An “American Idol” charity special April 24 and 25, 2007 raised more than $60 million. The money from “Idol Gives Back”, a two-night special comboned with their regular signing contest, will go to organizations funding relief programs for the US and Africa, according to the FOX network. $5 million was pledged by FOX parent compnat News Corp., which gave 10 cents for each of the first 50 million votes received for contestants on Tuesday’s show. More than 70 million votes were a cast, a new record for the show. Funds will go to the newly formed Charity Projects Entertainment Fund for distribution to groups including America’s Second Harvest, The Nation’s Food Bank Network, Boys & Boys Clubs of America and Global Fund to Fight AIDS, TB and Malaria.

For more information, go to: http://www.americanidol.com/idolgivesback/

GBI Marketing is the fund-raising division of YANKEE CANDLE. Yankee Candle offers two selling seasons – January to June and July to December. All of the Yankee Candle® fund-raising Programs offer a wide variety of fund-raising products and prices for the customer to select from ($4.00-$27.00). Nonprofits earn a 40% profit on every product sold. Given the high quality and lasting value of Yankee Candles, they are some of the most popular products in successful fund-raisers today.

For more information, go to: http://www.yankeefundraising.com or call 800-351-1533.

Happy Feet is a Louisville, Kentucky-based company providing “the highest quality and most comfortable house slippers in the world.” Happy Feet’s fundraising program offers “good profit on a program that is easy to administer and on an easy-to-sell product that is fun, reasonably priced and perfect for all ages.” Their program works well for Pre-Schools & High Schools, Sororities & Fraternities, Churches, and Nonprofits. Happy Feet makes participating in fundraising easy for you. You can do it all here on their website. Print the fundraising form (available on their website)and give a copy to those interested in making purchases on behalf of your organization. Those individuals visit the website and make purchases for themselves or others using a code specific to your organization. This code tells Happy Feet which organization should receive credit for the sale.

“What is the Happy Feet fundraising program?
An innovative and unique fundraising program offering embroidered Happy Feet house slippers online using a code tied to your organization.

What is the selling price of the items?
The majority of slippers are $20 per pair, the same as we sell them all over the US.

What is the organization’s profit per item? 30% of all sales regardless of the item.

What is the organization’s out-of-pocket cost per item?
No out of pocket cost.

Are there any additional charges?
None.

Is there a minimum order?
Commissions are paid on EVERY dollar provided an organization gets $250 in total orders.”

For more information about Happy Feet’s fundraising program, go to:
http://www.buyhappyfeet.com/fundraising/index.html.

Worldgoods is a “A Causeworthy Company” dedicated to economic development in some of the world’s poorest countries and in making global friendships. Their store offers a variety of fair trade, earth-friendly, organic, and multicultural products. “By hosting a Fair Trade Fundraiser, you’ll not only earn money for your church, school, or other organization, but you will do so in a noble and educational way. The example that you set for how you raise funds will excite the community and allow you to better show your morals and values to those who support you. Nonprofit organizations earn up to 50%+ of profits earned from fair trade fundraisers, and have minimal setup and nothing to pre-purchase. It’s an easy and ethical way to fundraise.”

The Worldgoods website states, “Remember – A fair trade fundraiser is unique in many ways and differs from other fundraisers – we are educational too. We don’t just offer one type of product, and many of our products are eco-friendly, organic, and of course, guaranteed not to be made in sweatshops or from child labor. Each item you sell comes with an artisan card that explains how the item was made and the inspiring story for how each purchase specifically helps to eliminate poverty. There are several ways you can fundraise – choose what fits you – from an event sale, to take-home catalogs, and more!”

For more information on the Worldgoods fundraising program, go to:
http://www.worldgoodsgb.com/fundraising.html.

Project KOPEG offers a unique fundraising opportunity for schools, churches, non-profit groups and other organizations looking to raise extra funds. They do this through their Green Recycling Fundraiser Program.

“What makes this such a unique opportunity?

The Polishing Stone magazine offers an uplifting fundraising program to nonprofits looking to inspire while adding to their available resources. The magazine itself is “brimming with personal stories of inspiration and great ideas for enhancing the quality of their lives, with the added benefit of treading lightly on the earth.” They call their fundraising program “fast and flexible, with an uplifting product to sell, our program is great for both your supporters and your organization.”

According to the Polishing Stone website, “Who says fundraising can’t be FUN? Offer your staff, members and supporters a wonderful way to raise funds for your organization while enriching their own lives…Flexible FUNDraising: We can tailor a program to suit your fundraising needs. Our magazine sales program is successfully unlike any other you may have tried before. It’s simple, whether you prefer to sell directly, or get the word out and send them straight to us.”

The Polishing Stone’s Fundraising Partners buy subscriptions to the magazine for $12 and sell them for $15 – $24, making from $3 – $12 per sale for the organization conducting the fundraising. Single issues focused on specific topics are also available for purchase for $3 each and are then sold for $6, making $3 per sale for the organization.

“Top Reasons to meet your Fundraising needs with The Polishing Stone:

1. Raise funds fast: Have you ever given your all to a fundraiser, with little to show for it? When earning up to $12 per subscription of The Polishing Stone, your funds increase swiftly.

2. Quality of life is an easy sell: Who wouldn’t enjoy a life lift? The Polishing Stone is brimming with personal stories of inspiration and great ideas for enlivening your daily life.

3. Broad market: Whether you are marketing to your members or expanding your reach, The Polishing Stone is ideal for a broad range of folks, because it shares life-enhancing information with an inclusive, positive tone.

4. Increase your visibility: Contact us to add your name to the Fundraising Partner drop-down list on our Subscribe page, and your background information to our Fundraising Partnerships page.

5. Advantageous for your organization — excellent for the earth: It can be hard to balance your fundraising needs and the health of our planet. A sale of The Polishing Stone benefits both.

6. Guaranteed to please: If at any time, for any reason, your supporters aren’t completely satisfied with their purchase of The Polishing Stone, we’ll issue a full refund – no questions asked.”

For program specifics and to sign-up, please go to:
http://www.polishingstone.org/fundraiseflexibly.html

Leslie Sheridan of The Added Edge, a California company engaged in human resources, marketing and sales consulting and catalytic coaching is an inspiring small business owner– proving you don’t have to be a Fortune 500 company to support your community. Leslie has set up her company’s give back program to support local nonprofits selected based on her personal interests and local needs. As part of a new contract, each client is allowed to select an approved nonprofit to receive 5% of the total. Hire The Added Edge for $20,000 and a nonprofit gets $1000; the donation is attributed to the client–not The Added Edge. To be considered for participation in this innovative give back program, a nonprofit must agree to recognize each client donor with a thank you note. Don’t send one and your nonprofit is no longer welcome in this program. Nonprofits are also encouraged to support The Added Edge by spreading the word with their clients. Leslie says the biggest benefits for her company have been reputational. Join Leslie in sending a strong message to your clients about your corporate values.