Grassroots of Tarboro

We've got lots of ideas for projects that will benefit Tarboro and implementing those projects will take money. Here we'll discuss the steps necessary for the Grassroots of Tarboro to become a nonprofit organization, making us eligible for grants, funding and donations.

I like the idea of becoming a non-profit, but we need to make sure we do this right. We need everything up front & make sure that we have a good structure, board/chain of command, rules, guidelines, ideas, concepts, etc. Because if we fail, the vultures will be waiting to swoop down on us.

I agree with Bill. We may just be ordinary people but if organized correctly we can be a powerful force for a positive town future.
Any suggestions on an experienced mentor who can guide us through the process?

As I try to determine how to pay for printing costs and newspaper advertising for Tarboro's 2nd Saturdays, I start tossing around the idea of how to raise money AT the event. I could sell food? T-shirts? Bumper Stickers?
Any one with suggestions on how we can raise money to cover expenses, please contact me!

T-shirts might be a good idea, but you inevitably end up stuck with some left over. You have to have enough of each size available. And how are you sure you don't order too much?

Why couldn't it be as simple as a bake sale? With lots of hungry people milling around downtown, why wouldn't they purchase some reasonably priced treats? And if people can donate some baked goods, there's no overhead. It should work to at least bring in a little cash, which could help with the purchase of other fundraising materials....like maybe t-shirts or bumperstickers.

I'd volunteer to make a big batch of brownies.

Yes, Alice, a Bake Sale would probably be easiest. I didn't suggest it because I am not the greatest when it comes to baking but, I, too, could probably come up with something to add to your brownies.
The folks who sold out of their whole cakes and bags of pecans made over $200 and could have made more if they had had more to sell.

I've also been exploring easy Mother's Day gifts for children to buy or make for $1.00 or $2.00 that would still create a profit.

Here's what I've got for fundraisers for May 10:

I'm baking several different kinds of cookies (big cookies that will be individually wrapped and can sell for -- oh, I dunno, fifty cents or something).

Putting together $1 surprise grab bags with candy and a little toy inside -- will probably have them marked "boy" and "girl".

Crafts for kids to make -- serves the twofold purpose of entertainment and also offers kids an inexpensive gift for Mom. Decorate a pair of flip-flops or a "Queen for A Day" crown, or personalize a bookmark or a book of coupons (along the line of "this coupon is good for one uninterrupted nap, a load of laundry, walking the dog, etc.).

Umm.. that's it so far, but I think that'll do, and I know other people are going to be donating baked goods, too, and I assume that whoever is running the craft table will have some ideas of their own ... ??

The Unusual Shoppe is donating books for a Used Book Sale on May 10th. Proceeds will go to the GOT money fund to cover promotional costs for future Tarboro 2nd Saturday events.