There was a time when kids trying to raise money for a school group would go door to door in their neighborhoods, selling candy and trying to raise money. Today, that's discouraged, and with good reason. The world is just not a safe place.

 

Consider alternatives to door-to-door. While there's nothing wrong with your volunteers of any age visiting people they know to try to make a sale, cold-calling at peoples' homes is out. There are alternatives though, and some of these alternatives can be very productive. You may, for example, want to talk with some local retailers, and get permission to set up a sales table outside of a store.

If you take this approach, be sure to find out the store's rules regarding sales, and always be polite and respectful to the store employees as well as their customers. Always have two or more people staffing the table at all times. Not only is it safer, it also makes it more fun for the volunteers.

However, too big of a crowd behind the table may become confusing and even intimidating to customers, so keep it to between two and four people. If you do have to do door-to-door fundraising, make sure that it is done with groups, and with close adult supervision. Also, if you're doing door-to-door, avoid actually entering somebody's house. Complete the sales pitch and transaction at the door.

 

You may have also seen people soliciting funds at intersections, or even in streets. Sometimes in big cities, solicitors will approach people in their cars while they are stopped at streetlights. For the most part, these are not legitimate fundraising programs, and you should not attempt to use this technique. Besides probably being illegal in most communities, it can also be very dangerous.

 

When you're doing fundraising, your volunteers will probably have to hold money, and this poses an inherent risk. Whether they are going through neighborhoods door to door, setting up a table in front of a store, or selling anywhere else, there is still a risk involved.

Appoint one person, preferably an adult (if they are big and intimidating looking, then that's all the better). That person will function as the collector, who will go around and meet all the volunteers periodically throughout the day.

The volunteers can turn in their money (while retaining enough to make change with), so they don't have to hold large sums of money. The collector too, should avoid holding onto large sums for a long period of time, and should take the funds and bring them back to headquarters or deposit them in your group's bank account right away.

 

If you are tabling in front of a store, try to find out if there is a store security guard, and make friends with that individual. Let them know who you are and what you're doing, and if they're on their job, they will check in on you from time to time. Be aware of where that security guard is at all times. Ask them what their routine is, and where their regular post is located. If the guard carries a cell phone, ask for the number.

 

Similarly, groups of volunteers should have a cell phone accessible for emergencies. Of course, they shouldn't be sitting behind the table and chatting to their friends, but having it handy can be very useful.

 

You may even wish to consider alternatives to in-person sales. Many groups have had great success with things like online auctions and donation web sites; in some cases this can be even more productive than direct sales fundraisers.

 

Lastly, just try to use common sense. Don't be out selling after dark, and try to stay in well-populated areas. Don't carry around large amounts of cash or goods. Have a coordinator with a car available to take cash and excess products when necessary.

Print up multiple copies of a set of safety guidelines, and make sure everyone involved knows the rules. If there are children involved in the sales efforts, make sure that the parents also receive a copy of your safety guidelines.