Raising funds from recycling can be very effective. But schemes can only generate useful funds if your supporters are using them. Here are some tips to help you promote your schemes and make it easy for people to use them.
Newsletters
Promote your recycling fundraising schemes in your newsletter, magazine or eBulletin. Stress how easy they are to use and what a difference they make to you. Use persuasive fundraising techniques to change behaviour. Think about times of the year when people might be having clear-outs or upgrading their gadgets and promote then.
Enclosing a recycling envelope or bag in a mailshot can also really improve results.
Collection points
Many schemes provide collection boxes. Leave one in your reception area and encourage staff and visitors to use it. Make it easy for people to donate to you in this way.
Businesses
Ask local businesses to collect for you. Arrange for them to have ink and mobile collection boxes for their offices. Organise a staff holiday coins collection day. Ask if you can have a clothes collection bin outside large companies or hold a clothes collection day.
Marketing toolkits
Use the free marketing materials provided by schemes to regularly promote your fundraising recycling to your supporters.
Digital fundraising
Create a page about your recycling schemes on your website and promote them via your social media. Use engaging images and stories to inspire people to support you in this way. Examples of persuasive pages about recycling include this one from CHAS and this one from The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital Charity.
Further information
Remember to share the results of your success to encourage supporters to keep recycling for your good cause.
Further reading
This how-to is based on a blog post written by fundraising consultant Gemma Kingsman for Tennyson Insurance now Zurich Insurance.
