| The Christmas holiday season is a particularly | | | | recipient that the item purchase has helped others. |
| attractive time to raise money for charitable | | | | This publicity for your cause won't hurt either. |
| purposes. After all, money is flowing like rivers | | | | 2.) Sell charitable certificates |
| through the malls and downtown stores. Surely a | | | | Charitable certificates, purchased in the name of the |
| healthy trickle can be diverted to help your very | | | | gift receiver, also have an especially strong attraction |
| worthy cause. | | | | at this time of year. Instead of spending money on |
| You are right in thinking there is huge potential for | | | | one more disposable electronic gizmo, the shopper |
| nonprofit success in that glowing holiday spirit. And | | | | can certify that the money, on behalf of the chosen |
| one of the best ways to cash in is to solve the gift | | | | beneficiary, has gone to saving an acre of |
| giving problems for that hurried, stressed, footsore | | | | endangered wetland, bought a snowsuit for a needy |
| crowd racking their brain about what to give cranky | | | | child or paid for eye care in a developing country. |
| Uncle Harry, over-indulged little Rita or fussy cousin | | | | These certificates have the advantage of being |
| Jane. If you can make life easier in the headlong rush | | | | easily portable or of being sent directly to the |
| leading up to the big day, grateful donations will come | | | | recipient. They prevent the waste of a giving |
| your way. | | | | expensive gifts to people who already have far more |
| Here are two terrific ways to cash in. | | | | than they need. And they are especially good at |
| 1.) Sell gifts items with the profits going to your | | | | teaching children about giving up material things for |
| cause. | | | | the joys of helping others. Be sure these certificates |
| Anything, from candles, clothing and crafts to high | | | | are beautifully designed and handsomely printed so |
| ticket offerings can serve so long as they would | | | | that they make a strong impression when the |
| make great gifts. A powerful part of your appeal is | | | | envelope is opened. |
| the dual benefits. Your item solves at least some of | | | | So, if you adjust your fundraising strategy to |
| the gift shopping chores and has the added feel good | | | | seasonal needs - in this case easing the burden of |
| feature of knowing that a good portion of the | | | | holiday shopping - you will get an excellent response |
| purchase price is going to support charity. Be sure to | | | | and funds will flow in as both you and your donor |
| emphasize this big selling point. And include an | | | | find yourselves in a festive win-win situation. |
| attractive card with the item informing the gift | | | | |