Flag Subscription Service Fundraising   

This is an ongoing fundraising idea. Basically, it is a service where your group installs a nice national flag in the front yard of the subscriber on each of five or more patriotic days.  The flags are put out early in the morning and retrieved in the evening.  This is particularly appropriate for Scout group fundraising.  

After subscriptions are sold, purchase the flags, aluminum conduit (for poles) and PVC pipe.  That way you only buy what materials you actually need, although you may wish to allow some extra for last minute subscribers.   The PVC is cut to about 14 inches and put into the ground as a receptacle for the flag pole which is about 5 foot long.  The PVC should be 'planted' ahead of time.  Be sure to keep a record of specifically where it is located on each property.  Make sure the pipe and PVC are a reasonably close fit to keep your flag upright.  You can add a threaded end on top and cap the PVC when not in use to keep out dirt and rocks. But be sure the top is below 'lawn mover height' to avoid damage.  Use a hack saw to cut the poles and PVC to the desired lengths.  Drill holes in the pipe to attach the flag with picture hanging or other sturdy wire for long wear.

The subscription cost for 1 year is $25-$50.  The first year, expect to clear about half of the proceeds after paying for the flags and accessories. Renew subscribers annually.  Subsequent years are mostly profit - allowing for the replacement of damaged or worn flags and receptacles.  Advertise in local neighborhood papers, "sell" door-to-door, or set up a booth outside the local grocery or at sports events.  Confine your 'sales' to a geographic area that's doable for your group.  Split the coverage area and assign 2-4 person teams to each.  That way you can get finished quicker and provide back-up coverage when a team member is out of town.  Be sure to leave a contact number with your subscribers so they can refer friends and neighbors who want to participate.  This fundraising project can raise funds and make your participants and supporters feel good.

Submitted by Brent S, Mesa, AZ

We have included a number of do-it-yourself fundraising ideas in this section such as a Flag Subscription Service that offer a break from traditional product sales.  They were developed by groups just like yours in an attempt have a little fun with their fundraiser. Some of them are tried and true while others show a lot of creativity ... and even wackiness in some cases.  All of them are obviously not appropriate for every group, but sometimes, with only a little modification, your might find some fund raising ideas that are perfect for your group. If you have an idea for a do-it-yourself fund raiser you are willing to share with others, please send it to us via email at . Include anything and everything you would want to know if you were hearing the idea for the first time.