Fundraising is almost as old as humankind itself. From the earliest times organizations, churches, rulers and individuals needed money and goods that they could not afford personally. To obtain that money and goods they appealed to the general public, governments and affluent organizations to donate the needed resources. In many cases they organize special events for this purpose. To this day, charitable organizations, churches, schools and many others gather resources by means of a fund raise event.
Fundraising used to imply taking to the streets asking coins from passers by or by organizing bazaars or jumble sales. Modern technology and increased demands from charities have changed all this. These days fundraising is an art practised by professionals. It is highly specialized and require skilled individuals to identify potential donors and to convince them to support a specific cause. These days fundraising efforts are conducted globally, using internet technology as a main communications channel.
There is an astonishing number of societies, political movements, non profit organizations and even individuals clamouring for charitable support. This has created an extremely competitive environment. Fundraisers have to convince potential donors that their causes are truly worthwhile. That is why most charities employ specialists specially tasked with the responsibility to raise support from donors. They need to be innovative and they need to have excellent communication skills.
One of the biggest challenges facing fundraisers is the issue of donor fatigue. The global economy is under tremendous pressure and funds are not readily available. The sheer volume of appeals and the fact that so many charitable organizations are in competition with other organizations with similar aims also confuse potential donors. Many potential donors also demand some form of benefit in exchange for their donations.
There is another major challenge that must be overcome by fundraisers. Donors, both corporate and private, have become discontent with the way their donations is used. There have been numerous cases where charities have been caught using donations for private enrichment. In many cases an inordinate percentage of donations are employed for administrative costs. Donors have become careful and even suspicious.
There are a number of common denominators shared by successful fundraisers. They are transparent and they are able to specify exactly how donations will be used. They are passionate about their various causes. They are willing and eager to submit their audited financial statements and they make sure that they establish long term relationships with their donors. They provide regular feedback and they share their successes with their supporters, acknowledging their role in achieving those successes.
Any individual or organization that feels that they have a responsibility to contribute towards charitable causes should choose their beneficiaries very carefully. It is vital to make sure that the charity is properly registered, that it is audited regularly by an independent auditor and that it utilizes donations for the intended purpose. Most donors prefer to support a cause that is especially important to them.
Most people and reputable organizations realize that they have a duty to help make the world a better place. Helping worthwhile charities is probably the best way. Every little contribution helps, even it if it is only time and effort that can be donated.
Fundraising used to imply taking to the streets asking coins from passers by or by organizing bazaars or jumble sales. Modern technology and increased demands from charities have changed all this. These days fundraising is an art practised by professionals. It is highly specialized and require skilled individuals to identify potential donors and to convince them to support a specific cause. These days fundraising efforts are conducted globally, using internet technology as a main communications channel.
There is an astonishing number of societies, political movements, non profit organizations and even individuals clamouring for charitable support. This has created an extremely competitive environment. Fundraisers have to convince potential donors that their causes are truly worthwhile. That is why most charities employ specialists specially tasked with the responsibility to raise support from donors. They need to be innovative and they need to have excellent communication skills.
One of the biggest challenges facing fundraisers is the issue of donor fatigue. The global economy is under tremendous pressure and funds are not readily available. The sheer volume of appeals and the fact that so many charitable organizations are in competition with other organizations with similar aims also confuse potential donors. Many potential donors also demand some form of benefit in exchange for their donations.
There is another major challenge that must be overcome by fundraisers. Donors, both corporate and private, have become discontent with the way their donations is used. There have been numerous cases where charities have been caught using donations for private enrichment. In many cases an inordinate percentage of donations are employed for administrative costs. Donors have become careful and even suspicious.
There are a number of common denominators shared by successful fundraisers. They are transparent and they are able to specify exactly how donations will be used. They are passionate about their various causes. They are willing and eager to submit their audited financial statements and they make sure that they establish long term relationships with their donors. They provide regular feedback and they share their successes with their supporters, acknowledging their role in achieving those successes.
Any individual or organization that feels that they have a responsibility to contribute towards charitable causes should choose their beneficiaries very carefully. It is vital to make sure that the charity is properly registered, that it is audited regularly by an independent auditor and that it utilizes donations for the intended purpose. Most donors prefer to support a cause that is especially important to them.
Most people and reputable organizations realize that they have a duty to help make the world a better place. Helping worthwhile charities is probably the best way. Every little contribution helps, even it if it is only time and effort that can be donated.
About the Author:
If you are looking for the facts about how to fund raise, go to our web pages online here today. Further details are available at http://americangiving.us now.
No comments:
Post a Comment