Earth Day rolls around every April 22nd, giving us the opportunity to reflect on what we’re doing—or not doing—to keep the planet safe. As a nonprofit, you’re probably focused on what you can do to make the Earth a better place, including going green in every way you can.
But how does this apply to your fundraisers? Glad you asked! Recently, we sat down and brainstormed some ways that you can host a sustainable fundraiser that also keeps your members safe.
Offer Sustainable Products
If your fundraiser specializes in product sales, sustainability starts with the products you choose. Select products from companies that prioritize sustainability, and make sure your members and supporters know how important that is to you. Not only will those who donate know they’re supporting a good cause, but you’ll set a good example for everyone associated with your nonprofit. This year, make sure supporters can order online and have items delivered directly to their homes to avoid in-person interactions.
Host a Recycling Drive
Events can be more challenging while practicing social distancing. But recycling can be done without close contact. To get started, track down a recycling center in your community and ask them if they’ll work with your organization to sponsor a drive. Supporters will drop their items off at a designated location and, on a preselected day, you’ll have items transported to the chosen recycling center.
Encourage Tree Planting
Everyone’s staying at home, which provides the perfect chance for supporters to beautify their own neighborhoods. Distribute seeds to members that they can use to plant a tree in a chosen spot. You can promote your fundraiser online and encourage donors to pledge a small amount money toward your organization for every tree planted. Encourage members to share photos of themselves planting the seeds to help get the word out.
Host a Virtual Event
If your nonprofit has relied heavily on event-based fundraisers over the years, why not switch to a virtual version? Staying home keeps vehicles off the road, which helps the environment. One popular way to include everyone in an easy, fun way is to host a watching party. Find a great environment-themed documentary and set a time and date for everyone to watch as a group. You can have local businesses sponsor the event, ask for donations, or do both.
Stay-at-Home Fundraisers
There’s never been a better time for a non-event event. These have become popular in recent years. Here’s how it works. You send out invitations for a specific date and tell people they don’t have to do anything. They simply buy tickets, then stay at home and do whatever they want when the event would have taken place.
Earth Day provides a great opportunity to stop and look at the various ways your nonprofit supports the environment. While everyone’s practicing social distancing, you’re likely coming up with new fundraising ideas, so why not consider sustainability as part of the process? We have plenty of great fundraising tips within our Evergreen Seedling Press area for you to enjoy!
