As a method of raising money, brick fundraising for nonprofits is not a new concept. In the last couple of decades alone, thousands of churches, schools and community organizations in the U.S. have successfully raised funds by “selling” engraved bricks commonly utilized in recognition displays, such as walking paths and arches. Detailed below are a few reasons why brick fundraisers are a great idea for institutions and nonprofits:
Engraved bricks are a creative means to recognize donors for many years past the initial fundraiser.
Simple Concept
Most prospective donors want to support something specific and easy to understand. For the most part, brick campaigns raise money for building projects or physical improvements, like the restoration of a historic park band stand, a new high school football stadium, or the expansion of a church social hall. These clear fundraising requests, when paired with the purchase of an engraved brick, make brick fundraisers a win-win situation for both supporters and fundraising staff.
Visually Appealing
One big problem with many fundraising projects that support construction or remodeling projects is that donors don’t see any progress, which can cause new donations to grind to a halt. Fortunately, this is not usually a problem for brick campaigns since:
- Brick fundraisers serve as tangible proof of an organization expending energy to recognize its donors more than a normal building project.
- Donors and prospective donors are able to watch the brick “path” being constructed. The brick area continues to grow as engraved bricks are sold and placed, continuing to draw the interest of new donors.
- Inexpensive garden bricks and a paint pen can be utilized in lieu of actual engraved bricks until the “real” bricks arrive and can be placed.
Easy to Organize
A brick fundraiser is fairly easy for the organization’s fundraising staff to manage. There are just a few elements that a fundraising committee needs to decide:
- Where will the bricks be placed? – The walkway or plaza in front of a newly restored building would be the perfect place to recognize a project’s supporters. If this is not possible, the bricks should be placed in a different location close to the project.
- What color or type of brick? – Red bricks are always popular, but they don’t work in every situation. If you don’t want to clash with existing facades and building materials, choosing a gray-tone or off-white brick may be best. You’ll also have to decide if you want to sell only standard size bricks or if you want to include 8 X 8 square bricks, as well.
- What amount of donation/profit per brick? – The best part of a brick fundraiser is that your organization chooses how much money to charge per brick, not the brick company. Above the low net price of the brick and engraving, whatever price you set is yours to keep! Some organizations charge a modest amount, while others charge 10 times that number.
Time Tested
Brick fundraisers have been very successful in recent years. A brick fundraising campaign can be even more lucrative when combined with modern methods of communication and online fundraising.
Are you ready to hold a brick fundraiser? Contact Bricks R Us today for more information on this successful fundraising method.
Image Source: Bricks R Us (Flickr)
