Although I don’t think I’ve blogged about it, several families have mentioned using the “Envelope Fundraiser” for their adoptions and having good success. It’s a very easy fundraiser that can yield big results.
Basically you select a number of envelopes to offer (100, 150 or 200). And you number them 1-whatever. If you have someplace that you can display them (like a church lobby), simply pin them to a large bulletin board. Of course you can get really creative and fun with the outside of the envelopes by decorating them, etc. Inside each envelope print simple instructions and maybe even a little note about your family’s adoption (including pictures of your future child if you have it and can share).
A person selects an envelope, puts the corresponding dollar amount in and returns the envelope to you. So if they pick 37, they donate $37. (If people are writing checks, you may want to have them make them payable directly to your agency as this assures them the money is going straight to your adoption fees.)
This blog shows how one youth group used the fundraiser and has a great image of the Wall O Envelopes.
Fundraising Potential:
- 100 envelopes = $5,050
- 150 envelopes = Over $11,000
Now, if you don’t have a public wall to display your envelopes, you can still do an “online version.”
Create the envelopes and stick them up on a wall in your house. Take a photo so you can clearly see all the envelope numbers. Post to your blog, Facebook, etc. and then keep it updated as people “speak” for an envelope (take that envelope down and take a new photo).
Now, here comes the Christmas twist. Allison and Bill decided to make ornaments numbered 1-150 and people are “buying” different ornaments from their “Love Tree.” To date they’ve sold 67 ornaments and raised over $3,800.
They chose simple, but fun handmade yarn ornaments to make and give to their sponsors (either delivering in person or via mail). One type they found directions for here. (My suggestion is to head to Pinterest and search “handmade Christmas ornaments.” For example, I used this idea to make some cute ornaments for teachers.)
