Professional Fundraisers by Doug Nash
While most fundraisers like to run their events with little or no outside help or influence, their are times when a little professional help can pay big bonus. Ask any secretary of a not-for-profit if there are any fundraising companies that you can consider approaching and they will show you a cupboard full of literature. Each of them extolling the virtues of their particular product or line of products. Add to this the internet also has blossomed as a repository of fundraising options. You are no longer alone and you have more choices than ever. Now you can choose from a range of fundraisers and fundraising products that can be overwhelming.
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To Consult, Or Not To Consult - That Is The Question by Tony Poderis
To consult, or not to consult - that is the question. Or at least it would be if Hamlet were to ask it. Hamlet's "slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" make me think of fund-raising goals too great and resources to meet them too few. His "sea of troubles" sounds like an ocean of red ink.
In fact, think about a scarily challenging fund-raising campaign too long, and your mood is likely to mirror the melancholy Dane's. Just like him, you may begin to contemplate traveling into an "undiscover'd country."
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A Campaign Deferred Is A Campaign Defeated by Tony Poderis
Disasters and crises can occur anywhere, at any time. Hopefully they won't have the impact of mega-disasters such as the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks or of 2005's hurricane Katrina. However, even disasters of considerably less magnitude can impede the fund-raising efforts of non-profit organizations located in areas where they occur.
Flood, drought, storm, and other natural disasters are obvious candidates to impact an organization. Major accidents, industrial or otherwise, can hit hard too. On top of these gloomy possibilities there is always the crisis that could result from change. A key supporting industry moves away or closes. The local economy enters into a general malaise. Add to all those, the results of bad publicity hitting a non-profit organization or the impact of what happens when a well-known national charity is embroiled in scandal.
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Board Fundraising Agreements by Andy Robinson
A big barrier to successful board fundraising is the tendency to require all trustees to participate in the same activities and meet the same benchmarks: identify 20 prospects, sell 20 raffle tickets, apologize 20 times when asking for money, and so forth. Since we all begin with varied interests, abilities, and levels of commitment, a regimented approach like this is bound to fail.
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Make Money or Make a Difference by Doug Nash
I have been asked by a fellow volunteer to write an article on the following statement: are we here to make money or to make a difference? I was quite perplexed that this needed an article or an explanation. To me the answer is as obvious as it is simple. However let us take one part of the question at time.
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Income Base by Doug Nash
A major consideration of a fundraising group is to know who and what is their income base. All companies need to know where they will make their money so they can develop strategies to maximise this vital resource. If you don't understand this then you will have tough times raising the funds you need. Once you understand that fundraising is exactly like running a business then you will understand that copying what businesses do will benefit you greatly.
For grassroots' or small community fundraisers there are four main levels or areas to address:
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General Fundraising Hints by Doug Nash
THE WHY
Keep in mind the three primary reasons for having fundraisers:
- To raise funds (this allows you to operate and buy equipment that your organization needs to operate).
- To attract attention to your message and organization.
- To bring people together (to socialise and have some fun)
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Evaluation by Doug Nash
Who benefits from evaluating? YOU DO!
Planning your event helps to avoid or minimize mistakes and so do the best you can, evaluation can help you avoid making the same mistakes and improve the return on your next effort both in the financial and fun departments. Companies and professional organisations use the tool of evaluation constantly to improve their performances in nearly everything that they do. As said elsewhere in this book, if it works for them then it will work for you and your organisation.
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Non-Profit Fund-Raising Demystified by Tony Poderis
When it comes to fund-raising, there are truths and myths. The truths illuminate the path to success. The myths speak with the dark voice of "conventional wisdom" of what can't be done and won't work. Throughout my career I have had to overcome three myths of fund-raising that would have me give up before I start. My tools have been The Nine Basic Truths of Fund-Raising.
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Tips to Stay Goal Focused by the AFRDS
- Put first things first.
Never start a fundraising project unless you know why you're raising the money and how the money will be spent.
- Determine your wants/needs.
Poll the students, faculty, administrators and parents to find out what they see as the top funding priorities.
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Sponsorships by Doug Nash
Here is a short list of principles you should keep in mind when seeking or negotiating a sponsorship. Don't just try the obvious list of sponsors, get original! As long as you have something to offer - ask!
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Managing Fundraising Efforts by Sandra Sims
Fundraising does take significant energy and effort. (Some people call this concept WORK.)
Different fundraising programs will need different levels and types of energy and effort, so you will need to compare your organization's resources with what will be required of a potential fundraising program.
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Fun Fun Fun by Doug Nash
People will quickly find reasons for not doing what they don’t like doing, so if your fundraising doesn’t have a healthy element of fun involved then you will be very lonely and your fundraisers short lived, not very satisfying and not very profitable.
If those involved in your fundraisers are enjoying the experience they will exceed their expectations and yours for that matter. Not only this they will come back time and time again. They forget they have come to raise funds, rather they are coming to have fun or a good time.
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Members Resource List by Doug Nash
Not all members can contribute financially or donate their time regularly. Be aware that while you may not know how best your members can help, your members may not know how best they can help either. A great way to cross this lack of knowledge is to have a Members Resource List.
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Is Your Nonprofit Walking Away From Money? by Randy Schackmann
The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University recently published the December 2000 Philanthropic Index, a bi-annual report on giving in America. One of the findings looks forward to midyear 2001 as it states, "six months from now the most successful (fundraising) techniques will be major gifts, foundation gifts and planned giving" ....
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And the Band Played On -
But not without a serious
commitment to fundraising by the AFRDS
On January 1, 2001, 350 million viewers took in the pageantry of the 112th Annual Tournament of Roses Rose Parade. Among the floats, the pretty girls in pretty cars, the high-stepping horses and gobs of rose petals, were 4,000 excited teenagers from sixteen high school bands participating in what was, for most, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to march before the world. Hours of practice, preceded by hours of behind-the-scenes coordination by bandleaders, students and their parents are impressive enough. Add the fact that almost every one of these bands had to first raise the money before they could make the trip. Now, that's a story to tell.
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Fundraising Idea of the Month - Market Research by Doug Nash
What is market research in regards to fundraising? It is the same as if you were running a commercial venture! The principles are the same. Find out what you need to do to make a success of your venture. You do this in two ways. First go out and have a look at what others are doing in the area you want to go. Secondly, ask a lot people a lot of questions. People like customers, donors, helpers, critics anyone that you feel can help by passing on to you their opinions or knowledge.
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Should Your Organization Sell Products
and Services to Raise Money? by Tony Poderis
I am made increasingly aware of the conflict non-profit organizations experience when faced with choosing between:
- Raising the money they need using a traditional philanthropic process.
- Making a profit from selling and endorsing commercial products and services.
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Ten Ways to Say Thanks! by the AFRDS
After a successful fundraising drive, it's important to remember those who helped get you there. Make it personal if possible.
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Fundraising Idea of the Month: Lessons and Strategies by Doug Nash
Even successful people make mistakes and have to endure learning curves. What makes them successful is that they learn from their mistakes and seem to be able to shorten the learning curves.
The biggest mistake people make is not learning from their mistakes. The second biggest mistake is not to learn from others mistakes. This was told to me long ago. It has taken me a long time to understand the wisdom in these words.
Fundraising is not just like a business - it is a business. Business can not just be financially rewarding it can be rewarding in many ways that has nothing to do with finances. Business can be fun and fundraising must have a large fun element.
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Fundraising Idea of the Month: What You Don't Know Can Hurt You by Doug Nash
Any time spent improving your knowledge and position in regards to the legalities associated with different types of fundraising in your part of the world is time and effort well spent. Please believe that what you don't know may not just hurt you - it can turn your life and those around you into a complete misery!!! Due to the nature of the audience and the myriad of traps for fundraisers, this article can't cover all aspects. However I will try to impress upon you the basic message by covering some of the larger dangers and to encourage you to adopt a better outlook to help be less likely to be taken unawares.
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FUNDRAISER OF THE MONTH
"One fast fundraiser before school ends!"