[angel_bayou]

With the economy affecting so many people I figured i'd come to you all to ask what kind of fundraisers are you more likely to support and which ones would you completely avoid??
I'm trying to look for unique ideas of things that would work because I would like to do more for the children in Guatemala. I just find some of the things I did in the past just aren't working right now. Thanks for the insight!! Oh and PLEASE share any ideas you may have with me!!

[Mandy4President]

Right now with me being laid off and my dh's overtime hours cut, I need my own fundraiser - LOL!! But when we do give to charity or fundraisers we usually stick to stuff with kids. I love St. Judes and Make a Wish. Those are my two favorites. Maybe that's not what you meant by fundraisers, huh?

Oh, and I would love to do something in Guatemala but a lot of the organizations are little and I don't like to give my money to something that I don't know where it is going. One day I would really like ot have a Guatemalan student come and stay with me to go to school here. One day when we have a bigger house.

[SKL]

My favorite causes: literacy, orphans, destitute girls and women, education for the handicapped (where the government doesn't provide it).

My biggest criteria: do I know enough about the people involved and the flow of funds to be confident my dollars are going where I intend them to go? Do I personally know someone who has seen firsthand how the money helps people in need? Is the organization overall in line with my principles? Do the organization and those supported thereby run a tight ship?

[ej-momtobe]

I completely avoid the following:

• door-to-door solicitations (unless done by a child for his/her team, school etc. )
• Telephone solicitations.
• grocery store asking me to include an extra dollar for something.
• Sponsoring someone in an athletic event (i.e. marathon) as a fundraiser, that also includes the sponsored athlete's trip.

I prefer fundraiser where the coordinator has a vested interest in the cause, where the buerocracy is not high (if i donate $10, the $10 will actually go to the cause, instead of having half go the administraiton of hte fundraiser). I think as far as helping children in guatemala, if you have actual contact with the people you will be helping, and can relay to the giver the personal imact of their donation.

What about donating in someone's name as a chrismtas present to them? One of my favorites was last year i donated (through an organization) chickensto help a rural family start an Egg business, and did one donation in the name of my brother's family, and did another in the name of my sister's family. That was my chrismas present to their families. They each have children, so I purchased a stuffed chicken for the kids to play with so they could have fun with the idea.

[WaitingforBrian]

I tend to support fundraisers where I can buy something and give it, like the book fund you had. Also sponsoring children, like Childfund, because the kids send letters and pictures and tell me what they are doing. WHen I send presents, they send a long letter detailing everything they buy. Its facinating to see how far that money goes and they do get 100% of the present. One wee girl bought a goat. I was impressed. I sponsor two kids in Guatemala.
i never supposrt doorstep drives or begging in the street. I will sponsor kids athletic events but not much and I have to know the child.
Pub quizes are good because each participant gets a good evening of fun but a lot of organising needed... same for race nights...... good for raising funds but a lot of organisng again.
Best of luck Bernie

[angieandstever]

While looking at blogs I have noticed people seem to raise a lot of money for Guatemala doing giveaways. In other words, donate $1.00 for a chance to win a $25.00 gift card to a particular store, or $5.00 for 6 chances let's say. I like those because a person is normally putting them on that I know or know of and the money is going directly to the less fortunate in Guatemala. It reminds me of a church raffle. I always love those too because I like a chance to win something while also doing good!!! I am slightly competitive deep down inside Even though it is drawing a name out of a hat it is still exciting!

Also I am more likely to donate money to something that will have a lasting, profound outcome, like purchasing chickens for a family, or purchasing a stove. I am not sure if this answers your question, but I hope so!

[angel_bayou]

All of these are great ideas and you guys gave me some things to really think about. I'm going to Guatemala so I'm looking for ways to accomplish my goals and they will be through a church in Guatemala so it's not really an organization. hmmmm..back to square one!

[widgit]

Practical & touching--tell me I'm paying for baby formula, or school textbooks. Don't tell me I'm paying for electric bills.

Photos--give me a photo or something sentimental to touch & feel good about.

Direct--tell me that my $ goes directly to XXX church in Guatemala to do XYZ. Not that it goes to an organization in the states that supports an organization in Guatemala that supports many churches that do a host of different things.

Personal--tell me why this specific cause stood out to you. The church your DD or DS foster family attends? The great results the program is seeing?