Fundraising can be a daunting activity for nonprofit professionals, board members, volunteers, etc. But there are many ways for individuals to help a nonprofit raise money for their mission. And this notion that it is like “begging” or asking for a handout is just another excuse any of us can use not to take action.
Nonprofits are legally structured in a way that makes raising individual contributions for the mission of the organization an expected part of the game. Not to mention the fact that the largest percentage of money going to nonprofits around the country is coming from individuals. If you are not asking individuals then you are not really a fundraising organization!
Why should individuals give to your organization?
- They or someone they care about is passionate about your mission and impact
- They or someone they care about has had a positive, first-hand experience with your organization
- They think the services provided by your organization are important for the overall health and well-being of the community
Why an individual might say no to your organization?
- They don’t know about your mission and impact–not a list of programs and services but IMPACT–how is your organization making the world a better place
- They did not have a positive, first-hand experience with your organization
- NO ONE HAS EVER ASKED!
Sit down and take stock of what you are doing to raise money from individuals–what is working and what is not? Are the events you are planning and hosting positively contributing to your overall fundraising goals?
If you want to learn more about fundraising for your organization, you might also consider attending All Weather Fundraising presented by Kim Klein. She will be in Flint on February 8 and in other Michigan locations that week. To learn more go to: http://bestprojectonline.org/eventdetail.asp?id=371
0 Responses to “Fundraising for Nonprofits”