Fundraising for Small Groups Newsletter

A free newsletter with fundraising ideas, tips, and secrets for the small nonprofit fundraiser


March 01, 2008

SUBSCRIBE FREE
Get an email update every time I publish a new fundraising article!

Your Name:

Your E-mail Address:

I promise never to sell, rent, or give your email address to anyone else. PERIOD!


Bookmark Fundraiser
Share Fundraiser
 Subscribe in a reader

Home


Subscribe Free

Why Subscribe?


About Us

About Us
Contact Us



Article Archive

Managing a Fundraiser

Fundraising Strategies

Fundraising Ideas

Fundraising Products

Fundraising Events

Fundraising Resources

Fundraising Volunteers






Recycle Printer Cartridges &
Cell Phones Fundraiser

by Deane Brengle



Most folks wouldn't dream that recycling something they normally throw away could be a very lucrative fundraiser. You would be overlooking a great new low impact fundraiser if you ignore the potential untapped profit a printer cartridge and cell phone recycling fundraiser could be earning for your group.

How the Program Works

It's really quite simple: You organize a collection system that gathers empty printer cartridges and old cell phones from a large group of people and send them in to be recycled. Then you get paid.

  • The people donating aren't inconvenienced in any way. They don't have to contribute cash or buy a product. They just give you something they would normally throw away.

  • Your group doesn't have to sell anything or ask for cash donations. You just collect the donated items and send them in and wait for your check.

Is This a Good Fit for My Group?

Recycling programs like this must be set up as an ongoing program in order to raise the maximum amount of money for your group. Ask yourself the following before you commit to a program:

  • Can we collect enough cartridges and cell phone to make it worth while? If you are a school or church group then you have a sizable built in base to target. This fundraiser can work with a smaller group but it will take more time and effort to make it successful.

  • Do we have enough time and manpower to make it worth while? Along with distributing collection boxes and collecting the items an ongoing program of publicity is required. Promotion is the key to collecting large amount of recyclable items. Posters must be hung and reminders run in newsletters. Donated items must be collected, sorted and stored until packaging and shipment can be made. It's not a large amount of time but rather an ongoing commitment.

Take It to the Next Level

Once you have decided to take on this fundraiser your success will only be limited by your imagination and determination.

Along with collecting from the members of your group you can multiply your efforts by contacting local businesses and office buildings and asking them to sponsor your program. You can also advertise in your local paper to find sponsors.

Here is what you can ask them to do:

  • Donate empty printer cartridges and old cell phones.
  • Put signs and posters by every printer reminding everyone to recycle.
  • Include information about recycling and your program in their company emails and newsletters.
  • Be a drop off location for recyclable printer cartridges and cell phones for the public.
  • See if any of their contacts would be interested in donating printer cartridges and cell phones.
  • Display posters or fliers about the recycling fundraising program you are supporting.

It's important to support you sponsors to insure their success and yours:

  • Provide containers for printer cartridges (with plastic bag liners) and containers for cell phones.
  • Make sure you check and pick up recyclables in a timely fashion.
  • Provide signs and posters for them to place by every printer reminding everyone to recycle.
  • Provide materials, fliers and introductory letters for sponsors to give to their contacts.
  • Provide to your sponsors posters or fliers informing the public how they can help by recycling their empty printer cartridges and cell phones.

Make sure you are considerate of your sponsor�s commitment.

  • Update your sponsors on the progress of your recycling fundraiser.
  • Send frequent thank you notes.
  • Recognize them by including a list of your sponsors in your newsletters or your website.
  • Include information about your sponsors' participation in any press releases or news stories.

Which Recycling Company is Best?

I've taken considerable time to research all the top cartridge and phone recycling companies and I am recommending the Funding Factory.

Since 1997 they have been helping educational, religious, and nonprofit organizations raise funds with their printer cartridge and cell phone recycling programs. All combined, participants in their program have earned over $15 million since Funding Factory began.

There is absolutely no cost to participate in their program. It�s all free. There are free boxes, free shipping, free promotional materials, free online accounting and free phone support. Even sign up is free.

Funding Factory pays higher average prices than other competitors and has more printer cartridges and cell phones that qualify for payment. They also offer extra incentives and prizes several times a year.

You can choose points or cash - which ever suits you best. With Funding Factory points you can shop in their rewards catalog of over 100,000 items including technology, recreation, classroom and sporting equipment. Or you can choose to take a check for your earnings. You can get a check as often as every week.

Funding Factory is tops in their field. If you are ready for a low impact fundraiser that not only helps the environment but is a painless fundraiser for your group - please consider the Funding Factory.

Find out more about the Funding Factory Program


***********************


About the Author:

Deane Brengle is the editor of several free online publications that cover fundraising for small nonprofit groups. You can visit these publications and read more about fundraising in articles by him and other experts in the field at The Fund$Raiser Cyberzine, The Fundraising for Small Groups Newsletter, and Fundraising Booklets.



Discount Card Fundraiser


Home / Subscribe Free / About Us / Contact Us

copyright © 2000 - 2008 all rights reserved Fund$Raiser Group
ISSN 1530-6127 - Library of Congress, Washington DC, USA
Editor's Picks

Top 5 Fundraisers
An up to date look at the top 5 fundraisers for 2008
Read the Article
__________

Fundraiser of the Month ( March)

Each month I hand pick one fundraiser that stands out to me. Check it out!
__________

Fundraising Booklets
Complete "how-to-do-it" fundraising guides - Free

Online Fundraising
Chocolate Fundraising
Cookiedough Fundraising
Scratchcard Fundraising
Magazine Fundraising
Candle Fundraising
Lollipop Fundraising
Safe Fundraising



Recommended Suppliers

Constant Contact
The gold standard in nonprofit email newsletter delivery. Custom newsletter templates, funding appeals, event updates & more. 20% nonprofit discount!

www.constantcontact.com

eFundraising
Their proven fundraisers make money quickly and easily. Quality service and up to 90% profit. Fundraising programs for any size/type group.

www.efundraising.com

Funding Factory
Recycle empty printer cartridges and old cell phones for a no cost easy fundraiser. Great add-on to your existing fundraising programs.

www.fundingfactory.com
Read the Article

cMarket
An easy-to-use package of online auction products & services. Improve your fundraising results and tap into new sources of income.

www.cmarket.com
Read the Article

Fast Track Fundraising
Discount Cards- High profits, and easy sell, no hassles, any group, and a healthy fundraiser. Check it out!

www.fasttrackfundraising.com
Read the Article


Recommended Books

Raffle Secrets
The complete step by step guide for creating raffle fundraisers that sell out in 30 days or less. Learn how to get every prize donated free.
www.rafflesecrets.com
Read a Free Excerpt

Let's Raise Money
The inside scoop about small group fundraising. Learn from the founder of a national fundraising company as he reveals secrets observed over nearly two decades of fundraising.

www.LetsRaiseMoney.com
Read a Free Excerpt

Golf Tournament Planning
Proven planning & marketing strategies guaranteed to maximize your charity golf tournament profits.
www.golftp1.com