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Are you looking for a new and easy way to collect donations for your nonprofit or project? Discover the details of organizing a low-cost envelope fundraiser.
Your nonprofit has gotten involved in silent auctions, traditional direct mailers, and even fun runs. Now, you’re looking for a new way to raise a few thousand dollars quickly to fuel your fundraising efforts and improve your team. Insert an envelope for the fundraiser.
Overview: What Constitutes an Envelope Fundraiser?
Fundraising needs to be easy for nonprofits. Your goal is to discover attractive ways to solicit donations from your supporters, and the envelope challenge is an ideal way. This is especially beneficial for arts and crafts lovers in your circle.
In short, an envelope fundraiser involves a collection of envelopes, each representing a different donation amount. Supporters select an envelope according to their preferred gift size, place their donation inside, and return it to their nonprofit. It’s a fun game combined with a fundraiser that can be played at a child’s birthday party.
How does envelope fundraising work?
Traditionally, 100 fundraising envelopes are used for an envelope fundraiser. Each envelope in the set links to a specific donation amount. Thus, your first envelope for a $1 donation, the 33rd envelope for a $33 donation, the 99th envelope for a $99 donation, and so on. If you secure one supporter for each of the 100 envelopes, you’ll collect $5,050. Really, not too bad.
Envelope fundraisers can be modified slightly to suit the needs of your organization and the characteristics of your audience. For example, if your participants have a high level of giving, you might consider starting envelopes at $100 and going up from there. If your goal is more than $5,050 but you want to keep the donation level affordable, you can add 100 envelopes to the campaign, for a total of 200.
| Version | Envelope Number | Donation Amount Range | Total Amount Collected |
| Traditional (100 Envelopes) | 1 to 100 | $1 to $100 | $5,050 |
| Higher Starting Donation (100 Envelopes) | 1 to 100 | $100 to $199 | $14,950 |
| More Envelopes (200 Envelopes) | 1 to 200 | $1 to $200 | $20,100 |
This fundraising technique also applies to individuals or organizations that seek donations for a cause or project.
Instances When an Envelope Fundraiser Might Be Employed:
- Nonprofit Annual Gala: Imagine a blank wall in your event space near the photo booth. Decorate it with an envelope fundraiser. It not only encourages participants to donate but also increases visibility due to its useful placement.
- Local Volleyball Club: To fund T-shirts for upcoming layoffs, you work with a local gym to display an envelope fundraiser in their lobby.
- Volunteer Women’s Wilderness Group: While trying to establish a nonprofit organization, you launch a digital envelope fundraiser to raise the necessary funds for the corporation’s paperwork.
5 Advantages of Conducting an Envelope Fundraiser
Nonprofit organizations have an array of fundraising methods. Fun, one-off efforts like envelope fundraisers offer several notable benefits:
- Minimal Planning and Overhead Costs
A key concern in nonprofit business plans is reducing overhead to channel more funds toward mission-related activities. An envelope fundraiser is advantageous due to its low labor and material costs. Essentially, you need a wall, envelopes, a marker, and someone to deposit the funds. - Open funds for administrative expenses and small projects
Campaign donation envelopes are a great way to raise unlimited funds. Unlike grants or large donations, which come with spending conditions, envelope fundraisers collect general donations, allowing you to allocate funds where they are needed most. - Leverages the Goal Proximity Effect
Research shows that donation rates increase as fundraisers get closer to their goals. Envelope fundraisers offer a visual representation of progress, encouraging supporters to fill out the final envelopes and reach the goal. - Accessible Donation Amounts
Starting at just $1, envelope fundraisers are accessible to supporters of all levels. Even small donations contribute to a greater cause. Friends can also share resources for larger donation amounts. - Creates an Enjoyable, Hands-on Activity
Fundraising can be difficult, and asking for money can be painful. Envelope Fundraisers turns the process into a playful activity, simplifying funding conversations and playfully engaging potential donors.
How do you create an envelope fundraiser for your nonprofit today?
After understanding the benefits, you’re probably ready to organize your envelope fundraiser. The steps are easy to follow:
- Assemble Your Envelopes
Decide on the total number of envelopes. While 100 is standard, a large event may call for 300 envelopes. Your choice will depend on your organization’s goals and the profiles of your participants.
If a physical event location isn’t an option, several companies offer digital envelope fundraisers. Share these online campaigns through social media or e-newsletters to reach a larger audience.
Visual: Example of an online envelope fundraiser via My Creative Shop with donation amounts ranging from $25 to $200.
- Label Envelopes with Donation Amounts
Mark each envelope with the donation amount. Choose permanent markers or get creative with decorations, especially if the envelopes will be displayed at an event. It not only attracts attention but also adds an element of fun, inviting supporters with a playful competition for the most decorated envelopes.
Decorating envelopes can also promote your brand. For example, if the fundraiser is for an after-school program, have a child from the program decorate each envelope to help the fundraiser feel more personal.
- Display Envelopes on a Community Wall
Choose a notable community wall to attach your envelopes to, such as:- Your nonprofit office lobby
- Admission to a local partner store
- A social area at your annual gala
- Ensure high visibility and easy reachability of the envelopes.
- Explain the Activity to Supporters
Provide a clear description of the activity both in promotional materials and on-site. Inform donors of the process and dates for submitting their envelopes. - Collect Donations and Rejoice
As donations come in, thank your supporters and let them know how their contributions help your mission. Consider transferring marketing guides or branded items when collecting envelopes.
Organize an Envelope Fundraiser for a Fun and Quick Way to Collect Donations
An envelope fundraiser is a time- and resource-saving way to quickly collect donations for your cause. If you’re looking to change up your fundraising strategy, consider setting up an envelope fundraiser for your next event.
