Creative FundraisingCorporate Sponsorship Local business sponsorships can be a a great way to raise funds fast. Make sure you have material (flyer) about your organization and programs along with a donor recognition program to thank sponsors on your website. Matching Gifts Look for opportunities for business to match gifts and grants made by their workers. In one city, we know of over 100 businesses which match contributions by their employees by as much as three to one. There are many national companies that match funds, too. This idea has a multiplier effect for individual giving. Make It Easy With EFT Make it as convenient as possible for people to donate money to your nonprofit organization. Give them the chance to use their MasterCard, Visa, American Express, payroll deduction plans, automatic bank transfers, and so on. Let them give at intervals throughout the year rather than asking them for one lump sum. Accommodate yourself to what's most convenient for the donor. Gift Catalog - Donor Recognition Nonprofit organizations of all types could try something which has worked well for many hospitals, museums and municipal agencies. The idea is to put together a catalog of listing things which donors may "buy". For instance, a gift catalog put out by the Madison, Wisconsin Park Commission lists a sandbox for the playground at $200, a drinking fountain at $250, park bench at $100, and an oak tree at $80. Or one can help buy a new elephant for the zoo or have an acre of prairie planted in a conservation area. Interest on Investments Ask people who have major investments to give your organization the interest on a $1,000 investment. At the end of the years, they'll still have their $1,000, and the interest will be transferred into your account. Psychologically, somehow, they don't feel they're giving as much as if you asked for the same sum outright. Professional Help Seeking professional help for fundraising from an experienced professional is key to helping you quickly learn and minimize costly mistakes. Also, many nonprofit organizations are willing to provide free or low-cost consulting to other nonprofits. Be sure to contact your local United Way, which may be able to direct you to peer-consulting services for nonprofits. Obtaining volunteer or low-cost fundraising advice may be the best investment you can make. Don't Be Afraid To Ask Give a concise, five-minute summary of your organization's accomplishments, aspirations, and funding goal. |