Reward Programs
Rewards That Boost Fundraising Results
For improved fundraising results, take a little time and put together the
right type of reward program, one that provides an appropriate level of reward
for all participants. A little reward can produce a lot of motivation.
Be sure to set the initial reward level low enough so that at least 50% of
your sales force gets a direct reward. Group awards will also stimulate
additional sales, but not as much as individual rewards.
Use merchant prizes
Contact your local merchants for better prizes that mean more to your sellers.
Work deals for movie passes, merchandise discounts, gift certificates, miniature
golf, theater trip for top ten sellers, etc.
Structure rewards fairly
Design your program so that everyone is rewarded proportionately and is incented
strongly toward winning one.
Prize preview
Show off what sellers can win for different levels of achievement. Build a
“want” or desire in each of your participants to earn one or more of those
prizes.
Personal goal
Motivate each salesperson with a self-selected personal goal stated in front of
their peer group. Tie a reward to the achievement of that goal.
Recognition
Never underestimate the power of being praised before your peer group for doing
a good job. Consider having a group awards ceremony. Award plaques are a nice
touch, particularly if you can get them at a discount (remember the influence of
your organization in other areas).
Offer valuable rewards
Give awards for success that really have value. Nobody wants junk. Skip trinkets
and work with your community to come up with better prizes that don’t subtract
from your net profit. Example: $5 coupon for a local fun center such as
miniature golf, bowling, laser tag, etc.
Progressive rewards
Offer ever-increasing levels of rewards. Allow roll-up combination of rewards
into one big one. For instance, a seller might select a basic prize for each
level of success or one larger prize for his ultimate success.
Party rewards
Ice cream, pizza, movies, a group trip… All of these and more can be great
motivators and increase competition between sub-groups.
Use a wacky reward
Have key organizational figures promise to do something funny is the goal is
met. Examples: The coach has to shave his head, the principal has to dance with
the school mascot at the pep rally, all the second grade teachers will dress
like clowns on Friday, the youth minister will sing off key a chosen song. Ask
your sellers for suggestions!
Fun rewards
Offer a Cream Pie Attack party to all sellers reaching a certain level. Equip
multiple tables with paper plates full of shaving cream to either attack each
other or the coach, the youth minister, the troop leader, etc.
Big customer rewards
On sales from a catalog, consider motivating customers to make bigger buys by
giving prizes for the biggest orders. Good coupons always work. Example: free
car wash with a $50 order. Obviously, work with a local car wash on this
promotion.
Volunteer rewards
Don’t forget to reward your volunteers. You want them to come back, don’t you?
Select an appropriate reward for various levels of participation or at a
minimum, do a reward party or luncheon.
Appreciation
Show your appreciation to all facets of your organization and supporter base. Be
sure you do fun things that aren’t fundraisers. For example: offer discounts on
tickets to athletic events, group outings, parties, barbecue night, etc. These
fun activities will help build the camaraderie useful for future fundraisers as
well as for getting those volunteers to come back again.
Summary
The proper use of an incentive program will definitely maximize your results.
Plan well to motivate your participants, encourage repeat business, reward your
volunteers, and build your support within the community.
If you want the best results, don’t settle for less than the best incentive
program. Get your sellers imagining themselves winning awards and collecting
rewards. Now that’s motivation!
Related Pages
Sample Fundraising Thank You Letter - Here is a sample fundraising thank you letter you can copy along with five tips on just how to say thanks for
their donation in a heartfelt note.
Christian Fundraising Events - Six ideas for Christian fundraising events - Church fundraisers that are fun, family-oriented, and raise funds fast.
Selling Raffle Tickets - Advice on selling raffle tickets - How to sell twice as many raffle tickets in half the time.
Individual Fundraising - Six event ideas for individual fundraising - How to tips on getting the most from your individual fundraiser events.
Fundraising Letter - How to generate the best response with your donation request letters.
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