Fundraising programs are a vital part of life for every non-profit organization and charity. Bowling and golf tournaments along with carnivals and bake sales are typical fundraising sources as well as selling products. Many of us would be disappointed if the Girl Scouts stopped selling cookies or the Boy Scouts discontinued their popcorn sale. However, many other organizations golf tournament fundraising ideas are clamoring for a new source of fundraising or are wearily selling the same overpriced catalog items to people who would rather just donate the equivalent of what would have been earned by the charity selling that overpriced gift wrapping paper. These all raise funds with varying degrees of achievement with the most successful ones being driven by a hard-working group of volunteers, good community support and possibly even the association of a celebrity.
If your organization, church or charity is in a rut and you are looking for an exciting new way to raise needed money, consider putting together a group cruise to help bump up your bank account’s balance! A group cruise is a terrific way to bring people together, have fun and to meet many goals of your organization such as:
- Raise funds – Successful cruise events raise money. And the larger the program and group, the more money that can be raised. Fifty couples or families on a seven day cruise can earn at least $10,000. Ultimately how much can be made depends on the program which is put together for you.
- Raise awareness – Cruises get attention. Organizations promoting cruise fundraisers can get a lot of attention in both local media and by word-of-mouth. Whether you run a full media blitz or advertise on a smaller scale, people will be talking about the cruise (and your organization!) Even an organization with the smallest of “PR” staff can easily build momentum. To be successful, your organization needs to get the word out so that people are familiar with it.
- Customized cruise for your group – There sometimes seems an almost infinite number of ways, large or small, to make your group stand out from any other cruise vacation someone can experience. From a shipboard celebration such as a “birthday party” with a cake for your charity’s anniversary to door signs that gain the attention and awareness of all of the ship’s guests who walk by, the trip can be a standout event in many positive ways!
- Educational – If your organization would like to include educational seminars or have a trade show pertaining to its subject, it’s easy to arrange as part of the program. Or perhaps gift bags for all of the participants which also contain the latest materials on the organization’s accomplishments and goals.
- Generate support – Support equals success whether it means others being encouraged to join your volunteers or by people remembering you at other times of the year as one of their preferred charities. When people come together in a spirit of giving and fun, you’ll find that it’s a win-win event for everyone with a terrific trickle down effect that benefits your organization.
- Camaraderie of those with common goals and interests – Though perhaps not a primary goal of your organization, many relationships-friends, love and business— can be forged during a cruise. Again, good will and positive experiences; all because of your fundraising cruise group.
- Build momentum – With a successful cruise event, you can build an annual trip that brings together your organization’s members, supporters and community participants who will become bigger supporters. People talk about their vacations for years, they share photos, they Tweet and Facebook about it. You get to ride the wave each time the “XYZ Charity Cruise” is mentioned.
- Recognize efforts – There are often a few key people whose work is invaluable for the success of an organization. A cruise is a wonderful way to recognize these people. Special recognition can be given to exceptional volunteers or your largest donors. You can even use one of your earned free cruises to give to one of these exceptional people.