3 Ways Your Council Can Get Creative with Fundraising

Popcorn sales, car washes and other traditional Scouting fundraisers provide significant support for local councils across the country, allowing countless kids the opportunity to take part in the adventures of Scouting. But some councils are thinking outside the box when it comes to local fundraising and the results are inspiring. From hanging over the edge of tall buildings to hosting a Pinewood Derby race amongst life-size luxury vehicles, councils are coming up with some novel fundraising ideas that might energize your council’s efforts in the same way. Check out three ways councils have creatively raised funds and donations for Scouting below.

1. Appeal to your community’s thrill-seekers. If you received the Scouting Newsroom newsletter on Friday you likely found out why a slice of pizza is rappelling a skyscraper for Lincoln Heritage Council Scouts – for fundraising, of course! A prime example for creative fundraising, the council’s “Over the Edge” event attracted a slew of characters (like a slice of pizza and local personality, Cousin Willie) who raised at least $1,000 each for the chance to ascend a downtown Louisville, KY, building.
2. Partner with your community. Consider joining forces with a local newspaper to raise funds. The Long Beach Area Council and Catalina Council sent hundreds of Scouts to camp by partnering up with their newspaper’s fundraising programs. Such programs reach local audiences on a large scale via online and print media and encourage readers to support. You can read more about how these council’s garnered thousands of dollars for Scouting by checking out Getting Kids to Camp on the Chief’s Corner and Community’s Generosity Sends Scouts to Camp on Scouting Newsroom. 
3. Reach out to your local car dealership. Want to take your council’s Pinewood Derby race from 0 to 100? Reach out to your local car dealership like this troop in Chicago. In partnership with Laurel BMW of Westmont, IL, Scouts raced derby cars in a high-performance vehicle showroom on a brand new Pinewood Derby track thanks to the dealership’s support. Donations play a major role in the success of Scouting activities so don’t be afraid to break out of the fundraising norm.

Does your council have a cool, unconventional approach to fundraising? Share with us in the comments below!