, but stopped it last year since the turnout stagnated. Duwop is from, what, the 50's? Cater to the age group you're trying to lure in. We had a Billy Joel cover band that did much better for us.

 

Best of luck.

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Permalink Reply by Eric Gregory on October 28, 2011 at 2:56pm

That's a lot of money to raise from chili suppers or on holding a boot on the side of the road.  There's nothing wrong with those kinds of fund raisers but I don't think you're going to get 55,000 in a short time frame. 

 

Do some targeted fund raising in addition to these.  contact local business or some of the wealthier or more influential citizens and ask them for substantial contributions.  You'd be surprised what people are just willing to give when you're willing to come straight out and ask for it.

 

The based off of their support level you can name them a sponsorship level like platinum for a 5,000 dollar donation, gold for a 2,000 dollar donation, silver for 1,000 etc.  Then have a show of gratitude based off of that.  For instance make up "Fire Department Supporter" T-Shirts, really nice ones.  On the back have the supporters names listed.  Highest level supporters are highest on the shirt and in the largest print.  Make up a plaque to put in the station expressing gratitude to all of the supporters and give a plaque to each supporter (Again bigger and better for higher level supporters).  Sell the T-Shirts for a small profit or even at cost at fund raisers or events. 

Then when you get the new truck plan an extra thousand bucks from the money raised and use it to throw a "Patrons Dinner" to show your gratitude to supporters above x level.

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Permalink Reply by Anita King on October 28, 2011 at 8:25pm

We do an annual letter drive to local businesses. You could also check into a bulk mailing that would target all of those in your response area. Maybe precede it with an open house where you could present some information on what your needs are and the cost of meeting them. Good luck!

 

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Permalink Reply by Sophia Vaughn on October 28, 2011 at 11:17pm

Hey! All great ideas! Thanks you guys. I will present these at the meeting.

 

Thanks...Sophia

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