raising money for worthy causes
Raising money to support your favorite cause is a good work. To assist you in your good work, here are some insights from training and experience, and several good books with charity fund raising ideas. We will cover the needs of both fundraiser and donor.
Whether you are a volunteer fund raiser, a director of a charity, sitting on a board for a non-profit, a potential giver, or a professional fund raiser -- you are an appreciated force enabling your cause.
You will find it's better to ask for donations to support thousands of volunteers, than try to perform the work done by those thousands of volunteers, by yourself.
raising money for charity
When learning and teaching how to raise money for a cause; start with fundamentals and progress to "the ask."
The most important part of raising funds for your charity is understanding your donors. Most folks creating a campaign utterly overlook the donor's side of the equation. What problems do they have in deciding to give, what complications might keep them from enjoying giving, why would they choose your non-profit over the alternatives?
Solve problems for your donors and you will be far ahead of those that just write catchy slogans.
The remaining fundamentals of asking for money for a good cause are much like businesses separating their customer acquisition and retention efforts.
In business the two parts of influencing clients are marketing and sales. In the nonprofit world donors are acquired and retained through presentation and relationship.
The fundamentals of presentation revolve around knowledge and construction.
Can you write a letter that shows a need to great effect? Is the headline to your ad copy informative enough to impel investigation? The techniques can be found in a good copywriting book; proper execution comes with experience and the testing of results.
Retaining donors is less expensive, and of more value, than finding new donors. This is where direct contact with your contributing supporters becomes so important.
The most powerful theme for successfully seeking and growing donors is within trusted relationships.
I may be a nice guy, I may represent a real need, but if I can't communicate that need one on one my overall effectiveness will be small. Compassionate gifts will go to other causes, or perhaps not be given at all.
Most charities overcome this barrier by cultivating board members and leadership givers that believe in their cause. They then back them with fundamental skills from the organization. these leaders give and also develop relationships with others that will give. Their excitement will be persuasive, they just need to be taught how to ask for donations.
There are fundraising books available that will teach you how to cultivate major gifts based on relationships. In most situations the training of leadership givers is done in the field. A representative of the organization normally accompanies the board member or large giver to offer support and details.
Where do you find the original large donors?
Major givers and transformational donors normally start as small donors that have shown an interest in your cause. As you keep them informed of your progress you will develop a relationship of trust. Many charities have realized the value of membership on boards and in associated foundations with important names and duties - one of those values is keeping influential givers involved by recognizing their leadership contributions.
Offer sincere collaboration for achieving mutually beneficial results. Then follow through.
Two foundational supports, belief in the cause and trust in you, will influence your largest donors to consider increasing the size of future donations. These same two focus points, belief in the cause and trust in you, will be what inspires them as leadership givers to seek donations from their peers.
You have to ask, as directly and personally as possible, for the donation. Then you have to ask them directly to assist with fundraising.
They have demonstrated their philanthropic goals and your organization's mission are the same. They will know others holding similar views.
The Realities Of Asking For Donations
There is work to be done and you are the one to do it.
Don't dilute your efforts with too many projects and events; develop your cause's unique voice, measure results, and keep improving your message.
Donations and contributions will arrive when others believe in your cause, and in you. Identify potential donors, research and practice a targeted presentation, go talk to them. Also, a new generation of philanthropists is pursuing small good works while dreaming of accomplishing great works. We can offer them direction.
You can learn how to ask for donations. You will even enjoy asking for money for charity once you learn how and become successful. Soon you will be training the next generation of philanthropists.
Develop Your Planned Giving and Estate Planning Ideas
Pass on your values as well as your valuables.
* make current gifts of any size - right now
* decide your donation goals for the future
* determine how to accomplish your goals
If you do not have a will, for everyone's sake, create one immediately. Without a will you won't have your values represented as the estate you built is distributed.
You have the opportunity to direct your money that will otherwise be forfeit as taxes. This is your money that would not go to your family, business, or favorite causes; but will be lost in the powerful currents of political special interests.
While planned giving and estate or legacy planning are separate issues, they overlap frequently. Your advisers will likely meld them together once they understand your giving goals. They will use planned giving and estate planning tools to direct needed funds toward good works of your own choice.
Writing a first will can be a quick and simple project.
List individuals and organizations you wish to impact. Take care of people first; with fixed amounts or a percentage of the net estate. Now give 1% of your estate to each of up to nine worthy causes you wish to support, finally contribute everything that remains to one very special organization (a residuary bequest). Now read a book or see your lawyer and make it legal.
With your completed will as a guideline you can now develop increasingly meaningful estate planning or planned giving ideas. Consider all the responsibilities you feel are important:
* Family - multiple generations, prior marriages, family members with special needs
* Business - succession in the family business, key person retention or replacement, buy out provisions
* Charity - religious organizations, schools, orphanages, micro-finance lenders, and other causes dear to your heart
After initial contributions and with your will as an outline -- it may be time to consult your advisers for more detailed planned giving analysis including estate planning. You may be able to receive tax benefits or income now, and retain use of promised gifts.
Philanthropy is an important part of your estate plan.
Also consider donating to worthy causes by listing them as a beneficiary in your IRA or life insurance policy. The long term effects of charity bequests can create a personal heritage that will extend far into the next age.
Your selected worthy cause will probably have pages to print or a download form to help you define your gifts. Ours is available for you to look at, copy, and adapt if you click on The Bastiat Free University Contribution Form.
Develop a consistent approach of supporting worthy causes during your lifetime. Extend your own version of empowerment by creating a planned gift legacy. Your donations will keep valuable initiatives growing. Your bequest is a last chance to powerfully implement meaningful change in society.
Life insurance can therefore also play an important role in estate planning. Investigate having ownership of any life insurance policy outside of the estate to avoid possible extra estate taxes. Estate laws vary by location and change often. Confirm any statements from a salesman, or from this article, with your personal accountant or attorney.
Take your time and invest your thoughts first.
As in all important areas of your life, do not be led by others opinions or sales talk. Make your own decision on how you wish to direct your planned giving donations, your bequests, and your legacy gifts.
How do you want to be remembered?
Your donors may need your help, and more.
Don't depend on fancy brochures and tricky messages - do what is best for the person or company that donates to your cause.
If during your rehearsed presentation a potential donor indicates they would like to give, stop and accept their money. You can finish your story later, if appropriate. Don't talk past the point their eyes light up and they indicate "now!"
Their donation is a vote of confidence made within an authentic relationship.
Money is a tool
Money is a tool, just like a crowbar. Some people use it to open things, others drop it on their toes.
The love of money is the root of all evil, not money alone.For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. - Timothy 6:10
The poor or the rich can be destroyed by the misplaced love of money.
While money is a risk to all, you have chosen to use money for good. A successful businessman, entrepreneur, or speculator does not avoid risk but seeks to control risk. You want to control money, not have money control you.
While the job at hand is asking for money, it is the purpose to which it will be applied that matters.
"We hear fables about the past, we develop dreams of the future, but the work needs to be done today." - Allan R. Wallace
Money is a tool.
"How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives." - Annie Dillard
Your life is valuable, spend it carefully, growing mutually rewarding relationships.
If you read them before you organize your campaigns they will help you raise more money. They can also help you avoid frustrating your donors and volunteers.
Knowledge is a valuable tool for your charity or nonprofit.
Your leadership giving is value investing rather than just spending.
Resources For Fundraisers
Staying up to date.
Fund raising is a great way to help others while leveraging your time.
I'll soon be updating and changing these links. If you see something interesting; click through, investigate, and perhaps mark it as a favorite - it might not be here next time you visit.
- a pdf of asking for money tips
- The link at the bottom of the pdf no longer works, but the nesea's "ask for money" tips offered are succinct. Print this and give it to your volunteer fundraisers.
- Giving Glossary
- A bit stilted, but this glossary of philanthropy terms can help you understand charity speak.
- National Commitee On Planned Giving
- American legislative watchdog and creator of the Leave A Legacy campaign. Recent news on planned giving is on the front page - well worth a bookmark.
- Planned Giving Design Center
- A membership network for planned giving that has great depth. Go take a look and consider becoming a member.
- Charity Navigator
- A way for donors to study charities before they give. Some small or new charities, and many religious charities may not be included. It is still worth a look if you are concerned about how donations are used.
- Dr. Margarita Pereyda & SOS
- What sort of person deserves your support?
- IRS page on Charitable Donations
- The tax code is so complex, and changes so often, this material may not be sufficient. Talk to your personal tax expert, and still be a bit wary of the information you receive.
Like the old adage when investing in art, "buy what you like," for charity donations fund organizations that you would support even if tax laws change.
Because change they will. - Start a Squidoo lens for your charity
- This page is a Squidoo lens. They are free to build. You've heard the chatter on how non profits need to be part of web 2.0 and social networks. Start here.
Having your own lens will help increase awareness of your charity, perhaps raise some money, and Squidoo links to your main charity website will help improve its search engine rating.
There is much more; but building a lens is a good start. - Create A Sponsorship Page
- Per the Nika Nator writing in the comments section:
"A site that allows you to post fundraising pages (single or multiple). i.e. you have a group of people in an office that want to manage their individual goals and will allow their friends to log in and donate."
(I've looked, it's worth a look from you also)
For Your Charity
review and adapt the
BFU donation form
Not just any worthy cause -- your cause.
"Don't ask yourself what the world needs; ask yourself what makes you come alive. And then go and do that. Because what the world needs is people who have come alive." - Howard Thurman
If your belief is not that deep, go find another worthy cause where you want to give. It will always be easier to ask for money if you have already given yourself. If you do not want to give - don't give and don't ask.
"As a fundraiser, you too must have, or you must find, a purpose that has heart and soul in it. You must be consumed by a burning desire to change something in the world for the better. You will know it when you see and feel it. It will become your be-all-and-end-all. You will experience an 'ah ha' about it. You will not be able to imagine doing anything else."
Stephen L. Goldstein
Once you have discovered the joys of giving, it will inspire others to also discover your cause.
savor the sweet taste of giving
Share your encounters with the pleasures of empowering others.
Fundraising, volunteering, and donating - all of them ignite joys to be found in doing good works. All are multiplied by relationships within your cause.
You only lose energy when life becomes dull in your mind.
Your mind gets bored and therefore tired of doing nothing.
Get interested in something!
Get absolutely enthralled in something!
Get out of yourself!
Be somebody!
Do something.
The more you lose yourself in something bigger than yourself,
the more energy you will have.
Norman Vincent Peale
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Reply
- sahcnam sahcnam Nov 5, 2009 @ 12:15 pm
- Awesome lens! I'm sure I'll be coming back to it several times in the near future to find more resources for my charity work. I lensrolled it to my charity lenses and added to favorites. 5/5 too!
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- Grangermdk Grangermdk Sep 9, 2009 @ 5:31 pm
- Great lens!! Loved the Norman Vincent Peale reference.
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- Sandra-Sims Sandra-Sims Aug 22, 2009 @ 10:41 am
- great lens... we need more advocates for planned giving. Just like organ donation and living wills our families should know what charities we support now and with what we leave behind. I would also recommend "Circle of Giving: Donors' Stories of Wisdom" by Janet K. Ginn for the planned giving book list.
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- ChineseKitesforKids ChineseKitesforKids Jul 22, 2009 @ 8:00 pm
- I'm always a fan of your work here on Squidoo. You make such content rich lenses. I am going to lens roll this to my Non Profit Fundraising Ideas lens! Thanks for sharing! 5*****
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- soha89 soha89 Jun 9, 2009 @ 5:21 am
- it's an inspiring lens...
plz visit mine and feed a child or plant a tree :)
www.squidoo.com/bluespace/
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- OhMe OhMe May 30, 2009 @ 8:02 pm
- Back again to lensroll to Free Advertising For Fundraising Events
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- tirial tirial May 19, 2009 @ 1:11 pm
- A really useful lens with a lot of valuable information.
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- johnembrace johnembrace May 7, 2009 @ 3:36 pm
- Interesting page with some helpful ideas
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- Marc-Portugal Marc-Portugal Apr 23, 2009 @ 12:08 pm
- Awesome, thorough information! Thanks for posting!
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- skilly skilly Apr 22, 2009 @ 10:40 pm
- Awesome Lens. I appreciate the great tips.
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How do you relate to your charities?
Some of you wear many hats, filling several roles.
If you are a volunteer fund raiser, a director of a charity, sitting on a board for a non-profit, a potential giver, or a professional fund raiser -- you are the driving force that enables your cause.
Pick the way of giving that fits you best.
Do you want to keep going about the joys of volunteering and giving?
Giving is one of the few pleasures that grows in intensity the more you pursue it.
Discovering more about giving can be enjoyable. The following lenses may have just the additional insight you want.
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Dr. Margarita Pereyda - inspiring achievement and giving
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Dr. Pereyda is originally from Arizona, where she grew up within an impoverished community that did not expect students to succeed. However, a few exceptional teachers encouraged Margarita. The tenth of eleven children, she was the only one to gradua...
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Bible Based Giving
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Grape vines don't groan while producing grapes; and giving is fruit that comes naturally from a healthy vine rooted in good soil. If you don't enjoy giving, move to a more natural vineyard. Let's take a moment and make simple the tangl...
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Living a Win-Win-Win Life
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Most of human history was a zero-sum, win-lose proposition based on scarcity and need. You can help create a win-win-win society, starting with yourself. Historically, if one person gained another person or group lost. This inspired cultures of clut...
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Bastiat Free University: self-crafted learning
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You are attacked by your fencing instructor. He has regularly beat you due to his greater reach, but you have excelled in the defensive maneuvers he has taught you. With a gasp, you realize he means to kill you, and he has the means with his greater...
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Visionary Leaders - inspiring and leading change
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YOU can learn to be a visionary leader. "Visionary leaders realize it's better to fight tough battles for worthy causes - than lead popular movements doomed to eventual failure." - Allan Wallace Managers focus on control, leaders...
To re-read, lensroll, rate, stumbleupon, research books, build your own charity focused lens, contact the author, and e-mail this lens to your favorite charity and friends:
To send someone to this charity fundraising information, helping them learn how to ask for donations, use this easy to remember internet address:
fundraisingadventure.com
100% of direct income from my lenses goes to micro-finance solutions for world poverty provided by the Grameen Foundation. The Grameen Foundation is creating a rising tide of positive influence upon our world.
Will YOUR life be based on what you want to use it to accomplish, or by random urges of what you want to do? - Allan R. Wallace
by BFuniv.com
Allan R. Wallace trains visionaries.
Allan is Rector of Bastiat Free University and Junior Partner Ministries, and is author of Speculation Rules.
"Wi...
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