Fundraising Q&A’s
How do I get my fundraiser started?
Once you let us know about your fundraiser by submitting our on-line registration form, you’re almost ready to go. Download your brochures and donor letters (we’ve provided fill-in-the-blank PDF’s and Word documents, or you can get extra creative and design your own). There’s nothing to buy, nothing to order.
How do I run my fundraiser?
Hand out a Fundraiser brochure and letter explaining your goals and reasons for the fundraiser. You probably will want to staple the brochure to a large, study envelope (8″ x 12″). If you plan to include a competition as part of your fundraiser, make sure the envelopes are identified by class, section, sub-group, individual, etc.
Review the paperwork with your members and make them aware of your timeline. Two to three weeks should be plenty of time. Set a specific date to turn in contributions. Go!
How do I motivate my group’s members?
Nothing motivates a group like competition. See our Ideas Page for some suggestions on creating a fun, lively competition. Euro Coin Exchange doesn’t have a catalog full of cheap trinkets as “free prizes”, the cost of which really come out of your proceeds. We have children, too, and we resent fundraisers which require them to scramble around town trying to “win” prizes which will only disappoint or be forgotten in a week. Remind your members (and their parents, too, if applicable) that 100% of their contributions go to support your group.
Who will donate to my fundraiser?
A foreign coin collection drive will not work for every group or in every community. If the members of your group, or their friends, relatives and neighbors travel internationally, even once in a while, our program could work for you. This is not a fundraiser which requires “sellers” to peddle overpriced gifts, snacks, household items or paper products to unwilling customers. Instead, a foreign coin collection drive is based upon supporters willingly contributing something which has little or no value to them, but which is very valuable to you. People who travel outside the U.S. invariably come home with leftover coins and bills, which more often than not gather dust in a dresser drawer. They are often thrilled to learn that somebody has a use for that foreign currency. See our Prospect List for ideas on identifying potential contributors.
Safety tip: Minors should only approach people they know at school, home, work, church, etc. Safety is the top priority. Never solicit door-to-door from people you don’t know.
How do I “Cash In” the coins we collect?
Gather all the coins you collected at the end of your fundraiser. If you organized a competition, have each competitor or team complete a Tally Sheet (we can help you select or create a form appropriate for your group or event). In an academic setting, this process can form the basis for numerous age-appropriate lesson plans. See our Ideas Page for suggestions on incorporating a coin collection drive into your lessons.
All U.S. coins, paper money and checks you collected are yours to keep. 100% profit for your group. See our Ideas Page for suggestions on how to promote cash contributions.
It is not necessary to sort the coins, although we appreciate it when you do, and kids often enjoy the process and can learn from it. Pack the coins securely in a USPS Flat Rate Box with your packing list (see our FAQ’s page for more detailed shipping instructions, including tips on how to ship coins securely and inexpensively). If you qualify, we may even pay your postage. We recommend using certified mail.
If you collected any foreign paper money, you have a decision to make. Some people prefer to deal with their local bank when exchanging foreign bills, others send them to us with their coins. The choice is yours.
We received donations from other countries, not just Euros, Pounds and the other currencies on your website. Can I send them, too?
Yes and no. Euros, Pounds and Canadian Dollars, either coins or paper money, are always welcome at Euro Coin Exchange. From time to time we may also accept coins and paper money from other countries. See our current list of countries here. As an accommodation to our registered fundraising groups, we may accept paper money from countries other than those listed, at our sole discretion, at the then-prevailing exchange rate, less a 10% service charge. Alternatively, we may elect to return non-qualifying paper money to you. If in doubt, ask before you mail your currency to us.
Unfortunately, we have found that most foreign coins, other than Euros, Pounds and those specific coins listed on our website, are essentially worthless in the U.S. Please do not send them to us. If you do, we will simply dispose of them. They will not be returned.
How will my shipment be processed?
When your shipment of coins is received at our Processing Center, the coins will be counted and totaled, usually by the next business day. If any contributions to your group’s fundraiser were mailed directly to us by your friends or relatives, that amount will be added to your total. We will calculate the amount due and mail a check to you, usually no later than two business days after receipt of your coins. If you provided us with an email address, we will send you an email confirming receipt of your coins and issuance of your check.
What exchange rate will you use?
If your group has registered its fundraiser with us, we will automatically apply our best available promotional exchange rate, if any, without the need for you to enter any Promo Code on your packing slip. If your group is not registered, or if there is not currently any promotional rate in effect, we will apply our then-prevailing standard exchange rate. Promotional (premium) rates shall not apply to to non-Euro and non-Pound paper money which we elect to accept. If we are paying a premium for specific coins (the Vatican City 2-euro coin, for instance) and you wish to receive that premium, those coins must be bagged separately within your shipment. We will not sift your shipment looking for specific items.
What if I receive additional contributions after I submit my main shipment?
No problem. Just send ‘em in. We are happy to process additional shipments on the same terms as your original shipment, although we will apply the exchange rate in effect on the day we receive your additional coins.
What if Euro Coin Exchange receives additional contributions on my behalf after I submit my main shipment?
Again, no problem. We will credit all contributions to your account on the same terms as your original shipment, although we will apply the exchange rate in effect on the day we receive the additional coins. If the amount credited is less than $5.00, we generally will not issue a check until your account balance is greater than $5.00.
What if I want to continue my fundraiser? Can I make this an ongoing project?
Certainly. Many groups conduct year-round fundraisers (Box Tops, merchant partner programs, printer cartridges, etc.). Why not collect foreign coins all year and send them in whenever your collection jar gets full? As noted above, coins sent on your behalf by friends and relatives will be credited to your account regardless of when received.
Why should I register my fundraiser with Euro Coin Exchange?
1. Registered fundraisers automatically receive the best available coupon, bonus and promotional exchange rates, with no coupon or Promo Code required.
2. By registering your fundraiser, you can ask friends and relatives in distant locations to send their coin donations directly to Euro Coin Exchange’s Processing Center on your behalf.
3. Registered fundraisers are eligible for our “free shipping” offer.
4. Registered fundraisers can conveniently exchange paper money from other countries, not just Euros, Pounds and the other currencies listed on our site.
5. Registered fundraisers receive free consulting, advice and support from us via email or phone.
I’ve got more questions.
Feel free to submit a question on-line, or call us toll-free Monday through Friday, 9 am – 5 pm EST at 855-EUROCOIN (855-387-6264).
