When is a parking meter a vehicle for change? Just ask the people in New Haven, Connecticut where meters have been repurposed into on-the-spot donation centers. Their locations make it convenient to drop in a coin or two, or the meters still accept credit cards if someone is feeling especially generous. It’s the technology equivalent to someone with a red kettle during the holidays — based on the theory that a little change adds up to a significant contribution.
Think about how your organization could adopt this fundraising idea. A meter by your cash register where people can put their change? One near a playground where children might entice parents to contribute so they have the novelty of putting money in the meter? One next to a real meter — where people may be more likely to have change handy?
The Sisters of Mercy’s founder Mother McAuley famously said “no money, no mission.” Think about repurposing a meter to get change to create change in your organization.
