Small Scale, Local & Personal Fund-raising for The Icarus Project

I've always been fascinated by how people organize on small scales to make big change and how a small amount of spare change can add up to a large amount of money.

As we get ready to kick off an Icarus Sustaining Membership Campaign, I thought it would be good to get brainstorming on how those of us with limited means can join in the fun of fundraising.

House Parties
Throw a party and pass the hat!

I particularly like the idea of house parties and things that bring people together in the spirit of mutual aid. Even if you don’t raise a ton of money, you can get people talking in your community, share support and break down the walls of isolation. Who knows, it may even seed a local group or more regular support meet ups.

A Simple Supper
Soup & Bread or other affordable comfort foods, invite an intimate crew, bring hot forum topics or discussion themes from FMBM guide to the table for an inspiring conversation. Ask friends to donate $5-$20 a person (why not...some people spend at least that eating out). I’m also fond of pancake breakfasts and spaghetti feeds. Maybe partner with Food Not Bombs friends for surplus ingredients.

House concert
Showcase yourself or your talented friends! Announce on your community radio station and pass around your social networking sites. Create atmosphere with candles, pillows & cozy stuff.

Dance Party
Who doesn’t need to dance? Get your records out and roll up the rug or book a night at your local hall or club.

Skill Share/Workshop
It doesn’t have to be fancy. Share a skill, hobby, something you know and ask for a suggested donation. (I made mosaics with people in my back yard and raised a reasonable sum for a friends travel expenses recently. I know a woman who does cooking classes in her kitchen.)

Clothing Swap
People do these all the time and they are wildly fun and popular. Have folks bring bags of clothes they no longer wear and let folks take anything they want…just add a suggested donation to the door.

Music & Media Sale
Ask folks to donate cds, records, dvds, games and have an uber-cheap media sale. We charged $2 an item and made $2,000 in one day! By far the most funds for least amount of energy expended fundraiser I’ve ever been involved in. We’re doing it again this year!

Rummage Sale
Because everyone has crap to get rid of and everyone wants to get new crap for cheap. Finding a good inside location can be difficult. In some areas daily flea market space is affordable.

Bake Sale/Cake Walk/Photo Booth/Sideshows
Good old fashion fun! This is a good thing to tack on to other events or happenings around your town without having to organize a whole event.

Art for Icarus
If you are one of the talented individuals here who creates visual art, consider making prints of your work and selling them to folks you know for a suggested donation. Can also send to TIP for inclusion in up and coming Icarus Team Etsy or be sold at the fundraising gig in NYC.
https://site.icarusprojectarchive.org/fo.....highlight=

Personal Challenge
I was so inspired by Mimi who rode her bike around NYC for 24hours and raised over $1,500 for the Catalyst Project: http://putyourmojowhereyourmouthis.blogspot.com/
I’ve been thinking about quitting smoking and turning it into a fundraising challenge. Put X amount of money away every day I don’t buy a pack of cigarettes and asking for sponsors to match that money at 1 month, 3 month, mile markers. What outrageous or courageous act could you commit and get sponsorship for?

Instead of a gift
If you, like me, don’t want gifts of stuff and things for holidays you may consider asking those who love you to give to your favorite organizations or sponsor your memberships in your name instead.
(anyone want to write a letter template for all of us to use if we choose?)



Other valuable information on organizing gatherings and mad meet ups can be found in Friends Make the Best Medicine guide: https://site.icarusprojectarchive.org/ic.....-medicine+


If you want to talk to others and share ideas and get support around making something happen in your community, join us on the Community Call (this Sunday): https://site.icarusprojectarchive.org/fo.....highlight=