Brick Fundraising

Many schools, community centers, and schools use brick fundraisers as a way to raise money for programs or defer building costs.

Basically, brick fundraisers consist of donations being given to an organization and in return a brick is inscribed with the name of the donor or a message and placed in a special walkway or area. This type of fundraiser gives people a chance to donate to a worthy cause while adding to a beautiful memorial for everyone involved in the organization.

In my experience, this type of fundraiser works best when donations are being sought for funds to build a new church or school. Because bricks are being laid, you need to have a large area that is newly built or renovated to add the brick walkway or wall to. Each brick sold has the potential to raise much needed money, and it gives the members of the group to have a place where their giving is recognized.

Getting started
Every fundraiser requires organization and planning to get it off to a good start, and with a brick fundraiser there are several things you need to determine before you begin the fundraising. To start you need to determine how large of a fundraiser you will be having, how much space for bricks you need and how much money you need to raise. The size of your area and the number of bricks you sell will determine how much money you are ultimately able to raise.

When you are in the beginning planning stages it is necessary to think about further growth and future projects that might take place. These future projects will give you the chance to fundraise in the future in case the need arises.

Finally, the details of the project need to be settled, including a final design and the choice of bricks and type of inscriptions to be made once donations are given. There are several different designs and styles of bricks and fonts to choose from. Remember that part of the proceeds will have to go to the project itself, so the fancier you get the smaller your fundraising dollars become. You will need to find the perfect balance between a beautiful but modest display.
 
Publicity
In order for your fundraiser to be a success you will need to publicize it within the community. Obviously the first place to do that is within the organization that you are raising funds for, but don’t stop there. Branch out to local business, corporations and families for donations. Create a press release for your local papers to print; this will attract individuals that you are not directly connected to already. Make sure you always include information regarding the organization you are fundraising for as well as what the donations are being used for.

Brick fundraising pricing
In order to attract donors of every price range and maximize the amount you raise for your fundraiser, it is a good idea to offer several donation levels to your project. Try including different size bricks in the overall design and setting a minimum amount or donation level for each. At the same time, you will also need to determine the wording that can fit on each brick and pricing for that as well.

Look at your potential donor list, try to determine a level for each one and sell at that brick level. To have the most success with potential large donors, meet with them personally to pitch your project and fundraiser. When they see it firsthand and have personal encouragement, they are more likely to donate.

Summary
As far as fundraisers go for capital campaigns, brick fundraiser projects are a great way to go. Instead of just asking for outright monetary donations, you will create a beautiful area that all donors and members of the organization and community can enjoy.