How to Fundraise for Any Charity

Raise money for any charity

Fundraising is an art that few people master. Regardless of the purpose, a fundraiser has to be organized enough so the volunteers know exactly what the cause is, how much time they have to work with, and how much money they need to raise.

Things You'll Need

• determination
• the willingness to ask for money

Instructions

1. Set realistic goals at least a month before the fundraiser begins. Determine how much money is needed for the project, including any costs (like gas mileage) volunteers may need as compensation.

2. Set a start and end date for the fundraiser. Check for other fundraisers taking place in the area. A fundraiser is more likely to succeed if your potential donors don't have to decide between your cause and another one.

3. Advertise the cause in any way possible. Make flyers and post them on any community bulletin board. Utilize free newspaper or cable calendars to name the cause and its needs. Post these notes a few days before the fundraiser begins. The notes should also include a physical address and an online account (if any) if the viewer chooses to send in a donation. It must also include contact information for the fundraising committee. Due to frauds, you must be able to prove your cause is valid.

4. Plot out where and when the volunteers should ask for face-to-face donations. For example, a volunteer should be present at any festivals, farmer's markets, or any other large gathering taking place during the weekends of the fundraiser. Check a community calendar, and then check with the organizers of those events to get permission to post a volunteer there.

5. Prepare a list of potential donors, starting with co-workers, family and local businesses. Assign a volunteer to handle the businesses. Set a minimum amount for donations per category. For example, $1 may be the minimum to ask for from festival goers, while the same function may ask a business to donate $25.

6. Educate all of the volunteers about the cause. People asking businesses for donations, or going door-to-door must be prepared to answer a lot of questions about the fundraising subject.

Tips & Warnings

• Follow up is critical to your success.

• No does not always mean no. Sometimes it means they need to know more about what you need, or will give at a later date. Be persistent.

• Give to the charity yourself, so you will not be aksing people to do something you, yourself do not do.

• You will receive many rejections for every donation you recieve. Remember not to take it personally.

• Never feel embarrassed to ask people for money for your favorite charity. You are not asking for you, but for a good cause.

References

• Fundraising Tips