Some may wonder what it is that compells local author Alan Jordan to dedicate so much of his time to starting a fund raising program and what started it to begin with.  Like the majority of people in our community, Alan has had his share of economic distress and it opened his eyes to the severity of the situation in and around the Reno-Sparks area.  "There's been a dramatic impact on the economy... I got thinking, how can I help non-profits?  Because non-profits and schools are getting killed.  Well, the answer really was, find a way they can make some money."

From this idea, Alan has come up with a way for schools, libraries, churches and other non-profit organizations to raise potentially thousands of dollars with only a small start up fee.  Usually, when people hear the words "small start up..." visions of empty bank accounts or maxed out credit cards flash through minds with that sinking feeling that says, "yeah, right; small."  With Alan's fund raising program, which can be viewed here, organizations can "test the waters" for only a few dollars.  When you read through the entire page, you'll find answers to virtually all of your questions, including what to do when you have absolutely no start up money to begin with.   

Most organizations have had book fairs, bake sales or some other fund raising event.  "Books and book fairs have been successfully used for years to raise considerable funds for schools, libraries and non-profit organizations."  EnjoyableFundRaising.org (Alan's page) puts a new twist on the old book fair practice.  With these books, it's possible to order them customized to relate your cause to the people you sell to.  Along with describing the reason your organization is doing the fundraiser, the back cover will also "provide ways for people to make donations and buy additional copies long after the fund raising drive is concluded." This could allow your organization to continue earning money in the days, weeks or even years after your event. 

"Say somebody buys this book, right? Does that mean they keep the book for two weeks and throw it away? The fundraising drive say ends in two weeks, or a month, but they still have [some] books... somebody might view it six months or even a year later.  ...You might buy this book, give it to that gentleman over there and five years from now, somebody might pick this up and see the information on the back and donate."

Sounds like a good thing.

The book included in the fund raiser, "The Monster On Top of the Bed" comes in more than one format.  One version, for example, includes an audio CD and is meant to be read along with so the written words in the book may vary slightly in order to grab the attention of young readers.  There's also a version called "the Big Book with No Words" that allows children to use their own imagination and write their own story to go with the pictures.  The book itself is about learning to overcome fears and making friends and offers a look in the mirror for children while combining some funny lines and colorful pictures.  To view the book and it's different formats, click here.   

On EnjoyableFundRaising.org, phrases like "Don't Make The Mistake Of Feeling That You Are Powerless" in bright blue headers remind you that you really can make a difference, and it's not as difficult as it may seem.   

If you're looking for a way for your organization to earn money, please check out Alan's program at EnjoyableFundRaising.org and feel free to call him with any questions you may have.  His number can be found at the top of his homepage.

I'd like to personally thank Alan Jordan for allwoing me to review the book before putting together this piece.  My review of the book is also available in this newsletter.