HappyPurim’s blog

It’s never too early to get started. The really organized people start around Rosh Hashanah (September).  The super-fundraiser’s are thinking about this year round!

We are able to help you out even last minute, but to run a very successful fundraiser you should start your basic planning by December. Here is a suggested timeline based upon the February 28th date of Purim in 2010. Yes, Purim is in February this year, so let’s get started!  (This calendar is designed for users of Happy Purim’s Shalach Manot Software based upon our experience. There’s an older post with more details for anyone still doing this manually.)

1. By December:
   1. Identify the person/s who will run the fundraiser
   2. Decide on a “theme” for your baskets (not necessary, but popular; see this post about Mishloach Manot themes).
2. By December 10
   1. Compile (or get from organization office) a list of all the members in your organization. Make sure to double check for accuracy!
   2. Figure out where you’re getting your Mishloach Monos supplies or baskets from.
3. By January 1– Finalize all details of your Purim fundraiser; *If you’re using HappyPurim.com’s Mishloach Manot software, this is when you should setup your administrative console.
   1. Pricing
   2. Are you offering any type of deal? (early-bird discount, send to as many as you want for a flat price, etc.)
   3. Reciprocity (with our software you can easily charge a different price for Reciprocity orders)
   4. Delivering the baskets or having your members pick them up?
4. By January 7
   1. Prepare a letter to your members informing them of the details of the Purim project. (HappyPurim has templates available)
   2. If you have a large contingent of non-internet users, prepare a physical order form or download Happy Purim’s order form.
5. By January 15
   1. Have your order forms, envelopes and/or mailing labels printed. (not necessary if you’re emailing your members through HappyPurim.com)
   2. Make sure you have volunteers to help with the folding and stuffing on January 17.
6. On January 17 (Sunday) – Prepare mailing: Fold and Stuff! Or simply email your members via HappyPurim.com
7. February 7 11:59pm (Sunday night) – Deadline for placing orders.
8. Week of February 14
   1. Pack the Shalach Manot.
   2. Print your “scrolls” – that is, the personalized letters that list all the names of the people sending to each recipient.  (If using HappyPurim.com, this only takes a few clicks of your mouse!)
9. February 28 – Deliver the Shalach Monos!
10. Sometime after Purim – Bill for reciprocity charges.  Not necessary if using HappyPurim.com, it’s automated!

If you’re ordering from a 3rd party basket supplier, make sure to take their deadline for ordering into account. If you need a basket vendor, we’d be happy to provide recommendations.

You should modify the above timeline to fit your needs. If we missed anything, or you’ve got a suggestion to add please let us know!