Many small nonprofit organizations face a common challenge: how to raise funds without depleting their resources. One community group, seeking to enhance its local park, discovered an innovative and sustainable way to raise funds through engraved bricks. By partnering with Bricks R Us, they raised over $30,000 in just under a year, while building a beautiful, permanent display that honors their donors.
This case study highlights how this nonprofit successfully leveraged Bricks R Us’ tools, support, and experience to turn a simple idea into a long-term fundraising solution.
The Challenge: Fundraising Without Resources
Like many grassroots organizations, this nonprofit operated on a tight budget with limited staff and volunteers. Traditional fundraising options, such as gala dinners or auctions, required upfront costs and complicated logistics. They needed something:
- Easy to manage with a few people
- Involving no upfront cost
- Able to engage the local community emotionally and meaningfully
- That could run continuously over time.
That’s when they came across brick fundraising, a concept that allows donors to contribute by purchasing a custom-engraved brick to be installed in a walkway leading to the renovated park.
The Solution: Bricks R Us’ All-In-One Fundraising Support
Why They Chose Bricks R Us
Unlike other companies that simply sell engraved bricks, Bricks R Us offered a complete suite of fundraising tools:
- Free Donor Website to collect and manage orders
- Order form templates for those who prefer printed materials
- An online ordering system that keeps records organized
- Free shipping and no upfront costs
- Fundraising webinars and one-on-one customer support
- Multiple brick sizes, styles, colors, and symbols
- Low Price Guarantee to stretch every donor dollar
This comprehensive support made Bricks R Us the clear choice.
Launching the Campaign
Using the free Donor Site, the nonprofit easily customized its campaign page with its logo, messaging, and donation tiers. Donors could choose between different brick sizes and add personalized inscriptions. Some donors engraved names of family members, others added quotes or dedications.
The organization used its social media pages and email newsletters to promote the fundraiser, driving traffic to its Bricks R Us-hosted donor page.
They also hosted a “Buy a Brick Night” during a community event, using print order forms provided by Bricks R Us to reach people who preferred not to use online tools.
The Results: Thousands Raised and a Community Engaged
Within 10 months:
- Over 400 engraved bricks were sold
- $30,000+ in donations collected
- Donor engagement increased significantly
- A new community walkway was installed, featuring the brick.
- The campaign continues today as an “open” fundraiser, allowing ongoing contributions.
Most importantly, donors felt a sense of pride and ownership. Their names and their contributions were visibly part of something permanent.
Why Brick Fundraising Works for Nonprofits
Brick fundraising taps into the psychology of meaningful giving. Research from the Journal of Consumer Psychology (White & Peloza, 2009) shows that when donations are tied to tangible, lasting recognition, donors report higher satisfaction and are more likely to give again.
Bricks provide:
- Visibility for donors
- Emotional value through personalization
- A lasting tribute to their support
- A physical space that the community can visit and be proud of
Combined with no upfront costs and a proven process, this model becomes an ideal solution for small to mid-sized nonprofits seeking to raise funds creatively and sustainably.
Key Takeaways for Nonprofits
Start Small, Scale Easily
No need to invest upfront or run a massive campaign from day one.
Utilize Built-in Tools
Bricks R Us provides all the necessary back-end systems to keep the campaign organized and seamless.
Engage Your Community
Offer a meaningful way to be remembered and honored.
Make it Visual
Share progress photos of the project on social media to maintain high interest and engagement.
Keep it Open-Ended
This fundraiser doesn’t have to stop; new bricks can always be added.
Real Impact, Real Recognition
This campaign not only raised critical funds but also created a space that tells a story. Each engraved brick reflects a personal contribution to a shared vision. Whether installed in a park, school courtyard, church walkway, or hospital garden, these bricks represent something much more than a fundraiser; they symbolize community, memory, and purpose.
Start Your Fundraiser Today
Your fundraiser doesn’t have to be complicated to be successful. Whether you’re raising money for a school, museum, church, park, or hospital, Bricks R Us has the tools, experience, and support to help you succeed without any upfront investment.
Visit https://www.bricksrus.com/ to get started.
Need help? Their expert consultants are standing by to walk you through the process.
Build more than a walkway, build a legacy.
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