Flying the Stars and Stripes
Although not an official public holiday in many parts of the U.S., on June 14 this year, many American families will be flying a flag at their homes. It’s a show of patriotism, a way to show support of the country. Especially during this election year, a feeling of patriotism is running strong, and many people will engage with the holiday and will want to show their love of and support for the Stars and Stripes. This is a chance to tap in to the patriotic vein.
If your charity is already patriotically focused - such as one for veterans’ issues like PTSD, post-service healthcare, or homelessness, or a charity that helps renovate historical buildings or landmarks - tying your fundraising in with Flag Day is especially relevant. Even if your charity seems disparate, however, you can still engage people’s sense of patriotism in your approach to raising funds. For example, if you are raising funds for a dog shelter, simply host an event on Flag Day and theme your marketing materials, giveaways, and decorations with patriotic messages. For example, “Fido loves America as much as we do. Let’s get him a good American home. Donate, volunteer, or adopt today. All Flag Day adoptions are half off.”
If you aren’t going to host a large event but just want to drum up some money to donate to your favorite cause, here are some thoughts about how you might do it:
- Charity Art Sales. If you have a flair for the artistic or you know someone (or many people!) who does, organize a public sale of patriotic photographs, paintings, sculptures, or other works of art. These pieces can feature the Stars and Stripes, Uncle Sam, the Statue of Liberty, a bald eagle, past Presidents, and more. You can tell purchasers that all proceeds will go to the charity you have earmarked. They’ll get to take home a piece of art, and your cause will have some much needed funds.
- Use Silicone Bracelets. Wearable symbols of our nation’s heritage can be inspirational. Silicone bracelets are a modern way to display the power and strength of the national flag and honor those who have fallen to protect it. You can customize the bracelets online. Choose red, white, and blue in eye-catching swirls or in color blocks, and add your own short message. Especially if you order in bulk, this is an affordable item that gets maximum attention. You can use them as giveaways at your Flag Day event, or you can sell them and raise funds that way.
- Volunteer During Flag Day. Volunteer at local homeless shelters or by providing free meals, clothes, and support to veterans. When you visit establishments during your volunteer time, you can raise awareness of your charity by wearing a T-shirt with its name on it or some other wearable item. Once more people are aware of your cause, they’ll be more likely to donate in the future.