Having a photo calendar as part of your prize package is one of the most popular prize options and we can see why- who wouldn't like to see their cherished pet's furry face on a special month in a calendar? And there is data proving what we already know: Paper calendars are enduring, despite the digital age. (via nytimes.com)Common variations:
- Offering a spot in the calendar to the top 13 vote-getters, with the top vote-getter getting the cover of the calendar
- Offering a spot in the calendar to the top 12 vote-getters, with one month reserved for a "Judge's Choice" winner (not dependent on number of votes, meaning anyone who enters has a chance at winning)
- Allowing the top 3 or 4 vote-getters their choice of month in the calendar
- Reserving a month or the back of the calendar for a collage of photos from those who have entered the contest, so every entry is included in the calendar
Additional Ideas:
- Solicit local photographers to see if they'd be willing to donate a photo session in exchange for free advertising in the calendar. Having a professional portrait session makes winning a place in the calendar all the more exciting!
- Get local businesses involved- they may want to purchase ad space. Another idea is to include a coupon insert in your calendar with exclusive deals to local businesses and services, giving people further incentive to purchase your calendar.
- Consider offering an additional prize package to the top 3 or 4 vote-getters
Bonus Fundraising:
Hold an in-person calendar debut party or gala for additional fundraising dollars. St. Augustine Humane Society's annual Pin Up Paws Party is an excellent example! (See their 2022 Pin Up Paws Party here).
Important to know:
- You will have access to all of the original images uploaded to your photo contest- we do not downsize or downgrade the quality of the photos
- GoGo Photo Contest is the perfect online platform for running a calendar contest, but we do not offer a calendar design or printing service. We're software developers and are sticking to what we're good at: Making sure our online platform is as easy to use as possible!
Don't already have a printer in mind? We recommend working with our friends at GBC Fundraising Calendars for your calendar design and printing needs.
Why GBC Fundraising Calendars?
- They have over seven decades of calendar fundraising experience to help you realize the full advertising potential of your calendar.
- Their many design options work hand-in-hand with our reserve-a-day feature.
- They share our fundraising values and a passion for working with animal welfare organizations.
- GBC Fundraising Calendars has extensive knowledge working with our platform, making your calendar fundraising and printing a seamless process!
Interested in working with GBC? Let us know, and we'll be happy to pass your email address on to our GBC rep for a quote.
Interested in offering calendar pre-sales on your contest site?
Consider pre-selling your calendars directly on your photo contest site using our Calendar Pre-Sale ModuleLearn more about our Calendar Pre-Sale module ➝
Want to increase donations by allowing participants to reserve individual days within your calendar?
This is a great option if your calendar design allows personalized dates. Allow participants to reserve individual days in your calendar with a required donation by using our Reserve-A-Day ModuleUsing the Reserve-a-Day module also increases calendar sales, as people who reserve a date are more likely to purchase your calendar!