NEXT

With a less than generous economy, your “Go To A Conference” fund may be running a little dry, so it’s time to be creative with your cashflow.  There are always the old standbys of garage sales, bake sales, car washes, but your ideas don’t need to need to stop there.  Here are a few untraditional and fun means of fundraising your way to the Next Conference that can come from your own home!

_ Host a benefit concert. Gather your musical friends in your living room or backyard for a “Send Us To Next” concert or open mic night.  “Strongly suggest” a $10 cover donation at the door.  Don’t forget a tip jar.  Who knows what local talent you also might uncover?

_ Put on an art show.  Similar to Josh’s Art + Coffee idea, except this can be done in your own home!  Dust off those IKEA RIBBA frames, add some descriptive tags to your dining room walls—maybe invite the folks doing the living room concert to provide some background tunes—and voila!  An art show!  Sell your work on a donation basis.  Bring along your crafty friends to sell their hand-made wares also.

_ Cook food!  Instead of going out after church, invite the crew to Chez Yournamehere and show off your spectacular lasagna recipe.  Perhaps offer to cook some meals for some of those hungry bachelors in your singles group as a healthy alternative to Red Barron’s pizzas.  Offer your delectable cupcakes at the next women’s Bible study instead of purchasing them from a store. If you’re less than culinary-minded, a midnight cereal bar during finals week could be your salvation.

_ Put those New Year’s resolutions to good work.  Sometimes raising money can be as simple as retaining it.  Maybe you’re cutting back on Starbucks or iTunes.  Instead of that mocha or album, put that $4.99 in your Next bookstore fund (which may look deceivingly like a mason jar or Josh’s awesome Munny Mummy).