Lemonade Stand Fundraising:
Ideas for Charity
Besides being a classic kid business, lemonade stand fundraising can be a great way to raise money for charity.
The most well-known version of this may be Alex's Lemonade Stand which was started by Alex Scott when she was just 4 years old and diagnosed with cancer.
She wanted to do something to help raise money to help others who also suffered from cancer. Her initial efforts have multiplied beyond words into ongoing fundraising events that have become her legacy.
You, too, can have your lemonade stand be a catalyst for a charity - whether it is as a part of the overall Alex's Lemonade Stand effort or for your favorite charity.
Pick your charity
The first thing you need to figure out is if you are going to be part of a larger effort, such as Alex's, or if you want to have more of an independent lemonade stand fundraising.
There are some advantages to being part of a larger organized effort. You can use their advertising and location help. If you are going to participate in an organized effort, check their website or give them a call to get information on local events that you can participate in or to find contact information to get set up.
If you are going to set up your own stand to benefit a different charity, you will need to do a little more work - but it's pretty much the same as everything you would do for a regular stand. The key difference is that your advertising and signs should indicate that the proceeds are going to your favorite charity. That might open up some new location options. Plus, you might get some additional publicity by having the charity itself advertise or distribute your flyers making your lemonade stand fundraising even more successful.
Other ideas to consider
Whether you are participating in a large effort or on your own, it still pays to get creative with your efforts. That can be by coming up with unique advertising ideas or slogan or by selling some creative treats that tie into your charity.
For example, you might come up with a clever slogan that you use in your flyers that sticks in people's minds. You could use something like "Lemonade for Llasa Apsos!" if you are trying to raise funds for an animal shelter. Then you could sell dog-shaped or bone-shaped cookies (real ones for people) plus give away dog treats for anyone with a pet.
The key in being creative is tying it all together: your stand + your products + your charity = one great fundraising event. You could even recruit others in your neighborhood and have a stand on each block. Use the same advertising and products to help customers see that it is all part of one effort.
That is exactly what Grace, the 2007 grand prize winner in Inc.'s Best Lemonade Stand contest did. And she raised over $4,000! You can also check out the 2008 winners here. Then use YOUR ideas to have a great lemonade stand fundraiser and enter the 2009 contest!
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