One of the biggest mistakes most groups and organizations make is to not properly market and publicize your fundraiser. Don't make the mistake of thinking they will just find you because you and your group will be in the right place at the right time! Get them excited about the fundraiser, make them want to come and participate, make it fun for them!

Below we have some easy and FREE tips to help you make the most of marketing your fundraiser for success!

Tip One: Send out a press release but be sure to give yourself a minimum of four weeks lead time. There are many free press release announcement services online, just do a Google search to find them.

Tip Two: Make the small business owners in your area aware of your fundraising event. Offer them a sponsorship for a small donation toward your fundraiser. It's a win/win situation for you and them!

Tip Three: Focus on the goal! On all materials pertaining to your fundraising event, be sure to include the grand total that you need to achieve for your group or organization. This will help create urgency and it will also help keep you motivated.

Tip Four: Flyers are one of the oldest and truest forms of marketing and it works! Make flyers on your own home computer and be sure to take them everywhere with you. You could even use Avery postcards so you can print four up at a time and they are still plenty big.

Tip Five: If small businesses aren't interested in sponsoring your fundraiser ask if you can at the least leave flyers on the counter for their customers. Many will say yes, you just have to ask! Another option is to visit the store before printing your flyers and ask them if they would like to include a free coupon on your flyer as well – it's an added benefit for your customer and it also gives the company a little something for helping out as well.

Tip Six: Network in circles that have something in common with your fundraiser. If you have a website make sure your fundraiser is prominently displayed on the front page. If you don't have a website, get one! It doesn't have to be big and fancy but somewhere to direct your customers will expand your business reach.

Tip Seven: If you have a friend in direct sales, ask her if she would like to participate in the fundraiser and it will also be a good way for her to get her name out there and also be recognized for her fundraising efforts.

Marketing your fundraiser can be done in several different ways; these are just a few, free ways to get started. Depending on your organizations needs and how it is set up will determine which avenue is best for you pursue but this should help get you started on the right path - Happy fundraising!