Fundraiser..questions.

MissB

Okay...so planning a local fundraiser... called...no laughing... "Candids for a Cause" ... an affordable school portrait package with 10% going to Operation Smile. However I want the package to be comparable to what the average family would pay for the usual school portraits. Im not looking to make a ton of money... just market and raise money for charity.

I was thinking around $60 for the session, basic print package and donation. Is that reasonable ... and competitive with the usual school portraits costs?

Also... if this becomes high demand in the fall... any local photographers want to help with the fundraiser? I am in northern VA.

MissB

anyone??

Sam

You want a comment? OK here it is. Giving 10% of the sale price to a charity is not a fund raiser. Why would I give any one $100.00 so they can give someone else $10.00?

for a legitimate fundraiser the bulk of the $$ transaction needs to go to the charity.

You asked.

Sam

MissB

got it

MissB

well the idea is to provide a service that they would already be looking to get someplace else...any way... IE school photos... but I would provide the service for the same price...or less... and donate a portion of the proceeds to this charity. Get what they need... and give at the same time. Im looking for minimal profit margin... Its onlocation so I'd need to cover my driving expenses, childcare, prints and the donation. I wouldn't be asking for a session fee... I don't know why...but your comment makes me feel like the question was a stingy one.

Sam

OK, it's possible.I was somewhat abrupt, I get that way sometimes.

Let me clarify that I don't think your scamming or shady, I believe your sincere.

That said, it does look like the 10% is more of a marketing idea than a fundraiser.

No one, well me anyway would ask you to lose money, but mixing a sincere desire to help or give back with a profit motive can be tricky. If you were to say 10% of your business profits are donated to XYZ. That would be a continuing commitment to your cause. If that's too much, (and I do understand), then for a specific event why not work out your costs, then give yourself 10% or 15% over that. Then donate the rest, you can even charge more if people see a real amount going to the charity.
Think of it as a no profit give back advertising event.

Again them's just me thoughts.

Sam

MissB

aww...its okay sam... I did take heed what you were saying...I was thinking of 50% fundraiser instead of 10%... that way I can atleast cover my expenses and give more to charity at the same time. thank you for your feedback.

Sam

50%...............That sound great!

That's a true giving back, and will be good advertising, not to mention the karma bank.

Sam

MissB

Im glad thats acceptable... I feel better about it too!

ian408

If you are going to do it as a fundraiser, perhaps you can pair with a local charity and get them to donate "studio" space for a day or two. That would minimize your cost and help get people familiar with the charity and as I say, help eliminate some of the setup/travel/etc time.

MissB

thats a really interesting idea... what do you mean by donate studio space? Im sorry im sure its more simple than i think

ian408

Basically, you will ask your beneficiary for enough space to set up for your shoot. Then instead of going to them, people come to you.

MissB

got it... thank you!!

ian408

MissB wrote:

got it... thank you!!

Good luck!

Oh, and you may also want to ask if they'll help advertise-after-all, they benefit from your generosity.

sweet caroline

I do school portraits for 2 schools. I shoot free and sell prints. This is what most school photographers do. I can't see paying $60 upfront without seeing the photos first. I used to never purchase more than the very minimum bare bones package of my kids' school pictures (about $15) because the photographer didn't show proofs first. Of course, now I'm the one taking them, so it's a different story:)

And there are many fundraisers that make less than 50% for their cause. I've been a fundraising chair person for my kids' school, so I've got some experience in that department.

Caroline

MissB

sweet caroline wrote:

I do school portraits for 2 schools. I shoot free and sell prints. This is what most school photographers do. I can't see paying $60 upfront without seeing the photos first. I used to never purchase more than the very minimum bare bones package of my kids' school pictures (about $15) because the photographer didn't show proofs first. Of course, now I'm the one taking them, so it's a different story:)

And there are many fundraisers that make less than 50% for their cause. I've been a fundraising chair person for my kids' school, so I've got some experience in that department.

Caroline

Im not thinking to replace school photographers.. i think i would just like to be available as an option. I like the idea of renting a studio..however i think i would prefer something non-assembly line...I want to remain something special. (know what i mean?) Youre right... i couldn't myself justify paying $60.. for something that i could possibly get at sears. I may find a single location.. like a local pumpkin patch and have clients meet me there for "fall" photos. I don't know... if they don't like the prices they will always use their old options. Thank you for your imput BTW

sweet caroline

MissB wrote:

Im not thinking to replace school photographers.. i think i would just like to be available as an option. I like the idea of renting a studio..however i think i would prefer something non-assembly line...I want to remain something special. (know what i mean?) Youre right... i couldn't myself justify paying $60.. for something that i could possibly get at sears. I may find a single location.. like a local pumpkin patch and have clients meet me there for "fall" photos. I don't know... if they don't like the prices they will always use their old options. Thank you for your imput BTW

I agree that you don't want an assembly line vibe. I even did the school portraits outdoors. It was feasible because they are small schools. I also did a martial arts school, and had the interested families meet me at the botanical gardens, so your idea is definitely doable.

Do you have a way to get the word out?

MissB

sweet caroline wrote:

I agree that you don't want an assembly line vibe. I even did the school portraits outdoors. It was feasible because they are small schools. I also did a martial arts school, and had the interested families meet me at the botanical gardens, so your idea is definitely doable.

Do you have a way to get the word out?

thank you... I am having a print design friend of mine do up some flyers and im using my facebook resources to get people to introduce the idea around.. i will probably be pretty causual with the marketing this year because i am still new... and i want to be able to 'field study" the project as I go... anyway.. do you have ideas?