How to Make a Donation Jar
Create your own donation jar to collect money for a favorite cause or organization.
Why this recipe matters
Peer-to-peer giving is a successful way to raise money; studies have shown that people are much more likely to donate to a cause if someone they know asks them to.
Place the canning jar top-down on the paper and trace its mouth with one of the markers.
Then, cut the traced circle out of the paper and make sure it fits the top of the canning jar. If the jar does not come with a metal ring to secure its place, make sure to cut a larger circle out of the paper so that it can be secured to the mouth of the jar with a rubber band.
Step 2: Make a slim cut in the middle of the circle.
Using the scissors or a craft knife, make a thin, long cut in the middle of the circle without touching the edges; the slit should be wide enough to accommodate bills and coins.
Step 3: Secure the paper circle to the top of the jar.
Place the paper circle on top of the jar and secure it with the metal ring, or simply use a rubber band to hold the paper in place.
Step 4: Decorate and label the jar.
Use markers and stickers to decorate the jar with information about why you’re collecting donations. It may be helpful to put a pamphlet from the organization you’re raising money for near the jar, or share a brief anecdote about what you’re planning to do with donations with your friends or co-workers.
Step 5: Start collecting donations.
Place the donation jar on your desk at work or in a public place where more people will pass it, such as a community center or library. When the jar is full, send donations to support your chosen nonprofit or local cause!
Nutritional Information
How this recipe has nurtured a community
"This jar is the little engine that could [and] just reaffirms what we've known for 40 years—that you can never underestimate the amount of compassion that you see around with people you don't even know. Just by simple coin drops, little spare change of your bill, and it builds up over time."