TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL FUNDRAISER

When you're successful, we're successful. We have learned what it takes to have a successful cell phone fundraiser. Please profit from our experience by incorporating the suggestions below. If you have questions, do not hesitate to call our customer service department.

PROMOTE! • PROMOTE! • PROMOTE!

It is important to use every avenue of communication to keep your group motivated and to engage your community. Organizations that do not have a strategy for promotion, in all likelihood, will not have a successful campaign. Our surveys show that MOST people have old cell phones that they can donate, but people are busy, and tend to forget if not reminded often.

• If possible, appoint a chairperson to oversee advertising and promotion.
• Give your cell phone fundraiser prominent mention in all correspondence (emails, newsletters, flyers) with your supporters, members and the community in general. If possible send out flyers and newsletters that focus on your cell phone fundraiser.
• Recruit cell phone retailers to support your program and ask their customers to donate at the point of sale. 90% of all cell phones pass through local retail stores at least twice.
• Place signs or posters in businesses that support your cause. Ask them to encourage their employees to donate.
• Explain the program and include your online donation link on your organization's website and in your email messages.
• Compose an e-mail template including your online donation link Virtual Donation Link that your staff and/or volunteers can use to reach their friends and family.
• Send notices to all local media outlets — metropolitan and community newspapers, local radio stations and Public Service Announcements on area TV stations.
• Solicit the support of local community and environmental groups. After all collecting cell phones not only raises money for your organization, but also provides a necessary recycling service to your community.

ORGANIZE

It is important to have a goal and a plan before you begin. How much do you hope to raise? How long will the campaign last (we recommend at least 90 days). What experience from previous fundraisers do you bring to this effort? What will be the best method(s) of collection?

• If possible, appoint someone to oversee program monitoring, collection and shipping of phones
• Determine the best methods of collection. Consider:
• Drop off locations — Set up donation boxes (schools, churches, local merchants and businesses)
• Events — fairs, marathons, concerts, monthly meetings, etc.
• Organize door to door collection. Print flyers and attach to paper bags.
• Utilize existing phone chains or organize volunteers to phone your support base

HAVE FUN AND "THINK OUTSIDE THE BOX"

• What incentives can you use to motivate people to participate?
• Gift certificates for the volunteers who bring in the most phones
• Pizza parties for classes or youth groups
• Phones as a "ticket" to organization events
• Encourage local merchants to serve as a drop-off location and give discounts in exchange for phones
• Sponsor a Neighborhood Clean-up
• Set up collections at area sports events