:: Member of AFRDS ::

The Association of Fund-Raising Distributors & Suppliers (AFRDS) is an international association of companies that manufacture, supply and distribute products that are re-sold by schools and other not-for-profit organizations for fund raising purposes.

Fresh Country is a member in good standing of the Association of Fund Raising Distributors and Suppliers. As a member of "AFRDS" Fresh Country is recognized as a professional fund raising company which adheres to strict established guidelines and standards in regards to professional practices and industry code of ethics.

The following information is provided to better inform Fund Raising and Organization Leaders when selecting a Fund Raising Company.

WHAT IS PRODUCT FUNDRAISING ?
Schools, school groups and other small non-profit organizations find many creative ways to raise funds -- from bake sales, spaghetti dinners, auctions and school carnivals to more aggressive advertising, affinity programs, grant writing and straightforward donation requests. But few fundraisers are more reliable for reaching specific fundraising goals than a good product sale.

Product fundraising has been around for over a century. It typically involves the purchase and re-sale of popular consumer products by a non-profit group whereupon the group sponsoring the sale keeps a portion of the gross sales. Products can be purchased in bulk and paid for in advance by the organization, then re-sold to supporters. Volunteers may order products using catalogues and other methods. Supporters pay for the product when the order is placed or upon final delivery.

WHY IS PRODUCT FUNDRAISING EFFECTIVE?
Product fundraising usually involves a professional fundraising company - and often a sales representative - which serves as liaison between the product supplier and volunteers responsible for the fundraising drive. These companies provide advice, trouble-shooting, support, products, guidance and other valuable services that can reduce volunteer time and energy and maximize sales. Special events and other "do-it-yourself" fundraising methods are more labor-intensive and frequently yield smaller results. Product sales work because results are fast and people like buying products for a worthy cause. Last year, non-profit groups netted approximately $2 billion by selling products.

HOW CAN WE PREVENT OUR PARENTS AND OTHER SUPPORTERS FROM BURNING OUT ON FUNDRAISING?
Three simple suggestions: 1) Set clear goals and firm deadlines. Communicate fundraising goals and important dates often to parents and teachers, along with frequent progress reports. 2) Do a few and do them well. When it comes to fundraising, less is more. Don't make constant pleas just for the sake of fundraising. Communicate early on your goals and fundraising plans for the year. Families are more supportive if they understand and support one or two tangible goals. 3) Know what others are doing. Share dates and other important info with other fund-raising groups in the community to avoid duplicating efforts. See Edge articles on Fundraising Fatigue and Avoiding Burnout.

WHAT PERCENT OF FUNDRAISING SALES SHOULD ORGANIZATIONS RECEIVE?
Percentages of sales offered to non-profit groups vary widely depending on the type of products being sold and the services offered by the fundraising company. Too often, fundraising coordinators equate financial success directly with the percentage of gross sales that their group will keep. Rather, volunteers should be focused on how the combination of product quality, company services and percent of profit to be received will all work together to help the organization meet its total fundraising goal. See Fundraising Fundamentals section Reaching Financial Goals and Edge article on Percentage Profit.

ARE INCENTIVE PROGRAMS ESSENTIAL FOR MOTIVATING VOLUNTEERS? WHAT'S APPROPRIATE?
Organizations eager to reach their goal often add an "incentive program" to their fundraising effort. Although the goal itself is motivation enough for some volunteers, prize or award programs can contribute significantly to the success of a program. Incentive programs are designed to encourage and reward participation and add an element of fun, encouraging broad participation of volunteers so that the burden of meeting the organization's goal does not fall to a dedicated few. Indeed, the majority of fundraising prizes actually distributed today are simple tokens (stickers, pencils) to recognize participation. It is important that school administrators and parent groups work closely with fundraising companies to ensure incentive programs are appropriate for their students. As stated in AFRDS Standards for Professional Practice, companies should be sensitive to the potential negative impact of placing undue emphasis on sales incentives. See Edge articles appropriate award systems and how to select incentives.

DOES A PRODUCT FUNDRAISING SALE REQUIRE "DOOR-TO-DOOR" SOLICITATION?
For some people, product fundraising has mistakenly become synonymous with the term "door-to-door sales." In fact, most product fundraising sales are made to parents, family members, friends and close neighbors. A successful product fundraising drive does not require volunteers - young or old - to canvass neighborhoods. Parents are very involved with these programs, often soliciting support from co-workers. Do not let children solicit door-to-door. Always provide adult supervision when selling.