This week at FLOW, I had the opportunity to get involved with fundraising efforts. Since much of FLOW’s funding comes from grant money, they tend to have just a few fundraisers throughout the year. I’m excited that I was able to get a glimpse into the fundraising side of nonprofits because I think that could be a valuable skill going forward in my career.

One of the fundraisers FLOW is working on currently is a milkweed sale. As a part of FLOW’s Greenspace Implementation Plan, they want to encourage residents in the watershed to plant pollinator-friendly species. Milkweed is great for pollinators, and Monarch Butterflies LOVE it. So, the fundraiser could be a win-win in terms of funding and greenspace goals. In partnership with Riverside Native Trees, pots of milkweed will be $10, and FLOW will get 40% of the proceeds! My job was to create the flyer/social media graphic as well as determine the best method for online orders. I’m excited to see how the event works out!

Simultaneously, FLOW is preparing for a larger fundraiser in October. The first step was to nail down a venue. Since the goal of fundraisers is to bring in as much money as we can for the mission, we were searching for a venue that would let us have the space at no cost. Fortunately, many businesses in the watershed are supportive of FLOW’s mission! It looks like High Bank Distillery will be the location, which is exciting since the venue is very popular and well-known in Columbus. While the fundraiser is free to attend, we will have gift baskets and prizes to bid on and purchase raffle tickets for. Part of my work will be contacting local businesses to see if they are willing to provide a fun basket or funding for the event. The big goal for this year’s fundraiser is to have visitors renew their memberships and remain involved with FLOW!

Following the theme of fundraising, I attended my first Fundraising Committee meeting on Tuesday. It was great to hear the different ideas bouncing around the room and see how decisions are made. An exciting idea that was thrown out was making the fundraiser event a paid ticket in the future and having members attend for free. I think that would be a great perk of membership and also bring in some extra funding! I’m looking forward to hearing back from local business this week that wish to help us with our fundraiser. More clean-up events happening this weekend, too! Enjoy this picture of me pulling some trash out of the river. Talk to you next week! -Shelly