Competitive and non-competitive walks are a great way to gather large amounts of people to raise awareness of your cause and raise funds. Your most enthusiastic supporters are also happy to go out and gather funds from family, friends and co-workers (in essence, they do the leg work and calling for you). And those who can't participate are usually willing to donate money toward your cause.

One way to thank walkers and walk volunteers is with water bottles. They'll keep walkers hydrated and get used long after the walk is over, meaning your cause gets promoted on a frequent basis. Another thank you is pedometers. Now walkers can track their progress throughout the day.

Holding a bowl-a-thon? Then try a water bottle that can enhance that experience (really, enhance bowling)... a bowling pin water bottle

Want a unique way to raise funds? Washington Women in Need helps poor women move out of poverty. Instead of having a traditional fund-raising luncheon they invited potential donors to their building for a free breakfast.

Visitors are treated as a client, giving them an up-close look at the charity's services. Towards the end of the year these visitors are invited back to hear speeches from those the charity has helped. Then and only then are the visitors asked to contribute.

There are endless possibilities for using slingpacks and backpacks. Many of the one by one applications we receive ask for these types of bags. Organizations plan to stuff them with supplies for back to school fairs, put tolietries inside for homeless individuals and give the bags to clients so they can keep their belongings in a nicer bag instead of a plastic grocery bag.

CHIPS Family Violence Center from Tennessee is assembling "comfort" bags with teddy bears, a blanket and other comfort items for children involved in domestic violence situations.

One very inexpensive and useful way to advertise your services is pens. You can hand them out at health fairs, blood drives or when clients come in to fill out an application for services.

Green Haven Family Advocates printed their crisis hotline number on pens that each domestic violence client receives when coming in to fill out paperwork. A pen is something an abuser won't notice and provides the victim with access to help when they need it.

Boys' Home Association Family Services of Florida recently gave their foster parents the gift of an umbrella. The idea was to thank parents who've opened their homes and their hearts to foster children.

Sacred Heart Community Service gave their clients umbrellas to keep them dry when walking to or when using public transportation to arrive at their facility.

Thanking donors and volunteers with an appreciation lunch, cookout or dinner is a nice touch. For something that lasts long after that meal is digested, try a candy jar. Or go all out with a nice clock.

Love on 4 Paws, Inc of California is using colorful candy jars to thank their human and four-legged volunteers. The jars are the perfect item since candy or doggie treats can be stored inside.

Planning a themed event? Then match your giveway item to the event or match your gift to the donor's hobby - for a golf outing, give out an executive putter set, for a casino-type event, hand out a poker set.

And don't forget your cause's color when picking out your next giveaway or appreciation item. It's simple, just match the item color to your cause (e.g. purple is the color for domestic violence prevention). This gives your cause twice the exposure for the money. To see a listing of some cause colors, see the Awareness Ribbon Lapel Pin.

Until next month - enjoy the great summer weather!