Success Tips and Ideas
Follow these guidelines to make the most of your Simplified SCRIP program.
Set Goals:
We have found that it is critical to set goals for your group. Doing so sets the bar for your program and drives people to achieve the goals set forth. To set your goals complete the Goal Setting Form. If you need any assistance, we will be happy to help you develop achievable goals.
Lead by Example:
It is beneficial for the members of your group leading your fundraising efforts to actively participate in the program. It makes the promotion of the program easier having the experience of how it works. It also creates a sense of trust with your participants. Finally, your core group could very easily create the momentum to raise significant funds for your school through the Auto-Order Subscription option.
Order Collection: Some groups have found that collecting group member's orders is very effective during the initial drive period. This gets members used to ordering and gives them an opportunity to try out the service. Distribute order forms and let your group know that they need to return their orders along with a check by a deadline date. We will still mail them directly to their homes so that no order distribution is needed.
Distribute:
It is critical to get the initial program documents (Announcement letter and Order Forms) out to your participants in a timely manner. The following are some great places to distribute information and Simplified SCRIP order forms throughout the year:
Regular Communications/Special Events
Newsletters Concerts
Website Parties
E-mail Other gatherings
Mail
Bulletin Boards
For Schools
Back pack them home to parents
Back to School Registration
Parent/Teacher Conferences
Bake Sales
School Office
Go To School Night
Mail them home with report cards
Athletic Events
See Above
Auto-Order Subscription: Auto-Order service delivers gift cards to homes each month on the day of choice. There are no shipping fees on orders of $350 or more. There are no forms to complete or checks to write since payments are made automatically through a checking account each month. This option can be your key to consistent year round fundraising. It can really help you forecast out your year-end fundraising results.
Communicate:
Use your existing channels of communication such as newsletters, e-mails, in-school bulletin boards, etc. to let people know about the program. Also, throughout the year, reminders about the program are beneficial to encourage participants to support your Simplified SCRIP program. This is also an opportunity to show the running total of your group’s earnings. Sharing this information is helpful (and many times, inspiring) to see how combined efforts help schools reach their fundraising goals!
§ Use your current newsletter to remind people of the program. For schools, include the order form in the school newsletter.
§ Place a link from your website to direct people to the online order form to make placing orders even easier!
§ Communicate funds raised to date via your group’s website or e-mail.
Promote:
Taking the time to promote Simplified SCRIP to your participants can enhance your fundraising efforts. Utilize the free posters, flyers and website link buttons available to you.
Set dates for specific program drive periods to encourage incremental purchases throughout the year.
Let your participants know about the monthly promotions. These promotions are designed to encourage purchases.
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Competitions - Some PTO groups have classroom competitions where the class that earns the most Simplified SCRIP contributions wins a pizza party. This is a great way to get parents involved.
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Spread the word - Have neighbors, relatives, friends and co-workers get involved in raising money. Many groups send emails to their family members asking them to place orders as well. anyone can place an order on behalf of your school or group.
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Collect the order forms - At certain times each year sveral groups send a letter to supporters asking that they complete the order form and return it to the school or group by a set date. All the orders are sent to Simplified SCRIP together and then each order is deleivered to the supporters home. This has worked very well to introduce the program and gives a sense of security for first time users of the program. Once the supporters receive their order in the mail they realize the simplicity of participating.
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Talk to area businesses - Many companies use gift cards as employee incentives and gifts. Talk to your families and you are sure to find a business owner who will appreciate the convenience of order gift cards from on place nstead of having to drive to each store to make a purchase. The fact that their purchase helps your school or group is even better. There have been orders placed by businesses on behalf of a school or group that have raised $1000 or more alone so don't miss this opportunity. Many businesses will thank you for letting them know they CAN buy gift cards this way.
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Provide an incentive - Many schools and groups offer a form of cash back to their supporters. For example, a school may have tuition fees, book fees, or other expenses supporters must pay for. Athletic clubs may have dues, dance clubs may have fees, and pre-schools may have monthly dues. Many simplified SCRIP groups will give part of what supporters raise back to them to lower these expenses. Consider that there are groups with as many as 75% of their families particpating due to these incentives to save money AND support the school or group. Simplifed SCRIP will help with tracking these "cash back" programs for you so they are simple to implement.
