Penny-a-Pound

This is another fun, easy, and quick fundraiser that we have used for missions.

On a designated Sunday, several scales are set up in the foyer of the church or a nearby room. Those coming in are encouraged to weigh themselves and then donate a penny for every pound that they weigh. Those that do not wish to weigh can just give a donation. We did this at one church and raised over $200 on a Sunday morning.

Three key elements in making this a success are promotion, location, and tact.

This event needs to promoted at least two weeks in advance. If people don’t know about it, chances are they will not have the “extra change” to give. You also want to make sure that the parents have had time to give their kids some money for it too. During the promotion phase, let the people know what you are raising money for and what your goal is.

The location needs to convenient and out of the way. Your pastor will not be too happy if you have people lined up outside the door waiting to weigh themselves and give money for your fundraiser. You may want to have several scales available so people can pass through quickly. Some people are very touchy about their weight so the location of the weigh-in and how the scales are arranged needs to be rather discreet.

The third key is tact. As I said, some people may be very touchy about their weight. I would not suggest shouting out their weight to the church. Make sure they know that they have the option of giving a “non-weight” donation. Also make sure people know that participation is optional. Only if you know somebody very well should you attempt to make a scene about the donation. If a petite lady chooses not to get weighed and gives you a $5.00 donation, quickly ask her permission before announcing to the crowd that “at a penny a pound, this lady donated $5”. Choose your help carefully and give them strict guidelines about how the weighing and donations are handled.