Military members sacrifice a significant amount when serving our country. They miss important family events, work in challenging conditions, and rarely get time off. They may be called to serve at any time. They deserve to be recognized for the sacrifices they have made.
Many municipalities today are establishing veterans’ memorials to honor these men and women, showcasing the strength and courage they demonstrated during their years of service. To establish these memorials, the municipalities often seek donors. What are some innovative ways to start fundraising for a memorial that honors this service?
Donor Bricks
People are often willing to contribute to memorial fundraisers, but they would like to see something tangible for their contribution. Donor bricks are an excellent option when fundraising for a veteran’s memorial. They can choose to engrave the brick with the name of a loved one who served or leave a message thanking those who have served in the military for their sacrifice.
Some donors may choose to purchase multiple bricks to honor several loved ones, as well as a separate brick thanking all who are currently or have been in the military. These bricks may be used to create a wall, build a walkway, or establish another type of memorial.
Memorial Dinner
People love to gather for meals. Fourth of July picnics, birthdays, and anniversaries are three occasions where people may gather to eat and enjoy one another’s company. Why not host a memorial dinner to honor veterans and raise money for a memorial?
Organizers may ask guests to donate food and drinks or bring a dish to share with others. They may also turn to corporate sponsors to provide the food, drinks, and decorations. Each gathering will be unique, so the organizer must decide how to proceed with providing the food and beverages.
A venue must be selected, and a theme must be chosen. Patriotic themes are popular when hosting events for active and former service members. During the event, the host can share images of what the finished memorial will look like, as donors want to know how their funds will be used. To raise more money, the host might consider hosting a silent auction or raffle. People also love 50/50 drawings because they are easy to participate in, and someone will go home with half of the money.
Request Donations
Memorial organizations might also reach out to local businesses and corporations for donations. Business owners often want to contribute to these campaigns to show their support for the military. Individuals and public groups may also want to contribute to the cause. The organizer should promote the campaign wherever possible to generate more interest and increase the number of donations.
Crowdfunding is an excellent way to raise funds. When advertising the campaign, the organizer needs to ensure they share all pertinent details, including what the funds are being raised for, where the memorial will be located, and who or what it will honor. The more information presented to potential donors, the more comfortable they will be with providing funds for the memorial.
Individuals responsible for organizing fundraisers for a veterans’ memorial will find that many people want to contribute to the cause. Donors appreciate those who have served in the military and see the memorial as an excellent way to honor them. With the right fundraising ideas, the memorial will be funded in short order, and the veterans will receive the recognition they deserve.
