Carbon Reduction Campaign: Youth Groups - How to Host a CFL Fundraiser and Bulb Swap
1. Identify an organization or company to provide the light bulbs for the fundraiser. The Greater Washington Interfaith Power and light and Oregon Interfaith Power and Light provide light bulbs through shopIPL. Check with your local IPL to see if they will offer a similar service. One Planet Fundraising also offers CFL Fundraising.
2. Identify a low-income or elderly community in your neighborhood that your faith community has or would like to have a relationship with and assess their interest in participating in a Light Bulb Swap.
3. Find out how many and what kinds of bulbs are need by members of the community(ies) you are working with and determine how much money you want to raise. Use these factors to set goals for the fundraiser.
4. Develop a Plan: Map out your overall timeline and set the deadline for orders. Determine who checks should be written out to. Set aside a specific date and time to take orders from members of your congregation (You may consider tabling after services). Encourage youth group members to begin taking orders from people in the community they know at least a month before you plan on ordering the bulbs. Collect orders and payments at the same time.
5. Set a date for distribution and swap. You may decide to host these events together or separately depending on the needs of the community participating in the swap. For example an elderly community may benefit from a home swap where members of the youth group can provide assistance changing the bulbs.
5. Advertize the event in your church bulletin and newsletter, and place an ad in the local paper, be sure to include information about why you are raising money, and describe the Creation care and social justice aspects of this fundraiser that made it the appropriate choice for your youth group. Provide information about the community who will be participating in the Light Bulb Swap and your Youth Groups participation in the Carbon Reduction Campaign. If you decide to table, make creative posters and flyers. Make announcements at congregational services.