What We Can Do: Tips for Fundraising

A fundraising campaign involves making an appeal for donations to support a cause or fund an event. It can be accomplished through personal requests, telephone appeals or letters requesting donations.

• Ask for money. Saying things such as "We would value your support" does not convey your needs directly enough. State clearly what you want (the dollar amount, for example) in the letter or the phone call.

• Collect money from donors before spending or committing to spend it, where possible, to minimize any financial risk to your organization.

Another method of raising funds is to sponsor a charity/benefit event. Such events can build visibility and issue awareness in the community. However, planning fundraising events requires more money and the assistance of more people than a simple fundraising campaign. Also, there is no guarantee that your organization will make money on the event.

• To maximize your chances of raising funds and increasing local support, choose an event that appeals to a diverse audience. The target audience may include members of your organization, prospective members, donors, the business community, other organizations and various members of the local community.

• Attempt to have as much as possible donated for the event. Be patient and don't be afraid to ask for special discounts, deals or treatments.
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• Ask local businesses or other organizations to display advertising or sell tickets to your event and consider offering to publicize their name as a co-sponsor.