Collecting Change for Your Cause

Customers donated more than $4.7 million through the JCPenney Afterschool Round-up campaigns last year. During each 10-day event, shoppers were invited to “round-up” their JCPenney purchases to the nearest whole dollar and donate the difference to the JCPenney Afterschool Fund. JCPenney formalized its commitment to the afterschool issue by making it the Company’s signature cause since 1999. www.jcpenneyafterschool.org

1. If you have an afterschool program, don’t forget to let JC Penny know about it.
2. This fundraising methodology is replicable. Even if it’s just with the local pub or restaurant, “rounding-up” the bill (and/or tips) to the nearest whole dollar (or ten dollars, or whatever) on a busy night can become a significant gift, especially if it’s recurring and you capture names and addressed (or email addresses) along the way for those wishing to stay in touch with the cause.
3. Another variation on this idea is to ask students (or donors, employees, etc.) to collect change at home and from their neighborhoods and/or family and friends for your cause. Check this out: http://www.penniesforpeace.org/