Even though many organizations shy away
from fundraising, it’s an excellent choice to get some much-needed funds during
tough economic times. However, it’s essential to choose the right vehicles and reach
the right donors, participants, sponsors and volunteers. Here are few
fundraising tips to look for.
1. Establish Goals
First, determine your financial goals
and then cut them into manageable amounts. Estimate costs for fundraising
initiatives. Put a team together, and create a project plan and assign roles
and responsibilities. Equip your participants with the tools they need to
manage their responsibilities and get set on the next processes.
2. Identify Your Target Audience
Who will respond to your fundraising
efforts? Will you approach the general public or limit yourself only to small
and large organizations in several related industries? Put some thought into
this. Look up the fundraising history of similar new small businesses, whether in
the same industry or not, for inspiration and ideas.
3. Identify Sources
You need a list of potential donors and
sponsors. Consider your friends, family, colleagues, local businesses, industry
influencers, government organizations, universities, research organizations and
so on. Determine the minimum amount for each source, and aim to achieve it.
4. Determine Timelines and Checklists
You need to prepare several months in
advance and brew master checklists. Include activities such as recruiting
people, producing promotional material, deciding on the number of events and
locations, tracking fundraising performance, and a whole lot more. Make your
checklist complete and indicate timelines against each one.
5. Have All the Answers Ready
You should be able to answer any
questions about your need for the money and what you want to do with it. Since
you are a business, consider the legal implications of the fundraising. You might
need to register at the State Attorney’s office. Check with the IRS about the
taxation aspects, as well.
6. Create Your Fundraising Web Page
You can either create a page in a
professional fundraising site, or build a website of your own. Personalize it,
upload clear and enticing descriptions and put up team pictures to help donors
get to know you and your objective. Email the link to all your contacts, and
also post it on your social media accounts.
7. Make It Easy To Donate
Make sure your fundraising website is 100%
secure – use the latest SSL technology to enable safe donations. Accept
donations via credit card, debit card, PayPal accounts and other e-wallets.
Make sure there’s a Contact Us page where people can get your physical address,
to send check donations. Place a large, prominent Donate Now button on every
page, above the fold.
8. Promote Your Fundraiser
Announce your fundraiser via PR, via
your blog, via social media, email, local media and the combined circle of
contacts of your team members. Your participants and volunteers should also spread
the word to their family, friends, neighbours, co-workers, and social networks.
Keep a fresh set of promotional flyers and posters ready for bulletin boards at
local supermarkets, offices, churches and so on.
9. Go Social
Leverage social media in every possible
way. Conduct Facebook events, use LinkedIn and network with industry influencers on Facebook.
Participate in and assist other fundraisers, in exchange for support, in
return. Use Facebook to connect with your company’s personal networks and
expand your reach. Create a dedicated channel on YouTube and post useful and engaging
videos to gain support for your cause.
10. Get the Most from Sponsors
Any local business, group or
organization, can become a sponsor. Contact local pubs, restaurants,
supermarkets, retail outlets and so on. Remember sponsors are partners, so
always provide values in return for their sponsorship. Sponsors can help you
with money, event sponsorships, prizes, skills, gifts, time and much more.
11. Contact Other Companies
Create a small business strategy and make a list of the companies you know,
such as your vendors, customers, partners, investors and so on. Don’t ask for
donations. Rather, request for sponsorships, contacts, venues for events,
manpower and so on, in return for publicity.
12. Organize a Fundraising Activity
A fundraising activity will bring a fantastic
deal of public attention and hype your way. For example, if you manufacture
children’s’ toys, you can run a fundraising event at your local school. Local
businesses should be able to donate prizes and even help with the catering.
Conduct fun games, dances, raffle sales, bake sales and be sure to give some
toys as prizes!
About the author-
Gagan
is a freelance writer from GoGetFunding.com,
an online fundraising website.
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