Fundraiser Group Cruises
Earn fundraising dollars for your non-profit charity, church, or school!
A benefit cruise is a unique and memorable way to earn money for your organization. Participants enjoy a great vacation while contributing to a great cause. A benefit cruise takes less time to organize than traditional fundraisers because we handle all the details - reservations, answering questions, accepting payments, etc. Finally, benefit cruises attract recognition to your organization or cause and can be customized to meet the needs of your group.
Why a cruise?
Each year, over 30 million people choose to take a cruise vacation. Cruising has a satisfaction rate of over 85% and most cruisers take another cruise within a year. This means the market for cruising is well established, providing high levels of interest in supporting your fundraiser. Give them a reason to support your cause. Nearly any cruise to any destination can be a fundraiser for your organization or cause.
Today's cruise ships are packed with entertainment and dining options, which are nearly all included in the price of the cruise. Once your group is established, we can arrange a variety of activities to bring your group together while onboard. These include group dining, cocktail parties, meeting space, group shore excursions and more. We will work with you to create memorable experiences for your group. Your group members will find a variety of onboard activities to suit every interest.
In addition to raising funds for your organization, a fundraiser cruise unites your supporters, builds awareness for your cause/nonprofit, and creates loyalty to your organization! Not only will your supporters want to cruise again each year, they will invite friends and family as well. This will continue to increase awareness and raise funds for your nonprofit in the future.
How much money can be earned?
Most major cruise lines have a fundraising program in which they donate funds based on the number of rooms that sail and the length of the cruise. Carnival, for example, will donate $8 per cabin, per day. Here are some examples using Carnival's fundraising program:
4 day cruise - group sells 100 cabins, Carnival donates $32 per cabin = $3200
5 day cruise - group sells 100 cabins, Carnival donates $40 per cabin = $4000
7 day cruise - group sells 100 cabins, Carnival donates $56 per cabin = $5600
As another bonus, cruise lines offer one free berth credit (tour conductor credit, TC) for every 8 staterooms booked. This credit can be used to allow a group organizer, guest speaker, or honored guest to sail free or at a reduced cost. The credit could also be added to funds raised if desired. Private cocktail parties, conferences, etc. can be arranged for your group as well.
Another fundraising opportunity is to sell raffle tickets for a free cabin. For example, 1000 tickets could be sold for $5 each, raising an additional $5000 for your cause. Most people would find a 1 in 1000 of winning chance too tempting to pass. Alternately, you could sell 500 tickets for $10 each, increasing the odds. This also allows individuals who can't join you on the cruise to still contribute to your cause.
FUNDRAISING GROUP EXAMPLE #1
4-Day Cruise (Group sells 100 cabins)
– Cruise line donates $32 per cabin (4 day x $8/day) for $3200
– 12 Tour Conductor fares earned at average cruise fare $375 (12 cruise fare x $375) for donation of $4500
Total funds raised $7,700
FUNDRAISING GROUP EXAMPLE #2
5-Day Cruise (Group sells 100 cabins)
– Cruise line donates $40 per cabin (5 day x $8/day) for $4000
–12 Tour Conductor fares earned at average cabin cruise fare $450 (12 cruise fares x $450) for $5400
Total funds raised $9,400
FUNDRAISING GROUP EXAMPLE #3
7-Day Cruise (Group sells 100 cabins)
– Cruise line donates $56 per cabin (7 day x $8/day) $5600
– 12 Tour Conductor fares earned at average cabin cruise fare $700 (12 cruise fares x $700) for $8400.
Total funds raised $14,000
Who can host a fundraising cruise?
Any nonprofit with a 501c3 certification is eligible! Civic groups, Associations, YMCA, Big Brother/Big Sister, Boy or Girl Scouts, Humane Society/SPCA, Hobbyists, PTA/Booster Clubs, Scholarship Funds, Chamber of Commerce, Senior Centers, Churches, Hospitals, Foundations, etc.
What is your role?
Your group or organization will be responsible for getting the word out about your cruise. This is a cruicial role that will detemine the success of your fundraiser. Informing your members, followers, and supporters can be done through your regular methods of public relations such as newsletters, emails, or your website. We will provide a customized website with detailed information and online booking abilities for your group, as well as a custom Facebook page for your group allowing participants to interact directly with us and each other to spread enthusiasm and boost participation. We can also design print media and social marketing images, if desired. We handle all of the reservations and booking details for your cruise, leaving you time to focus on marketing!
When do you receive your funds?
The contribution check made out to your nonprofit organization will be mailed to you after the sailing, typically about six weeks, depending on the cruise line accounting department. Proof of a 501(c) or other nonprofit tax status is required to qualify.
When should you begin?
It's best to begin as far in advance as possible to secure the lowest cruise rates, allow news of your cruise to reach your audience, and allow participants to make payments toward their cruise. Typically 9-12 months in advance is a good time frame to begin marketing your group.
Let's go!
Ready to begin? Let's get started today! Contact us to begin planning your best fundraiser ever: (228) 669-3840 or [email protected]
Why a cruise?
Each year, over 30 million people choose to take a cruise vacation. Cruising has a satisfaction rate of over 85% and most cruisers take another cruise within a year. This means the market for cruising is well established, providing high levels of interest in supporting your fundraiser. Give them a reason to support your cause. Nearly any cruise to any destination can be a fundraiser for your organization or cause.
Today's cruise ships are packed with entertainment and dining options, which are nearly all included in the price of the cruise. Once your group is established, we can arrange a variety of activities to bring your group together while onboard. These include group dining, cocktail parties, meeting space, group shore excursions and more. We will work with you to create memorable experiences for your group. Your group members will find a variety of onboard activities to suit every interest.
In addition to raising funds for your organization, a fundraiser cruise unites your supporters, builds awareness for your cause/nonprofit, and creates loyalty to your organization! Not only will your supporters want to cruise again each year, they will invite friends and family as well. This will continue to increase awareness and raise funds for your nonprofit in the future.
How much money can be earned?
Most major cruise lines have a fundraising program in which they donate funds based on the number of rooms that sail and the length of the cruise. Carnival, for example, will donate $8 per cabin, per day. Here are some examples using Carnival's fundraising program:
4 day cruise - group sells 100 cabins, Carnival donates $32 per cabin = $3200
5 day cruise - group sells 100 cabins, Carnival donates $40 per cabin = $4000
7 day cruise - group sells 100 cabins, Carnival donates $56 per cabin = $5600
As another bonus, cruise lines offer one free berth credit (tour conductor credit, TC) for every 8 staterooms booked. This credit can be used to allow a group organizer, guest speaker, or honored guest to sail free or at a reduced cost. The credit could also be added to funds raised if desired. Private cocktail parties, conferences, etc. can be arranged for your group as well.
Another fundraising opportunity is to sell raffle tickets for a free cabin. For example, 1000 tickets could be sold for $5 each, raising an additional $5000 for your cause. Most people would find a 1 in 1000 of winning chance too tempting to pass. Alternately, you could sell 500 tickets for $10 each, increasing the odds. This also allows individuals who can't join you on the cruise to still contribute to your cause.
FUNDRAISING GROUP EXAMPLE #1
4-Day Cruise (Group sells 100 cabins)
– Cruise line donates $32 per cabin (4 day x $8/day) for $3200
– 12 Tour Conductor fares earned at average cruise fare $375 (12 cruise fare x $375) for donation of $4500
Total funds raised $7,700
FUNDRAISING GROUP EXAMPLE #2
5-Day Cruise (Group sells 100 cabins)
– Cruise line donates $40 per cabin (5 day x $8/day) for $4000
–12 Tour Conductor fares earned at average cabin cruise fare $450 (12 cruise fares x $450) for $5400
Total funds raised $9,400
FUNDRAISING GROUP EXAMPLE #3
7-Day Cruise (Group sells 100 cabins)
– Cruise line donates $56 per cabin (7 day x $8/day) $5600
– 12 Tour Conductor fares earned at average cabin cruise fare $700 (12 cruise fares x $700) for $8400.
Total funds raised $14,000
Who can host a fundraising cruise?
Any nonprofit with a 501c3 certification is eligible! Civic groups, Associations, YMCA, Big Brother/Big Sister, Boy or Girl Scouts, Humane Society/SPCA, Hobbyists, PTA/Booster Clubs, Scholarship Funds, Chamber of Commerce, Senior Centers, Churches, Hospitals, Foundations, etc.
What is your role?
Your group or organization will be responsible for getting the word out about your cruise. This is a cruicial role that will detemine the success of your fundraiser. Informing your members, followers, and supporters can be done through your regular methods of public relations such as newsletters, emails, or your website. We will provide a customized website with detailed information and online booking abilities for your group, as well as a custom Facebook page for your group allowing participants to interact directly with us and each other to spread enthusiasm and boost participation. We can also design print media and social marketing images, if desired. We handle all of the reservations and booking details for your cruise, leaving you time to focus on marketing!
When do you receive your funds?
The contribution check made out to your nonprofit organization will be mailed to you after the sailing, typically about six weeks, depending on the cruise line accounting department. Proof of a 501(c) or other nonprofit tax status is required to qualify.
When should you begin?
It's best to begin as far in advance as possible to secure the lowest cruise rates, allow news of your cruise to reach your audience, and allow participants to make payments toward their cruise. Typically 9-12 months in advance is a good time frame to begin marketing your group.
Let's go!
Ready to begin? Let's get started today! Contact us to begin planning your best fundraiser ever: (228) 669-3840 or [email protected]
Check out one of our fundraiser cruises to see an example of what we can do for your organization:
www.IWCruiseForACause.com
www.IWCruiseForACause.com
