Any tips for raising money for local parties and candidates in a bad economy?

[Hello_Kitty]

Previous donors are telling us they can't give as much as last time and some are just flat out refusing because of their financial situation. I know that it's not just political efforts suffering. Non-profits all over my state have been decimated by the decrease in donations.

Do any of you have suggestions? Have you found a tactic that works or tried a different target market?

[AllentownJake]

1. Make the fundraiser interesting

Do something other than the standard event you'll have more success. We had the mayor of Allentown kidnapped by pirates.

[Hello_Kitty]

4. LOL! That's a clever idea! eom

[2Design]

2. I have stopped giving because they take and never give back AND

when they take my 5-25 dollars and spend it on sending more request to funds and I am on their list as having sent something already - they are wasting my money - take me off the mailer list -

[Hello_Kitty]

3. What was it that you expected them to give back to you? eom

[rucky]

5. Quarter auctions are fun.

Get local businesses, crafty-types and Tupperware-lady types, and see if they'll donate prizes.

Quarter auctions are fun, because they're pretty social and everybody can participate. You'd be surprised how much money they raise, too.