Many organizations rely on elaborate fundraising campaigns to keep afloat, but in a tough economy it can be challenging to get people to open their wallets to help. A penny drive, however, is a simple way a group can raise needed funds without causing people to feel as though they're parting with much of their hard-earned money.

One Penny At a Time

A penny drive is a fundraising effort in which the organization solicits donations of pennies. An individual can donate just the pennies from his pocket change, or empty his piggy bank to contribute to the cause. Penny drives are valuable fundraising tools for organizations such as schools, youth groups and sports organizations. This type of fundraising project can take place in busy areas such as supermarkets or shopping centers, or can involve door-to-door solicitation in communities.