The Four Smarts of Fundraising
Charity fundraisers are not just a walk in the park! It requires hard work and skill. Many people find themselves burnt out or lacking in the flow of creative juices. However, if you are apart of a non-profit organization, then you really can’t avoid fundraisers. It’s how your group survives!
In order to help rejuvenate your resolve to fundraise with passion, here are four simple principles to consider as a fundrasing committee.
1. Think Smart. It is so vital to start your fundraiser off with a lot of thinking. Researching is your key to implementing fresh new ideas. Be sure to ask around, brainstorm, and hold focus groups within your area. Get all the information you can! If you need help working out of the rut you are in, ask yourself these questions:
-What can we change about our charity fundraisers that will be unique to our past events?
-Is there something that worked significantly well in the past?
-Who is most likely to participate in our fundraisers? How can we create a more targeted segment of that population?
-What would make our fundraiser more newsworthy?
-What is a “wow factor” we could implement to make our profits shoot through the roof?
-What will motivate the public to become involved and take action?
2. Plan Smart. Although you are a non-profit organization, you are also a business! This means you have to run yourself like a business!- in an organized fashion. The most important aspect to incorporate is a superb business marketing plan. Figure out what strategies you are going to use to raise funds and then describe the details specifically. Break each task down and incorporate it into a time line that you can easily follow. This will prevent you from losing time by being disorganized. Clear communication is the most important part of planning. Be sure everyone is on the same page- especially your target audience!
3. Work Smart. Fundraising isn’t a one-time deal. You know that you will need to do it continuously for the life of your organization to be good to your staff! Don’t push them too hard and be sure to let them know you appreciate their hard work. Save your volunteers some time by executing your business plan efficiently and accurately.
4. Be Smart. Plan ahead and never procrastinate! You only get out as much as you put into something. Make good preparation an expectation for your organization now. It’s a great idea to carry a pad of paper and a pen with you wherever you go so that you can plan on the go!
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