Fundraising and the Adopting Family

I don't know how people do it. I really don't. I know a lot of families make up the funds they need by simply asking for help, but that's not something with which I am particularly comfortable. I feel much better when someone is getting something for their donation--even if it's just a tax deduction. But, we're not a non-profit, so there goes that one (if we move forward, we will be able to collaborate with a non-profit to raise funds... but we have feel comfortable enough moving forward, first). I'm trying to come up with other ways to generate some funds. Here's what I have come up with:

• Publish the novel. Unfortunately, this could take awhile. And, even if I found an agent tomorrow, that agent would have to sell it, and that could take awhile. Then we get into the murky business of advances and royalties and  the fact that generally, royalties are only paid twice a year. So, that could take awhile, too. So, in other words, for book money to come in, we're looking at awhile^3.
• Etsy shop. I'm not much of a craft-person, but I can make baby hair bows and I can crochet. Maybe I'll branch out and make Christmas ornaments.
• The Puzzle Fundraiser--But with a twist. This one is pretty popular with the adoption community--you buy a puzzle, and ask for a donation for each puzzle piece. Most ask for $5-10 a piece. I think we are going to do this, but I am going to get 2 identical puzzles. I'll put the name of the donor on the back of one, and then I will make the identical twin into a magnet or ornament or something to send to the donor. Maybe the magnets will say something clever like "I was a piece in making a family whole."
• Scentsy? I have been told that is an option. I haven't looking into it much, but maybe I will.

S doesn't think we can do it. I think if so many people before us can, why can't we? But then I look at our own failed yard sale, and that's just... argh. It has to look manageable for us to commit. And right now, it isn't looking manageable.

Anyone have any good ideas?










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