The Challenge Money Tree Fundraiser.

The Challenge Money Tree

Grow a tree of money. They say that

money doesn’t grow on trees. Well,

with this tree you can at least “graft”

the money right onto a tree that you

created.

The concept is quite simple really.

You set up a booth area with a bare Christmas tree displayed,

you “challenge” new contributors that pass by your booth to make donations until the tree is completely covered with money,

you place their donation on the Christmas tree prominently displaying their name,

you give an information flyer or the latest newsletter to your donor and plan to mail a receipt to the contributor later.

Let’s look at how effective this cute fundraiser can be. Keep in mind that this would get a favorable reception during the Christmas, Hanukah and Thanksgiving holidays, but actually the concept will work favorably during any season.

Your Tree Location

Ideally, you will want to locate a spot to place your “Challenge Money Tree” with high traffic. This could be a spot inside a mall, shopping center, supermarket, large bank lobby, office complex, corporate building, large government building, church lobby, or even a very popular restaurant or convenience store.

Speak with the owner or manager and explain for what reason you are raising money. Create and provide a document that all volunteer workers will sign stating that they will hold the nonprofit group and property owner harmless if anything happens during the course of conducting your fundraiser on their premises. Note: in the event that an incident does occur, the document may still not hold up in court in our increasingly litigious society, but it will show the property owner that you will conduct your group in a safe and respectful manner.

Set up an unassuming table manned by two to three volunteers. One volunteer will handle the cash box and create a “Named Dollar” for each donor along with another volunteer to place the “Dollar” on the tree itself.

Set up a 6 to 8 foot artificial Christmas tree on a low small platform that is decorated appropriately.

The Challenge

As people pass by, you will want to challenge them to join other contributors in filling up the tree.

Do not use real money, as this will invite theft. Rather, use “play money” that you have created on your computer with any desktop publishing program. Be sure to include a section of the bill that allows the donor’s name to be written on it when the donation is made.

Place the real money in a keyed money box under the table. Make sure that you have volunteer security personnel if you plan to be in a very public unsecured area.

Decorate That Tree

Have several denominations that can be placed on different sections of the tree.

Place $1.00 donations at the bottom of the tree. Use a light green paper money bill.

Place $5.00 donations in the middle of the tree. Use a darker green paper money bill here.

Place $10.00 donations toward the top of the tree. Use a red colored paper money bill here.

Place $20.00 donations at the top of the tree. Use a goldenrod or gold colored paper money bill here.

For St. Patrick’s Day you may want to use these colors, but use shamrocks instead of play money.

For Independence Day, try using Red, White, and Blue colored money. Use Silver stars for $20 donations.

Use your imagination to create that special colorful event. Just make sure that while you are taking their money that you visit with each donor and make them feel that they are special and that any amount they give is much appreciated.

This will lead your new contributors to refer others to what you are doing. Be sure to hand every donor your most recent newsletter with a tear off donation stub and include a return envelope for making a later donation.

The Donation Receipt

As you take their donation, be sure to hand them a Donor Information Form for them to fill out and include their contact information (name, address, phone, email address).

Later, you will mail them a receipt with your latest newsletter. Send an email primarily since this is instantaneous and will save postage.

Begin including them on your newsletter list if they prefer. This is an excellent way of attracting new supporters into giving to your group annually. At the very least, you can notify each contributor by email when your next Challenge Money Tree will occur.

What Groups Typically Benefit

This fundraiser is ideal for:

Animal Shelters or Humane Societies

Police or Emergency Workers Funds

United Way Office Fundraisers

Missionary Support at each of their supportive churches

Faith-Based Ministry Food Kitchens

Salvation Army and Homeless Shelter Support

Children’s Toy Collection Groups

Health and Wellness Advocacy Groups