Monday, June 3, 2019

Some Elementary And Essential Fundraising Ideas

By Scott Bell


There are so many worthwhile causes pursued by organizations determined to help. There are animals in distress, orphaned children, abused women, poor people, exploited individuals and disenfranchised communities. They all need help to survive and if not for the efforts of well meaning organizations one shudders to think what would happen to them. These organizations need funds to operate, however, so they need donors. This requires innovative fundraising ideas that will capture the imaginations of potential donors and convince them to open their wallets.

Only a few organizations depending on donations appeal to the majority of potential donors. The rest appeals to a very select group of people. These organizations cannot raise money efficiently if they do not perform a very thorough target group analysis. They need to know which people and businesses are most likely to support them, where they are and what approach to take when appealing for help.

Most charitable organizations are woefully understaffed. Raising funds is not only a specialized field but it requires time. Time is one thing many organizations do not have if they are to fulfil their missions. That is why it may be a good idea to contract a professional fund raiser. They certainly charge for their services but in most cases this is a percentage of the money that they raise.

It is certainly not easy, but finding a benefactor can hold untold benefits. People in the public eye often have numerous admirers and followers. Their opinions count and if the support a cause their followers will often follow suit. Many of these benefactor celebrities become the face of the organizations that they represent and support. Corporations, too, often act as long term benefactors to organizations that appeal to their sense of community involvement.

Many worthwhile causes benefit greatly from grants. Lottery and casinos in many countries, for example, has to spend a certain percentage of their profits on supporting charitable organizations. Many government departments and corporations also specifically budget for grants to such organizations. Obtaining such a grant can be time consuming but is most certainly well worth the effort. Professional help with the application process may be needed.

Organizations that organize their own events to raise money need to be creative and innovative. People are busy and they are selective about the events that they attend. These events need to draw new supporters and old stand by concepts such as a jumble sale simply do not work any longer. It is better to have just a few truly professionally organized events than a lot of smaller ones.

The gross abuse of donor funds by charitable organizations has been in the news constantly. This has cautioned many potential donors. Organizations trying to raise funds now need to make very sure that their potential donors know precisely how they intend to spend their money. Accountability has become the watch word and charitable organizations need to be open and honest about their operations.

Corporate and private donors are bombarded with appeals or help. There are certainly numerous very worthwhile causes but one cannot help them all. Many organizations cannot survive if they cannot raise the money necessary to keep their doors open. This requires hard work, however, as well as innovation and a true passion for the work that the organization does.




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