501(C)3 Organization + Cruising= Win/Win

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 11 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.

How much money can be earned?
Most major cruise lines have a fundraising program in which they donate funds based on the number of passengers 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 75 cabins, Carnival donates $40 per cabin = $3000
7 day cruise - group sells 50 cabins, Carnival donates $56 per cabin = $2800

Group rates are often lower than regularly published fares, allowing you to "mark up" the price of your cruise to contribute even more to your fundraiser, if you choose. Marking up the cruise rate by only $50 per cabin can result in an additional $5000 with 100 cabins booked into your group!

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)
– Mark up price* by $60 per cabin ($30/pp) for $6000
– Carnival donates $32 per cabin (4 day x $8/day) for $3200
– Group uses 2 of 6 TC cabin cruise fares earned for presenters
– Remaining 4 TC Cruise fares $375 (4 TC x $375) for donation of $1500
Total funds raised $10,700
*This amount of $60 per person is a tax deductible donation. Increasing price of the cruise is a suggestion to raise more money to donate to the organization but you do NOT have to increase cruise fare.

FUNDRAISING GROUP EXAMPLE #2
5-Day Cruise (Group sells 75 cabins)
– Increase cruise fare by $40/cabin ($20/pp) for $3000
– Carnival donates $40 per cabin (5 day x $8/day) for $3000
– Group sells raffle tickets using 1 TC Cabin (250 tickets sold @ $5 each) raising $1,250
– Remaining 8 TC’s Average Cabin Cruise Fare $450 (8 cruise fares x $450) for $3600
Total funds raised $10,850
*This amount of $40 per person is a tax deductible donation. Increasing price of the cruise is a suggestion to raise more money to donate to the organization but you do NOT have to increase cruise fare.

FUNDRAISING GROUP EXAMPLE #3
7 Day Cruise (Group sells 50 cabins)
– Mark up price* by $100 per cabin ($50/pp) for $5000
– Carnival donates $56 per cabin (7 day x $8/day) $2800
– 3 Tour Conductor fares earned.
2 Average TC fares at $490 donated = $980
Non Profit auctions 1 Cabin TC at the annual golf outing event raising $2,500.
Total funds raised $11,280
*This amount of $50 per person is a tax deductible donation. Increasing price of the cruise is a suggestion to raise more money to donate to the organization but you do NOT have to increase cruise fare.

Who can host a fundraising cruise?
Any Non-Profit! 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 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 booking abilities for your group, as well as a 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, if desired. We handle all of the reservations and booking details for your cruise, leaving you time to focus on marketing!

The contribution check will be mailed to your organization after the sailing. 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. Contact us today for more information! 636.206.6256 or blittle@thelittlestravel.com