The Jack and Jill Children’s Foundation runs a campaign to raise funds by recycling old tech devices (mobile phones, digital cameras, computers, laptops, monitors, printers, CDs, DVDs, cables and ink cartridges).

Send the foundation your old items free of charge. Items are refurbished and sent to developing countries while those beyond repair are recycled. A percentage of sales is given to the foundation, which uses the funds to provide care to families with children with developmental needs.

200 old phones = one month’s nursing care for one family.

20,000 phones = a nurse for one sick child for one year.

Their Phones for Boards campaign teams up with schools to install Interactive Whiteboards in classrooms for a donation of 300/500 old mobile phones.

The nationwide media campaign was so successful they made it into the Guinness Book of World Records for the most phones collected.

What can you do?

• This campaign serves two causes in a simple and complementary way: recycling and health care.  Complementing one cause with another extends the reach and appeal of your campaign. So be creative when thinking of collaborative ideas that will complement your fundraising drive.

• Donors were able to raise funds at no cost to them, essentially allowing them to make a difference for ‘free’ and encouraging greater numbers to participate in the campaign. So think beyond direct monetary donations and consider incorporating ‘free’ into your fundraising ideas.