Are you considering a brick fundraising campaign for your school, sports team, or construction project? Engraved brick fundraising can be a straightforward process, but it’s crucial to be aware of potential challenges.
We consulted with Larry Cannon of Brick Sculpture (bricksculpture.com), a seasoned expert in brick engraving for fundraising since 1988, to gather essential advice before launching your campaign.
1. Analyze Your Donor Database: Evaluate the likelihood of your existing donors contributing to this specific cause. Avoid assumptions and develop a well-defined strategy.
2. Target Your Audience Effectively: Realistically, expect around 20% of your database to contribute. Assess their interest in the project, their level of commitment, and their financial capacity.
3. Strategic Timing: Consider the optimal time to send out donation requests. Timing can significantly impact fundraising success.
4. Craft Compelling Messaging: Carefully consider the wording of your requests. Should you appeal to their emotions or emphasize the lasting legacy of a memorial brick?
5. Appoint a Dedicated Project Chair: The project chair is pivotal to success. Choose volunteers who possess the time, energy, and commitment required.
6. Establish a Clear Fundraising Goal: Define a specific monetary target for your campaign before you begin.
7. Determine Brick Pricing: Decide on the donation amount required to purchase a brick. Calculate your profit margin by subtracting manufacturing costs.
8. Offer Donor Recognition: Consider offering different levels of recognition based on contribution amounts. Options include brick placement, brick size, inscription length, and the inclusion of emblems or logos.
9. Seek In-Kind Donations: Explore the possibility of securing donated services. Can a local brick mason volunteer their time for installation? If not, factor in the cost of hiring a professional.
By following these tips, you can increase the likelihood of a successful and profitable memorial brick fundraising campaign.