As I am trying to promote a systematic (scientific?) approach to addressing the challenges that activists and nonprofits face, fundraising seems like a fit topic to address. Every organization has a fundraising plan of some sort. Each plan includes one or more tactics for getting money or in-kind contributions.
The whole process should begin with a formal accounting of what you have and what you need to reach your goals. Try listing them on one sheet of paper divided into two columns. List assets on the right and needs on the left. Start with money, but add equipment, credit, and skills too. Yes, list skills as an asset here because those skills could be turned into money later.
Who is your audience? List, on another sheet of paper, who you could approach for support and what they may want or need. Be sure you can also name the benefits you provide the community. People want to feel like their money will accomplish something useful. Write down the benefits of giving and the reasons to believe that the benefits can be realized: "The program manager has set up similar after-school programs in two Boston-area community centers and one in Worcester in the past two years."
Now, think about where you could substitute volunteer work or in-kind contributions for money. You might like to have money for some better office furniture, but you might be able to get a donation. A creative nonprofit might be able to get someone to make a few of the pieces. Obviously that's not a realistic option for most organizations, but the goal here is to think creatively.
Look for creative ways to raise money or solicit contributions. This could be a simple matter of thinking about what your organization might to and writing down any ideas that come to mind. You may want to read or do some online research. You might want to design your own creative fundraising solution. There are many tools and techniques available to support that sort of brainstorming. Be sure to write down your ideas.
Evaluate your ideas once you have a few likely candidates. What idea or ideas promise a great return in money or stuff for the amount of effort that's likely to be required? Calculate the money and time required, versus the likely return. A cool idea that might cost $2000 and 200 hours to raise $3000 or so is not a good idea. What ideas definitely are NOT going to work.
Now, go and implement that winning idea.
The whole process should begin with a formal accounting of what you have and what you need to reach your goals. Try listing them on one sheet of paper divided into two columns. List assets on the right and needs on the left. Start with money, but add equipment, credit, and skills too. Yes, list skills as an asset here because those skills could be turned into money later.
Who is your audience? List, on another sheet of paper, who you could approach for support and what they may want or need. Be sure you can also name the benefits you provide the community. People want to feel like their money will accomplish something useful. Write down the benefits of giving and the reasons to believe that the benefits can be realized: "The program manager has set up similar after-school programs in two Boston-area community centers and one in Worcester in the past two years."
Now, think about where you could substitute volunteer work or in-kind contributions for money. You might like to have money for some better office furniture, but you might be able to get a donation. A creative nonprofit might be able to get someone to make a few of the pieces. Obviously that's not a realistic option for most organizations, but the goal here is to think creatively.
Look for creative ways to raise money or solicit contributions. This could be a simple matter of thinking about what your organization might to and writing down any ideas that come to mind. You may want to read or do some online research. You might want to design your own creative fundraising solution. There are many tools and techniques available to support that sort of brainstorming. Be sure to write down your ideas.
Evaluate your ideas once you have a few likely candidates. What idea or ideas promise a great return in money or stuff for the amount of effort that's likely to be required? Calculate the money and time required, versus the likely return. A cool idea that might cost $2000 and 200 hours to raise $3000 or so is not a good idea. What ideas definitely are NOT going to work.
Now, go and implement that winning idea.
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